[ALAFlamesFan]

Next year's roster looks stronger on paper than this year. Another good recruiting class. Nice job, Coach! I am looking forward to seeing these guys in action.

[LUconn]

Everybody keeps saying that. Did you guys forget about Seth and Anthony?

[SuperJon]

I don't think we'll be stronger but I think we'll be fine in the league. We had three guys who could score as well as a facilitator. Two of those guys that could score were very dynamic and could go off on any given night. You don't replace that. What gives me a little hope this year is that things will be spread out more offensive. I think we could see four guys average in double figures or right around there (Kyle, Jesse, and then either David, Jeremy, or a new kid). We'll also play defense which we didn't do much of this year and will have at least a presence down low with Carter, Austin (maybe), and Tyler. I think the beginning of the season is going to be absolutely brutal if we keep the same schedule that was announced but by the time we get to Big South play I think we can finish in the upper half of the league.

[ToTheLeft]

Everybody keeps saying that. Did you guys forget about Seth and Anthony?

I think he means 10-11 vs. 09-10.

At least that's what I think... maybe I misinterpreted, but that's what I thought he meant, I believe it to be true as well.

[jcmanson]

Everybody keeps saying that. Did you guys forget about Seth and Anthony?

I think he means 10-11 vs. 09-10.

At least that's what I think... maybe I misinterpreted, but that's what I thought he meant, I believe it to be true as well.

No I think you're wrong. He was talking about 08-09 vs. 09-10

[coolhandluke]

Everybody keeps saying that. Did you guys forget about Seth and Anthony?

I think he means 10-11 vs. 09-10.

At least that's what I think... maybe I misinterpreted, but that's what I thought he meant, I believe it to be true as well.

No I think you're wrong. He was talking about 08-09 vs. 09-10

I agree. Its seems that way.

[Ed Dantes]

So what does our rotation look like for next year?

[jcmanson]

I was thinking about that yesterday. It really depends on how Layer wants to play. We can go big, or we can go small. There are a few spots which are for sure though:

PG - Sanders
Ohman (he could play either the 2, 3 or 4)
Minaya

I think those 3 are pretty much assured of starting spots. After them it depends on the newcomers. Jeremy Anderson will get minutes, but I don't think he will start. Johnny Stephene, Baker, Gordon, Konan, McMasters, Perez should all fit in the rotation somewhere. I could see where we could start both Baker and McMasters to go big. Or I could also see us starting Gordon and McMasters to go small.

[Jesus First]

I really believe Mcmasters is the wild card, If he becomes a dominating post player and is able to defend Radfords big men, I really believe we will have a good season. I also believe Kyle ohman could have a break out year if he continues to work hard in the off season

[Ed Dantes]

I really believe Mcmasters is the wild card, If he becomes a dominating post player and is able to defend Radfords big men, I really believe we will have a good season. I also believe Kyle ohman could have a break out year if he continues to work hard in the off season

I believe just the opposite. Ohman succeeded because he was the #3 option on our team last year, as other teams focused on Judas and Smith. I don't think he be "the man" for our team.

I can see...

G - Sanders / Steph / Gordon
G - Ohman / Anderson / Perez
G - Minaya / Konan / Weaver
F - Baker / Smith / Burris
C - McMasters / VanderPol

I'd imagine that Burris is going to redshirt, too.

[olldflame]

I'm hoping as much as anyone that someone new will step up as a go-to guy, and I would think Minaya is the most likely candidate. I have to say though that Ohman was far from a role player last year. Just ask Gardner-Webb. IMHO he is our likely leading scorer, and I will say at least 15ppg.

I think it's also interesting that as a Sophmore in HS, playing on the same team with Minaya, who was a Senior, Perez was the leading scorer.

[TDDance234]

I think we'll play a lot of small ball with Minaya at the 4, to be honest. We are very guard heavy and I think Jeremy Anderson is going to surprise a lot of people.

I think anything we get out of Tyler Baker or McMasters is bonus at this point. TB proved to be valuable at the end of the season and if we could just get a consistent 6-8 points and 4-6 rebounds, we'll be in very good shape. I'm intrigued by TB this year because it seems as if he's finally healthy enough to contribute. The injuries have taken their tole but we desperately need Tyler to give us something this year.

[LUconn]

It's kind of a bummer that Layer wasn't here during McMasters' RS year since Layer seems to be the one into developing post players.

[ToTheLeft]

I really believe Mcmasters is the wild card, If he becomes a dominating post player and is able to defend Radfords big men, I really believe we will have a good season. I also believe Kyle ohman could have a break out year if he continues to work hard in the off season

I believe just the opposite. Ohman succeeded because he was the #3 option on our team last year, as other teams focused on Judas and Smith. I don't think he be "the man" for our team.

I can see...

G - Sanders / Steph / Gordon
G - Ohman / Anderson / Perez
G - Minaya / Konan / Weaver
F - Baker / Smith / Burris
C - McMasters / VanderPol

I'd imagine that Burris is going to redshirt, too.

I think you have Gordon and Perez both too low, but I wouldn't know where else to put them, so it's hard for me to disagree.

I think there's a chance that Perez/Gordon/Jeremy starts at the 2 with Ohman at the 3. Remember, Kyle is a capable rebounder and can defend big men, so he probably should be the 3, rather than trying to defend shooting guards. Minaya moves to the 4 and Baker backs up at the 4/5

1- Sanders/Stephene/Perez
2- Anderson/Gordon/Perez
3- Ohman/Konan/Weaver
4- Minaya/Burris/Baker
5- McMasters/VanderPol/Baker

If Austin does come back he'll probably be the backup at the 4 and Burris will RS.

[SuperJon]

If Austin stays, I think there will be times where you see a complete white wash and it's Jesse, Jeremy, Kyle, Austin, and Carter. Even without Austin, I think you might see that with Jesse, Jeremy, Kyle, Tyler, and Carter.

[Sly Fox]

I agree, SJ. I am anxious to see how much Jesse as a sophomore is able to raise the game of those around him.

Incidentally HCYA has their graduation at my church tomorrow.

[Cider Jim]

And I'm assuming that Jesse's little bro didn't get double promoted and graduate early?

[jcmanson]

Low on Baker huh lefty?

[ToTheLeft]

Low on Baker huh lefty?

I like him, just don't know where he fits in. Probably will see time at the 4 and 5, since he's the only veteran presence down there if Austin doesn't come back.

[Sly Fox]

Just bumped into Jesse and John Caleb in a parking lot. John Caleb was excited about summer ball for both Houston Swoosh Select and HCYA and another season of high school ball. Jesse indicated that he was also still waiting to hear from Austin about his decision. Both were excited about playing for Coach Layer.

[flames1971]

Just bumped into Jesse and John Caleb in a parking lot. John Caleb was excited about summer ball for both Houston Swoosh Select and HCYA and another season of high school ball. Jesse indicated that he was also still waiting to hear from Austin about his decision. Both were excited about playing for Coach Layer.

That's refreshing news. Thanks, Sly.

[olldflame]

Time to update with the departure of Austin and the verbal from Baird. It also occurs to me that Baird coming in may spell the end of discussions of a 6th year for Tyler (at least on scholarship).

PS: We also need to take Stephene off for 12-13. He has already used a year of elegibility.

[ToTheLeft]

[dompennix]

How many walk-on spots?

[ToTheLeft]

Not sure what the rule on that is... I would imagine it's no more than 2 or 3.