Preseason Preview

We are looking at a very strong starting 5 this year. My brother and I should be an untouchable force in the paint, both offensively and defensively. Jason Kuntz will be running a wing this year, moving out to a 3 (a more natural position for him anyway). Mike Keefer will be himself, one of the best point guards out there. The only thing that is up in the air is who will start at 2 guard. We still have a while to figure it out.

The bench was very instrumental in our victories last year. I forsee a huge improvement in both confidence and chemistry this year. Rick Butler leads the bench, hands down. I want to start him, but he likes coming off of the bench, and his scoring is really nice when the starters are out. A freshman who has stated interest, Juan, will be a great point guard for us. I have only played with him once, but he has good handles and vision, and he sent me some laser-guided passes. I am really excited about him, I hope he still wants to play.

Put it on the front page, the back page, the middle page, put it on all three, I don't care, I guarantee Erik Houser wins Most Improved Player this year (if they gave awards).

Two more new guys, Zach Oberman and Bobby Thorogood Wood will also be good off of the bench. Zach is a good perimeter shooter, while Bobby brings an unorthodox style of hoops and quite a sense of hustle to the table.

Returning from last year, Joe Wood brings his fearless style of play back for some quality minutes. Mike Singer should be returning as well, a much needed big man to spell the starting bigs for a while. Sam DeGroff also had a pretty good year last year. Right now, he is looking like the starting 2 guard, but it is mighty tempting to bring him off the bench for his scoring abilities.

I have just put out a solid 12 man rotation. Gone are the days of begging people to play. Everyone here wants it as bad as I do. We tasted victory last year and nothing can stop us from wanting more. I predict we finish in the top half of the league this year, but the sky is the limit. Being as we are all seniors now, I have a feeling a lot of our old opposition from the last 3 years will be gone. There is a good chance that we will have the experience factor over opponents. I know this team will go at least .500, but I honestly see a bigger season than that for us. We will impose our will through experience and depth this year. We know how to play this league now, this is our chance for a run.