FRESH FACE: Princeton University basketball player Devin -Cannady is all smiles at the program’s recent media day. Last Friday, freshman guard Cannady had a lot to smile about as he scored a game-high 17 points in his college debut to help Princeton defeat Rider 64-56 in its season opener. Princeton hosts Saint Peter’s at Dillon Gym this Saturday evening, its first game at the venerable venue since 1969. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)

Devin Cannady was rushing things as he made his debut for the Princeton University men’s basketball team when it played at Rider last Friday in its season opener.

The freshman guard missed both of his shots from the field in the first half and had just two points on two free throws heading into intermission.

“I think in the first half having two points, I was a little sporadic, I sped myself up,” said Cannady.

“With the leaders and the veteran team that we have, they brought me in and said calm down, take your shots, we have confidence in you.”

That encouragement paid dividends as Cannady poured in 15 points in the second half, helping the Tigers pull away to a 64-56 win over the Broncs.

“They had confidence in me and that gave me confidence in myself,” said Cannady, went 4-of-8 from the floor, including three 3-pointers, and 6-of-6 from the line for his 17 points. “I learned that at least I can play this game.”

For Cannady, the biggest challenge in moving up to college ball has been  playing well at the defensive end.

“I wasn’t here the past spring, coach and the guys said their main focus going into next year to win a championship and win games is to focus on the defensive end,” said the  6’1, 179-pound Cannady, who hails from Mishawaka, Ind.

“So that is what I am trying to bring, hustle on the defense and crashing the boards. On offense I think everything will start flowing.”

Princeton head coach Mitch Henderson liked the way that Cannady got into the flow against Rider.

“He is from Indiana after all,” said fellow Indiana native Henderson with a chuckle.

“I thought he was very good. He had a turnover against the press and I expected them to bother us against the press. He responded immediately with a huge three from the top of the key and he made his free throws. He showed leadership for a freshman in his first game. I don’t want him to get too big of a head but he showed great composure tonight and that is what he does.”

The Tigers showed composure collectively as they weathered a storm that saw Rider end the first half with an 8-0 run and then outscore Princeton 15-4 in the first 4:32 after intermission to forge ahead 37-34.

“I thought for us that was the key moment in the whole game when they chopped away in a huge way,” said Henderson.

“It seemed like everything was at the rim and then all of a sudden there was a 10-minute stretch where we just stayed with what we were trying to do.”

Princeton did some good work on the defensive end, holding the Broncs to 19 points over the last 15 minutes of the contest.

“I think what we have really been trying to push is our defensive approach,” said Henderson.

“The guys were really committed to doing what we said defensively. We struggled there last year and it wasn’t pretty tonight but I saw a lot of black jerseys flying around the court. I thought we did a good job of containing them, they are a difficult team to guard.”

Junior forward Pete Miller pushed hard in the paint, scoring nine points and pulling down a career-high 12 rebounds, a critical contribution considering that star forward Hans Brase is sidelined for the season with a knee injury.

“Pete is like a lifetime three rebound a game guy and he explodes with a 12-er,” said a smiling Henderson.

“I thought Pete was terrific rebounding the ball. That is what we needed him to do and he did it. He was big and active and played like you are supposed to play as a junior.”

Another junior who played well for Princeton in the win was guard Spencer Weisz.

“He was critical; when Spencer is in the post, he makes us a better team,” said Henderson of Weisz, who had 13 points, six rebounds, and a career-high eight assists.

“He sees things. He doesn’t look like a point guard but he thinks the game like a coach, like a point guard. I thought he was terrific tonight.”

All in all, it was a terrific opening night for the Tigers. “We are evolving here,” said Henderson. “I was really pleased; I think this was a good win over a quality team. We are learning a lot about our group right now.”

Cannady, for his part, is primed for another good effort as Princeton plays its home opener on Saturday against Saint Peter’s at Dillon Gym, its first game at the venerable venue since 1969.

“I think regardless of the debut and how I played; I think it was good to get that first game under my belt,” said Cannady.

“We play in Dillon next Saturday and I am very excited about that game, playing my first home game. Getting the first game under my belt definitely gave me confidence to play my game and play with the team.”