While the football side of our athletic program is depressing, I want to break down our basketball team especially since I spoke with some folks in the AD department and they are really excited about our basketball team this year. Let's start from big to small.
Willms- This kid had a solid year last year after he got going in the middle of the season. Obviously he started off rusty, but he was healing an injury and didn't work out all last summer. The kid gives head aches to offenses in the paint and has developed some fantastic skills in the paint for scoring options. The kid doesn't move slow anymore and will be at the line a lot. Even with that 5* center in WK, I feel Willms will be the best center in the conference.
Jones- He is a 3rd year Soph and is super athletic for a big man. The kid is strong, moves well, and has developed a jumper. We all like him for his defense and he usually never disappoints. Once this kid improves on post moves and a small jumper, he will get national recognition. The kid is that good. He's raw, but good.
St.Pierre- The kid reminds me of Portalatin from a few years back. He is strong and can move, but doesn't have confidence or coordination. He moves left when he should go right, etc. The kid is a big body in the paint and can be used to foul big kids that don't have a good FT shot. I think the kid would benefit from a red shirt, but the kid is convinced he will play. Once the kid loses some baby fat, we might see more.
Smith- The kid can move and is strong. This kid has talent, but needs the guidance from good coaching to be effective at the D1 level. I think we might see glimpses of a good player, but it will take the kid a few years to develop into a strong PF. Until then, he will be put in to give breaks to other big guys.
Thomas- This is a special player for his size. He will be on the watch for the best player in CUSA. He is a SF/PF combo player. With his long jumper, great post moves, and his defense is getting much better. I expect the kid to see the charity stripe a lot, because he will frustrate defenses.
Flaggert- I expect this kid to step up his game. He is a good defender and can shoot when his feet are set. He is a favorite of CTF and because of his defense, he may get the start over Wade even though the talent level of Wade is much higher.
Wade- The kid has fantastic offense. We all saw it and he and Flaggert will compete for floor time. If this kids defense picks up, he will see more time than Flaggert.
Frazier- While on paper, we know this kid is the complete package, he has not played in a year. I don't doubt he will be a difference maker in the league, but he was replaced as a starter on the SMU squad. While I have reservations on the kid, but this is his last hurrah and I expect the kid to light it up.
Osborne- the kid has collegiate experience and can really shoot along with his great athleticism. The kid will need to make sure his defense is tip top. With him sitting last year, I think he knows what CTF expects.
Touchet- While the kid doesn't have the talent we want to see, I think we all agree he works really hard and smart. I think he is the smartest player on the team and is the perfect back up as a combo guard. I expect more from this kid as a 4yr Junior.
Omega- this is the spark plug and I also expect this kid to light it up this year. This kid did a lot of growing up here in El Paso and I expect this kid to make us proud this year.
Gilyard- I love the kids speed, ball control, and court vision. He didn't seem to put it together at the Orange/White game and he didn't play in Costa Rica. I don't think we will see his true potential until the middle of the season. I hope he turns into what we expected especially since he was cleared to play.
Magee- I like this kid and I think this kid will see more playing time at the 1 more so than Gilyard. the kid struggled with his jumper and needs to be quicker on defense, but he doesn't need to be a scorer. If he can set up his teammates to succeed, then I feel he will see more time at the 1.
Here is how I see our starting line up in the middle of the season.
5-Willms, 4-Thomas, 3-Flaggert, 2-Frazier, 1-Omega.
Some of you are questioning the 3. This is a proven defender and has picked up his shooting. CTF would rather see advanced defense then offense. It's his MO.
Jones, Smith, & St.Pierre will back up the 5 & 4 positions. Osborne & Wade will back up the 3 & 2 positions. Lastly, we have Toucher, Magee, & Gilyard backing up the combo guard positions.
I finally am happy with our depth in all positions and I can't wait to see these kids play. I expect the 2 exb games and the Louis.college games to flow like butter with the stupid talent that we have. I also expect the Puerto Rico (if it's not cxl'd) to be competitive.
