[Purple Haize]

Part of that is the self-indulgent culture of summer ball. It fosters more of a sense of entitlement and less of an appreciation for everything that makes Liberty special.

Perhaps the most athletic kid in our Class of 2014 is over here in Texas ... AC Reid. He is close to Antwan's dimensions but more of a wing. I suspect Stavian Allen will be our athletic four in this class.

Don't see either of these kids filling Antwan's role. Layer may be going in a different direction though. However you always need some wide bodies on your floor. Even Mr Motion Coach K has come to that realization

[Bigsouthking]

There are plenty of kids across America/world that can fit the LU mission and also make LU hoops consistently competitive. It's on the staff to work at finding those kids. 1 knucklehead doesn't spoil a bunch and not everyone can be as perfect as Sanders or a Hildabrand.
With FTN & an entertaining style of play -- players will want to do the right thing to be at LU

[SuperJon]

With FTN & an entertaining style of play -- players will want to do the right thing to be at LU

That's why I said McKay's approach was the best. He realized you had to make it fun for kids to want to come here. It wasn't the best pure basketball approach, but it would've gotten kids here.

[jcmanson]

Part of that is the self-indulgent culture of summer ball. It fosters more of a sense of entitlement and less of an appreciation for everything that makes Liberty special.

Perhaps the most athletic kid in our Class of 2014 is over here in Texas ... AC Reid. He is close to Antwan's dimensions but more of a wing. I suspect Stavian Allen will be our athletic four in this class.

Don't see either of these kids filling Antwan's role. Layer may be going in a different direction though. However you always need some wide bodies on your floor. Even Mr Motion Coach K has come to that realization

Ezra Talbert may be the highest rated recruit. He looks to be in the mold of Gielo. But I think Bonds will end up being a steal much like Jesse. We can build around him for the next 4 years.

[jinxy]

Manson beat me to it but talbert looks like a more athletic gielo. Allen is the andrew smith type player and bonds is a steal to me. Reid looks good but i dont know enough about him. I still think he needs another big guy in this class before a sg. Our frontline would be drew gielo sommy maxwell. 2 guys there that im not sold on at all

[Purple Haize]

Manson beat me to it but talbert looks like a more athletic gielo. Allen is the andrew smith type player and bonds is a steal to me. Reid looks good but i dont know enough about him. I still think he needs another big guy in this class before a sg. Our frontline would be drew gielo sommy maxwell. 2 guys there that im not sold on at all

That was my point. It looks like we got some nice athletic wings in the class but no space eaters like Burrus or even Coronado

[jcmanson]

I think next years team has 2 obvious holes- a slashing, scoring guard and a ready to play post. Still at least 1 more scholly that I'm expecting to be filled by a juco with the intent to fill 1 of those holes.

[olldflame]

I think next years team has 2 obvious holes- a slashing, scoring guard and a ready to play post. Still at least 1 more scholly that I'm expecting to be filled by a juco with the intent to fill 1 of those holes.

I'd love to see us get Shawn Lipscomb from Durham who is combo guard but definately a scorer, and then a clone of Juan Coronado from the JUCO ranks. I believe by the time the dust has settled we will have at least 2 schollies to give and maybe 3.

[flameshaw]

Personally, I don't buy the fact that we can't find 10 legit, D1, Liberty type, kids to play BB. We have done it in the past with much worse facilities, money, etc. I will admit, it is more of a challenge at LU. I believe that is why we need a very dynamic, highly energized, connected, staff to get er done. I like Layer a lot and will trust the leadership to make the right decision. One thing is sure, we can't continue to lose so many games every year, without the program becoming totally irrelevant.

[SuperJon]

Personally, I don't buy the fact that we can't find 10 legit, D1, Liberty type, kids to play BB.

Here's the difference in what you're saying and what I think is happening:

McKay went the route of trying to find the best 10 guys who fit Liberty regardless of position. He was then going to piece it together and figure it out once he got the talent here.

Layer is taking the approach of trying to build a real team with all five positions, all while making sure those guys are Liberty guys.

McKay's approach brings flashy, non-traditional basketball but can be built quickly.

Layer's approach brings, in theory, a well built team but it takes longer to build.

This year was supposed to be a well built, well rounded team with senior leadership. Unfortunately the leadership part hasn't happened and we're in the mess we're in now.

[jcmanson]

I think next years team has 2 obvious holes- a slashing, scoring guard and a ready to play post. Still at least 1 more scholly that I'm expecting to be filled by a juco with the intent to fill 1 of those holes.

