Game Preview: 11.10.23 Capital City Go-Go vs. Maine Celtics 

The Capital City Go-Go tip-off the season tonight at home when they host the Maine Celtics at 7pm at Entertainment & Sports Arena.  

After finishing third in the East last season, the Go-Go made a playoff appearance, winning a first round game against the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, but ultimately losing in the second round to a Delaware Blue Coats team that went on to win the G League Finals.   

There will be a lot of new faces at ESA for the Go-Go Friday night, including first year head coach Cody Toppert. Toppert will look to lead the team to a successful season using his extensive experience in player development at various levels. Along with Toppert’s coaching experience, he had his own success as a D League player, winning the 2006 D League Finals with the Albuquerque Thunderbirds.  

Notable new pickups for the Go-Go include Michael Foster Jr – a G League Ignite alum who was most recently part of the Blue Coats championship team, Chase Audige – the 2022-23 Big Ten DPOY from Northwestern, and Hamidou Diallo – 2019 NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion. Along with two-way players Jared Butler, Eugene Omoruyi and John Butler Jr. 

Familiar faces will be in attendance as well. Guard Jules Bernard is back in DC after a successful season averaging 15.3 PPG, 4.6 RPG, and 2.4 APG in 32 games played for the team. Along with Bernard, 6-1 guard Devon “Dot” Dotson returns to the Capital City after averaging 14.8 PPG, 4.4 RPG, and 6.4 APG in 29 games played. The duo will also have returners DeJon "Deeky" Jarreau and Davion Mintz alongside them, looking to build off last year’s late season push.

The team takes on a Maine Celtics squad who finished right under the Go-Go at 4^th in the East last season. The Celtics bring size to the court, with three 7-footers set to play, along with small ball center options. Veteran Tony Snell will also be suiting up for the Celtics, bringing with him 601 NBA games of experience.  

Expect to see a competitive showing from both team Friday night as they fight to start off the season with a win.