[olldflame]

The SIDs have posted next year's roster.

http://www.libertyflames.com/index.cfm? ... 1&TeamID=6

[Blessed1]

I sure wished Austin Smith and Brolin Floyd had stayed. But hey, the show must go on. Anyways....

Is anyone expected to redshirt this year or is it too early to tell?

[flamesbball84]

the starting PG will only weigh 10 pounds less than the starting center next year.

[jcmanson]

It's too early to tell, but if I had to guess it would be Antwan Burris.

[prototype]

the starting PG will only weigh 10 pounds less than the starting center next year.

Let's hope McMasters doesn't start!!!

[olldflame]

the starting PG will only weigh 10 pounds less than the starting center next year.

Let's hope McMasters doesn't start!!!

What did Carter McMasters ever do to you for you to hate on him? If he's the best center we have, he will start, and quite frankly, I think he can be an upgrade on anyone who played the position last year.

[Sly Fox]

I would not at all be shocked if Carter were one of our best players this year. I'm with Olldflame, I don't get the dissing. Personally I believe he has the most upside of anyone on our roster.

[prototype]

I don't hate McMasters and hope he does improve. I just don't think he is good enough to play at this level. I don't like the fact that he doesn't seem to be working on his post game and that he was content on playing behind the 3 point line. I don't like that he is not gaining weight even though we have some of the best trainers in college - to me it means that he is not trying hard enough to put on weight. He keeps on getting mentioned as a center, but he isn't one - just because he is tall - doesn't mean he can play that position. When I saw him play - he looked awkward and raw. I hope he proves me wrong - Ohman did last year...

[prototype]

I also think that his ego has been fed by people thinking that he was this stud coming here and I think all players should earn their position - he clearly wasn't ready last year and I hope he can earn my respect on the floor - not by high school stats. Hey, I'm the same with everyone:)

[flamesbball84]

just because he hasnt put on muscle weight doesnt mean he hasnt been trying. tayshaun prince has tried for years and he is still really thin - some players just don't have the build or metabolism or whatever other factors there are to put on much muscle weight. to say he hasnt put in the effort to do it is shortsighted at best.

[Hold My Own]

Keep in mind the amount of big time schools that we beat out for Carter....a lot of people other than LU believed in his upside...big men always take more time...he will be great before it's all said and done....yes I said great but I'm not making a new SN

[olldflame]

A lot of people proved you wrong last year proto.......................................... actually, you make it pretty easy. I don't think Carter will lose any sleep because he hasn't yet "earned your respect"

I didn't ask why you hate Carter. I asked why you were "hating on" (bad-mouthing) him. Then you say you don't hate him (of course, why would you) and proceed to rip on him, accusing him of being lazy and having a big head. Have you ever even met the kid? He barely played last year, and the few minutes he did, he was trying to play through the injury which ended up causing him to redshirt. How do you know he isn't working on his post game? How do you know he isn't busting his butt in the weight room trying to get stronger? I'll answer for you......................... you don't.

[Liberty4Life]

Isn't Layer supposed to be a 'big-man' coach?

[Rooster Cogburn]

So, anyone know where Austin is headed?

[dompennix]

So, anyone know where Austin is headed?

I think he said he was going to Northern Arizona. Or Northern Arizona State maybe?

[prototype]

A lot of people proved you wrong last year proto.......................................... actually, you make it pretty easy. I don't think Carter will lose any sleep because he hasn't yet "earned your respect"

I didn't ask why you hate Carter. I asked why you were "hating on" (bad-mouthing) him. Then you say you don't hate him (of course, why would you) and proceed to rip on him, accusing him of being lazy and having a big head. Have you ever even met the kid? He barely played last year, and the few minutes he did, he was trying to play through the injury which ended up causing him to redshirt. How do you know he isn't working on his post game? How do you know he isn't busting his butt in the weight room trying to get stronger? I'll answer for you......................... you don't.

I might have an idea;) I'm not sure if I was proven wrong last year that many times - I think I called the season pretty well and was pretty tough on McKay and look what happened there. Maybe I'm hating to much on Carter - and will stop... I will do my best to support him now. Just don't want the expectations to be too high - that's all. That is a big burden to carry and I think it will hurt him trying to be something he is not. I just wish we had a solid center and that would allow him to play 3 or 4. He can shot and dribble pretty good for someone with his hight - think of the match up issues he creates. Same reason I like a confident baker:)

[jcmanson]

I just wish we had a solid center

So does most of America.

[Chris Lang]

Carter wasn't physically ready to play the post last season, which is pretty much why McKay had him out on the perimeter. That's where he could help the team the most. I don't think he's ever going to be a traditional back-to-the-basket type post player. He'll probably be more of a Craig Bradshaw type, one who can mix it up when needed but is more adept of playing an athletic, shooting forward type of position.

Don't forget also that he was hurt last year, pretty much right from the start.

[olldflame]

I think if we took a poll here on who would be happy if Carter ends up being as good a player as Craig Bradshaw, it might very well be unanomous!

[Chris Lang]

And I'm not saying Craig couldn't bang ... but he was a freaking matchup nightmare because he had so many different ways to score on you, and a traditional post couldn't guard him.

[ToTheLeft]

And I'm not saying Craig couldn't bang ... but he was a freaking matchup nightmare because he had so many different ways to score on you, and a traditional post couldn't guard him.

And that's what Carter brings. Parahouski can't guard him, and he's too big for a swing man to cover. Which is where he will be most valuable.

[SuperJon]

I'm not worried at all about Carter on offense.

I'm not worried at all about Carter as a shot blocker.

The only place I have concerns with Carter is being a defender on the low block and stopping guys from over powering him. I admit I haven't seen him much so I don't know where he stands at that. If he can do that successfully, we'll be fine.

Carter playing like a 5 on defense is much more important than him playing like a 5 on offense.

[UNCA Alum]

Bradshaw could shoot the crap out of it, but he also had some really solid post moves and wasn't afraid to mix things up on the inside. He played a lot bigger than his listed weight. From what I've read about McMasters, he's never really played in the post which will make it even more difficult for him to get comfortable in the paint on both sides of the court at the D1 level. A big man at this level (even in the Big South) gets constantly abused from a physical standpoint. It's no fun trying to battle for position, box out, or defend 6'8" 250lbers every single possession.

Though a 6'10" guy that can shoot is never really a bad option to have on your team. And a lot of teams in the Big South don't really have a true center so he will be able to matchup relatively well on more than a few occasions.

[jcmanson]

The only place I have concerns with Carter is being a defender on the low block and stopping guys from over powering him. I admit I haven't seen him much so I don't know where he stands at that. If he can do that successfully, we'll be fine.

If we play zone when Carter is in, that would really play towards his strengths and try to hide that weakness.

[jcmanson]

And he’s only had one game against Big South competition against Asheville. I think he more than held his own especially considering he was hurt and only playing his 2nd collegiate game. It will be interesting to see how he matches up with the conference competition.