I'd love to see us get Shawn Lipscomb from Durham who is combo guard but definately a scorer, and then a clone of Juan Coronado from the JUCO ranks. I believe by the time the dust has settled we will have at least 2 schollies to give and maybe 3.

Sounds like Liberty has backed off recruiting him.

[Lburglifer]

since 2000 we have had six teams finish in the top three regular season on BSC. yet with the dramatically increased budgets and improved facilities Layer has only had 1 season in top three. and has only won a BSC tournament game in one season. I know now how you add up success if this season mirrors the performance to date.

How does anyone bolster coaches who were "called here" when they needed a job then quit when things get tough...thank God Jerry Falwell Sr understood perseverance and chose to stay the course. I respect anyone's right to take a job...but don't appreciate using the Christian card.

[Purple Haize]

since 2000 we have had six teams finish in the top three regular season on BSC. yet with the dramatically increased budgets and improved facilities Layer has only had 1 season in top three. and has only won a BSC tournament game in one season. I know now how you add up success if this season mirrors the performance to date.

How does anyone bolster coaches who were "called here" when they needed a job then quit when things get tough...thank God Jerry Falwell Sr understood perseverance and chose to stay the course. I respect anyone's right to take a job...but don't appreciate using the Christian card.

Do you mean in relation to coaches? Cause if you do I know a few coaches in several sports who would disagree with you

[olldflame]

since 2000 we have had six teams finish in the top three regular season on BSC. yet with the dramatically increased budgets and improved facilities Layer has only had 1 season in top three. and has only won a BSC tournament game in one season. I know now how you add up success if this season mirrors the performance to date.

How does anyone bolster coaches who were "called here" when they needed a job then quit when things get tough...thank God Jerry Falwell Sr understood perseverance and chose to stay the course. I respect anyone's right to take a job...but don't appreciate using the Christian card.

Do you mean in relation to coaches? Cause if you do I know a few coaches in several sports who would disagree with you

Morgan Hout comes to mind

[bballfan84]

Bob Davis best coach I have ever had or been around..he could get it done for sure but would need some help recruiting from his assistants

So, let me get this straight...we want to hire a guy who's a D3 coach with the following records:
can't find record for his 1st season, but just 8 wins
15-10
12-13
16-10
10-15
3-22
4-21
11-15
3-12

He's had 2 seasons with a winning record in 9 years in D3...yep, sign me up!!!

The important thing would be the assistants he could bring in to help recruit as i said. He also has had VERY limited resources. Aside from looking at his record do you know ANYTHING about him.

[bballfan84]

would still love to have McKay back

[Bigsouthking]

would still love to have McKay back

Wanting McKay back is like being the guy that takes back the girlfriend after she runs from room to room in your dorm screwing different guys....

If he wanted to be at LU he would still be there.... And if my above sentence hurts your feelings, toughen up and welcome to the real world.

[bballfan84]

yes i am truely hurt from your sentence on a flames fan forum.......................hahaha thats just too funny

[thepostman]

would still love to have McKay back

Wanting McKay back is like being the guy that takes back the girlfriend after she runs from room to room in your dorm screwing different guys....

If he wanted to be at LU he would still be there.... And if my above sentence hurts your feelings, toughen up and welcome to the real world.

man, you are just sooooo tough and heartless too!!!

[ballcoach15]

If one were to check the rosters of the Top basketball teams in the nation, I think there are some players on them who would "fit in at Liberty". Bottom line, LU needs to bring in more D1 caliber players. I was talking with an individual in Lynchburg last week. He told me LU is loaded with "good D2 players".
We need more shooters/scorers, and less role players.

[ludlpstudent]

How many players on the roster actually would be considered D1 talent? I would say 3 maybe 4. The only certain one being Thomas Gielo.

[Rooster Cogburn]

Count me as a firm Layer supporter. How can you bail on a guy in the middle of building a program that over it's life has only had sporadic success? It takes time, and Dale is the right guy. I know no one in college athletics (mega business) wants to be patient anymore, but that is what I think is needed here. The players are fully on board with Dale, and we should be as well.

IMHO, a big name or no no name replacement would experience the same growing pains and need more time.

[ballcoach15]

I think he is a good coach, but he needs to improve recruiting and bring in better players. All it takes is 2 or 3 players who can score. Defense can be taught, scoring cannot. A player can either shoot or he cannot.

[bballfan84]

How many players on the roster actually would be considered D1 talent? I would say 3 maybe 4. The only certain one being Thomas Gielo.

I dont know about that..if thats the case you could say that for most of the low major teams especially the Big South.

[jcmanson]

The players are fully on board with Dale

Is that a fact, Jack?