If the Colonials are going to be successful against a bigger, slower Marshall University team, Karl Hobbs said they must grab six more rebounds and use their speed to tire the Thundering Herd at the NABC Classic at Rupp Arena.

Heading into this weekend with just eight scholarship players, Hobbs now faces another possible setback: junior Chris Monroe will not play at 100 percent because of tendinitis in his shooting hand

Monroe, last year’s leading scorer and GW’s only returning starter, wore a brace on his right arm and a wrap around his left pinky before the team left for Kentucky on Tuesday. He said the tendinitis would not affect him.

“I’m banged up a little bit, but it’s really nothing,” Monroe said.

Monroe will guard Tamar Slay, Marshall’s best shooter, who is six inches taller than the GW guard. Marshall’s two best players, Slay and 6-foot-10 forward J.R. VanHoose, combined for nearly 34 points a game last season.

The Colonials will often be outsized this season, which is why their speed and quickness will play a vital role in many games, including the opener against Marshall.

Senior Jaason Smith said the game plan is simple: go fast, go hard.

“Ninety miles an hour. Just keep running,” he said.

Last season, GW broke even in overall rebounding margin, with 39 boards to opponents’ 39.

NOTES: Four high school seniors who have made verbal commitments are expected to sign with GW this weekend. Alexander Kireyev, a 6-foot-11 center from Russia, is the most recent recruit. Others include forwards Mike Hall from Illinois, Nana Mensah-Bonsu from New Jersey and Omar Williams from Philadelphia. GW has five open scholarships for next season’s team.