The 2017-18 basketball season officially begins on Friday for Georgia when they host the Bryant Bulldogs at Stegeman.

Georgia split a pair of exhibition matchups falling on the road to Michigan State while scoring a blowout victory at home over Valdosta State. Forward Yante Maten appeared to be in mid-season form pouring in 33 points against the Spartans while logging a double-double with 24 points and 10 rebounds against Valdosta State.

Derek Ogbeide and Tyree Crump also gave the Bulldogs’ a scoring punch in the exhibition season with both averaging in double figures.

Guard play will be crucial for Georgia this season and William Jackson is hoping to show that he is ready to take a step forward this season. Freshman Teshaun Hightower was impressive in the exhibitions as a playmaker as well.

While Maten will garner a lot of attention, freshman Rayshaun Hammonds looks like he can help carry the load. Hammonds recorded a double-double of his own in the win over Valdosta State and possesses enough of an all-around game to be a heavy contributor right away.

Mark Fox indicated on Thursday that he wasn’t sure whether or not sophomore guard Jordan Harris or junior forward Mike Edwards would play in Friday’s game. Both sat out the home exhibition due to discipline-reasons.

Bryant suffered an 87-59 loss to Boston College in its preseason exhibition. Bosko Kostur led the way with 20 points and was 4-of-5 from three-point range. They have a talented backcourt combination featuring Adam Grant (13.4 ppg) and Ikenna Ndugba. The Bulldogs finished the 2017 season with a 12-20 record and were 2-15 on the road.

Tip off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET and the game can be seen online via the WatchESPN app.

Game Info

Game Date/Time: Friday, November 10, 7 p.m. ET

Location: Stegeman Coliseum, Athens, Georgia

Streaming: SECN+, WATCHESPN app

Radio: Bulldog Radio Network, AM 750 (Atlanta)