New George Washington head coach Mike Lonergan was at ease the day before his first official game at Smith Center, sporting a scraggly beard thanks to not shaving since the Colonials exhibition game last weekend.

“He’s been very calm,” Colonials senior guard Aaron Ware said. “He’s very mellow, laid back. I think he’s anxious to go out and get a W.”

Lonergan got to see Lasan Kromah on the court in person for the first time in the exhibition against Bowie State, and the junior delivered with 23 points. But the coach was more impressed with his six assists and the nine assists he got from point guard Tony Taylor.

“He’s an impressive talent,” Lonergan said. “Sometimes he’s got to let the game come to him, but when he’s playing well and Tony’s playing well, we do have a very strong backcourt.”

The Hawks’ top two returners are Hillary Haley (16.8 ppg, 5.8 rpg) and Tyler Hines (8.7 ppg, 7.5 rpg).

After tonight, the Colonials won’t be back in the building until Dec. 7, when they host Loyola (Md.). They depart Saturday midday for California, where they’ll play the Cal Bears on Sunday night. After that game, it’s straight to the airport for a red-eye flight back so they can make class on Monday morning.

GW is also planning to stream the men’s soccer team’s Atlantic 10 tournament semifinal against La Salle from St. Louis on the scoreboard once the basketball game finishes.