BURN THE HORSE
Even as inexperienced as UALR appears to be this year (12
players who are either sophomores or freshmen), the roster looks to have
improved as a whole over last year’s team, which finished atop the Sun Belt’s
West Division with a 12-4 league mark. |
| Ben Dillard |
While the Trojans face massive inexperience at the point
guard, they should be at least equal at the shooting guard. The three other
spots appear to be pluses as we head into fall practice.
Let’s take a look.
Point guard
Minus. It will take a pretty special effort from a freshman
if UALR is to improve at point guard from last year. That’s not to say that any
of the freshmen point guards (Josh Hagins, John Gillon, Casey Wilmath) or even
senior Ted Crass can’t step in and have a nice season. But it will be difficult
to replace what D’Andre Williams brought to that position last year. Williams
had some iffy moments, but he largely carried the Trojans on his back. One plus
here is whoever ends up being the backup. Eric Lawton served in that role a
year ago. Lawton, who wasn’t really a point guard, never really clicked at the
position. He’s since transferred. This year’s backup should provide more depth
than UALR had a year ago. Based on potential, the sky’s the limit for this
group. Based on experience, this is a minus going into practice.
Shooting guard
Equal. From an experience standpoint, this position is
probably a minus when you subtract Chuck Guy, who transferred to DII over the summer.
It was pretty much Guy and Ben Dillard at this spot a year ago. Guy was erratic
most of the season. When he was good, he was really good. When he struggled, he
really struggled. Dillard got off to a slow start after missing the summer
after surgery. He had a nice freshman year, but didn’t provide the spark to
consistently ignite the Trojan offense. He’ll need to this year. He’s stronger
this and brings an air of confidence and leadership we didn’t see much of last
year. One area where UALR is sure to be a plus this year is guard depth, albeit
inexperienced depth. Freshmen Kemy Osse, Mareik Isom and Stetson Billings will
battle for time here. Based on experience, this is a minus. Based on depth and
potential, this is a plus. We’ll call it equal.
Off guard/small forward
Plus. This might be the most competitive spot on the roster
going into camp. Last year, Will Neighbour started down the stretch in this
spot. That was made possible because Courtney Jackson started at the 4 and
could guard Neighbour’s matchup on the defensive end. That might be the case
again this year. But it won’t be because there isn’t another option. Taggart
Lockhart had a nice freshman year and is now healthy. He’s put in a lot of time
on his game and could be much improved at this spot. Billings and/or Isom could
also figure in at this spot with their height. But a bigger impact at this spot
might come from junior college transfer Leroy Isler. The depth he provides at this spot probably
enables UALR to move Neighbour to the four spot. Then again, Isler could be
used similarly to Jackson with his ability to guard a faster player. All of
this doesn’t even include redshirt freshman James White, who by all accounts
has made tremendous strides since last year. White came in as a four but has
the skills to play the three and will absolutely be in the mix for playing
time. This position is at least an equal and leaning heavily toward the plus
side.
Power forward
Plus. Courtney Jackson was a nice player at the four last
season. His ability to drive to the basket to score, along with improved free
throw shooting, made him tough for opponents to deal with. But Jackson couldn’t
stretch the defense with his outside shot. UALR has several players this year
who potentially could do that. It starts with Neighbour, who figures to get a
lot of his time here because of the logjam happening at the three spot.
Neighbour’s shoulder is healthy (or will be by November) and he’s been able to
add some strength over the summer. White and Isler should also figure in here
and walk-on Mike Evans will provide additional depth if needed. The wildcard
here comes in Gus Leeper. He was more than solid during the 2011 run to the Sun
Belt Tournament championship and provides a little outside shooting to go with
an inside game. Jackson’s departure hurts, but if Neighbour’s healthy it’s an
absolute plus.
Post
Plus. UALR loses Marlon Louzeiro, who struggled to get consistent
minutes last year. Michael Javes and Neighbour played most of the minutes here.
Javes showed some flashes of greatness
as a freshman. He’s stronger this year and should have a better concept of what
the coaching staff wants from him. UALR also has more options this year. In
addition to Neighbour, Leeper also returns with added strength. And freshman
Andrew Poulter could add some depth here if he doesn’t redshirt. This position
is an a no-brainer equal but likely moves to the plus if Leeper plays the way
he did in the 2011 Sun Belt Tournament.
