Where will they play? A look at how the 2013-2014 UALR Trojans will line up

As the 2013-2014 season approaches, the coaching staff has a large number of options with a group of players that bring a lot of flexibility. In fact, there are at least four players would could see time in each of the five positions.

Here's a look at where the roster figures to line up on the court this season.

Thomas addition helps UALR balance out recruiting classes

With the addition of junior J.T. Thomas and the redshirting of a couple of players, UALR has successfully balanced out its class list after this season. Here's a look at UALR's roster going forward. The Trojans will have two available scholarships next year. This year's 13 scholarships will be made up of 2 seniors, 4 juniors, 4 sophomores and 3 freshmen.

UALR adds former Toledo, Chipola point guard Thomas to mix

UALR appears to have put the wraps on the 2013 roster with the signing of former Chipola Junior College point guard J.T. Thomas, Burn The Horse has learned.

Here’s what Chipola Coach Jake Headrick said about Thomas on Twitter.

“Shoutout to my former PG at Chipola J.T. Thomas on signing with Arkansas-Little Rock!!! Was loyal, hard working and a leader. … Good luck!”

Thomas gets the scholarship vacated by the departure of point guard John Gillon, who hopes to transfer to another Division I school later this summer. UALR has not yet officially confirmed Thomas' signing.

UALR scholarship roster trimmed to 12 with departure of Javes

The scholarship situation in college basketball always has a way of working itself out.

After signing day, UALR was two over the NCAA limit of 13 scholarship players. Today, they've only got 12 scholarship players.

First, Taggart Lockhart was not medically cleared to return due to concussions. He elected to transfer to a NCAA Division II school. Earlier today, we told you that sophomore to be John Gillon will transfer. His release is conditional upon completing a summer school course.

And now, Burn The Horse has confirmed that junior to be Michael Javes will not return. Javes was the only Trojan to start all 32 games last season. He averaged 6.0 points and 3.9 rebounds last season.

Javes departure paves the way for UALR to sign another big man to provide depth, providing one remains available. And UALR might have to do that. The 6-10 Javes has been the primary starter at the 5 the past two seasons. UALR's current options are junior Gus Leeper and redshirt freshman Andrew Poulter. Senior Will Neighbour, who can play the 3, 4 and 5 could also be an option for minutes on the block.

Gillon to transfer from UALR

Burn The Horse has confirmed that sophomore to be point guard John Gillon has asked for and received his release from UALR.

Gillon averaged 10.6 points and 2.4 assists in 27 games last season as a freshman. It’s not yet known where he will transfer to. UALR has not officially confirmed Gillon’s departure. 

Sun Belt extends TV deal

When I said yesterday that I thought the Sun Belt Conference had more important things to work on, this was one of those things. Instead of taking advantage of the changing sports television landscape, the Sun Belt decided more of the same was just fine.

The already bad television deal has been extended:
http://www.sunbeltsports.org/SPORTS/MensSports/Football/Article/tabid/740/article/20211/Extension-of-Sun-Belt-Network-Partnership-Announced.aspx?SPSID=35830&SPID=2855&DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=7200

The deal is OK if you have Comcast or if you live in an area where truly high-speed internet is available. The rest of us are out of luck.