True freshman Elijah Cuffee has solidified himself as a solid rotation player for the Flames as they head into the heart of conference play. The 6’4″ guard is averaging 21.2 minutes per game through the first 15 games of the season. If he continues at that pace, he will lag only Georgie Pacheco-Ortiz and Lovell Cabbil in minutes played per game as a true freshmen since Coach McKay returned to Lynchburg.
“He’s as ahead of the game in terms of understanding and executing our defensive system in the Pack as we’ve had since we’ve been here,” Coach McKay said of Cuffee. “I’d say he’s in the top 3 or 4 of guys that we had at Virginia as freshmen. He’s really good defensively, and he makes an impact on the game. He’s even better offensively than he’s shown, but he’s a facilitator. When he gets more confident, he’s going to be special.”
The Poca, West Virginia native transferred to Liberty Christian Academy for his senior season of high school last year, affording him the opportunity to be around the LU program and his future teammates, while also taking in additional games that most high school seniors are unable to do.
Elijah says that his presence around the program last year has helped his transition to the collegiate game. “It helped me a lot, especially with relationships and blending with the guys on the court better, that’s the biggest thing that helped me connect last year to this year.”
Cuffee is averaging 5.1 points per game, but his impact has been greater on the defensive end. He’s 4th on the team in rebounding, 3rd in blocks, and 2nd in steals. His current numbers are very similar to current teammate Lovell Cabbil when Cabbil was a freshman and playing over 30 minutes per game.
“Defense is my calling card,” Cuffee said. “I know it’s the first thing that’s going to get me on the court, and I kind of let the offense come as it comes. Lovell has really helped me. Him being the best defender on the team, his insight and knowing how to use the Pack, but then also ways to manipulate it to your natural movements. He shows me a lot of little tips.”
Cuffee and the Flames are back in action in the Vines Center Saturday afternoon at 4pm against the Presbyterian Blue Hose. PC is 8-7 on the season and 1-1 in Big South play behind first year head coach Dustin Kerns.
“They remind me a ton of our first year here,” McKay said of the Blue Hose. “Gritty, they look like they are having a blast. (Previous head coach) Greg Nibert was a really, sneaky good recruiter. So, I thought they had good players, but the way Dustin has got them on the same page is fabulous. No question about it, (Kerns) is the easy early season favorite for Big South Coach of the Year. I really, really respect the way they are playing.”
