In David Borges recent article, Mahaney said that he had some minor issues in his personal life last year and some nagging injuries.
Hurley said he wants Mahaney to put his scoring average (13.9 ppg) behind him. Well, he started doing that last night.
"And, while Mahaney's scoring average stayed the same from his freshman to sophomore seasons, his shooting percentage (42.8 to 38.6) and 3-point percentage (40 percent to 35.5) both took dips last year.
He said he had a lot of "minor stuff" going on in his life last season, including some nagging injuries.
"I don't want to get too into it," Mahaney said. "Essentially, excuses. I could have played better. But, there were some things that were lingering."
Hurley has told him: "Hey, we both are aware that you wanted to do better last year. Now, let's scratch that, keep that edge, and what can you do to help us now?"
So, could another 13.9 ppg season from Aidan Mahaney, this time in a much tougher league, be in the works?
"That would be good," Mahaney said, with a smile. "Maybe if I can keep some of the similar stats, that wouldn't be bad. But I hope that I can play to my strengths over here, but also look a little different in this offense."
Predictably, Hurley has his superstitions.
“I’d preferably have him at 14 (ppg), just to kind of leave that behind," the coach said, with a laugh. "But for us, it’s about efficiency, it’s about having better shooting numbers than what you’ve had in your career, both from 3 and from the field. Like guys like Cam (Spencer) have had when they’ve joined us, or guys like Tristen (Newton) has had when they joined us as transfers.”