The men’s basketball team is back with new members and is determined to make its mark in the Southland Conference this year.
This team will be led by returning starter, senior guard Devin Gibson. Gibson’s play has been praised all around the league and he is considered to be one of the best in his position. Teaching the newcomers the ropes will be a challenge he should use to cement himself as a captain early in the season.
Also returning is Sei Paye. Expect Sei to get a lot more playing time at his position this year and to develop into the shooting threat he has been thought to be.
The third man returning is the 2009-10 Southland Conference Freshman of the Year, Melvin Johnson III. Johnson provides the team with a threat from the three-point line and at times aggressive drives to the basket that often end in a dunk.
If this trio of players can bring their experience together for the better of the team, this new class of players should adapt very quickly. Mention should also be given to Larry Wilkins, Stephen Franklin, and Kalif Bakare. These students did not play last year but are expected to have an important role on this team this year.
That brings us to the seven freshmen. They will contribute heavily to how this team performs this season. Jordan Sims and Djuro Majstorovic [both 6’4] will provide yhis team with the hustle and defense. Also in the backcourt is Ryan Whitehead [6′ 0], who should provide the speed and ball handling, while backing up Gibson at the guard.
In the post, be on the lookout for T.J Williams [6’7], an all-state performer out of Louisiana, who will provide this team with the body and size to compete against bigger teams.
Alex Vouyoukas [6’9] can be seen in the center position, boxing out the opponent and competing for rebounds. Alongside them will be San Antonio native Tyler Wood [6’6] who has shown expert ball handling skills for his size and an aggressive defense.
The forward pair of Jeromie Hill and Igor Nujic [ both 6’8], are expected to contribute immediately. The two Australia natives have had experience in the Australian Institute for Sport [AIS], which has developed their game.
Hill specifically has logged in time for the Australian National team in which he has gained much experience and learned to score with his back to the basket. Jeromie Hill is already being looked at as one of the candidates for Freshman of the Year.
Although this team will consist mostly of newcomers, expect the team chemistry and focus to be displayed early. The Roadrunners have had a 19-win season the past two years and have the talent now more than ever to achieve that result again.
The season will kick off Nov. 12; tip-off is set for 8p.m.
