Thanks to ltcpilot, an extreme
AFA Falcon fan for this
enlightening
look into 08/09 AFA basketball. Falcon Mike, AFAFalcons.com.
Air Force has gained recognition nationally in the past 7 years as it came from a
school
known
only for its triple offense football team to a school whose basketball team has
gone to the NCAA tourney twice and the NIT semi-finals once in the last 5
years. The change began in 2000 when Coach Joe Scott was hired and brought the
Princeton offense to the Academy. The deliberate style of play and tenacious
defense, has enabled Air Force to compete with its peers during both pre-season
out of conference play and in the MWC. Joe Scott left the Academy following the
2003-2004 season. Chris Mooney and Jeff Bzdelik followed Coach Scott to coach
the Falcons. Possibly the most fortunate event that happened during this time
was that Jeff Reynolds was brought in as an assistant, paving the way for him to
become the current Air Force head coach. Coach Reynolds, in his second year,
has brought back needed continuity for the program after the coaching shuffle
during the previous 5 years. His entire coaching staff has returned as he
prepares for the upcoming 2008-2009 season.
To see
how the Falcons will do this year, you have to first look at the recent history
of the team. Last year, which was Coach Reynolds first season as head coach, he
inherited a team devoid of experience. The lone returning starter was Tim Anderson. Only two other players from the 2006-2007 team had any meaningful
playing time, and that was minimal. During that season forwards Andrew Henke
averaged 13.7 min/game and Anwar Johnson averaged 7.2 min/game. All other
returners averaged less than 5 min/game. Coach Reynolds and his staff took this
inexperienced team coupled with 4 seniors, and freshman Evan Washington (who
started at guard), and surprised many by going 8-8 in the MWC and having a
winning season.
Fast
forward to this year and you will see Coach Reynolds in his second season as
head coach and a follow-on to last year with this being another re-building
year. The team once again will be young, but more experienced with its
returning players. Having Henke, Holland, Johnson and Washington return, will
enable the team to have a strong foundation to build upon. Having little to no
experience back last year, resulted in a difficult time for the team to go deep
into the bench. Having four returning starters this year should enable younger
players to mature under game conditions thereby allowing the team to go deeper
into the bench. This will benefit us this year and help build more experience
for the 2009-2010 season.
Three
actual starters return from last year
(Anwar
Johnson, Sr G/F, Matt Holland, Sr. F and Evan Washington, So, G) and Air Force’s
6th Man from last season, Andrew Henke, Sr, F, who averaged starter
minutes while coming off the bench. This core group will provide the leadership
needed for the young Falcons which currently have seven freshmen on the roster.
Matt Holland will play the forward position or as a ‘small’ big if desired.
Andrew Henke
will be the team’s vocal leader this year and proved to be a threat
last season both from the outside with the ‘three’ and driving the baseline. His
defense improved immensely last year and he will be a cornerstone for the
Falcons. Anwar Johnson has the ability to both handle the ball and to get to
the rim. His efforts to improve his outside shooting during the off-season may
truly benefit the team this year. Directing all this from the top will be
returning starter Evan Washington. While only a sophomore, the experience he
gained playing at the Prep School and being a starter last season, will allow
him to accept the leadership role at the point vacated by Tim Anderson. Good
ball handling and defense by Evan will set the tempo for the Falcons.
The
center position has been interesting over the years as the Falcons transitioned
to the Princeton offense, or to its current hybrid form we like to call the ‘Air
Force Offense’. Generally the position has been filled by what many consider to
be a power forward versus a true big man. In the past Nick Welch or Keith Marin
filled this position. Times may be changing in the future. Currently juniors
Grant Parker 6’8” and Mike McClain 6’8” are battling for the starting spot. But
in the wings two freshmen (that are still growing: Trevor Noonan 6’9” and Sammy
Schafer 6’10”) will press for playing time. Noonan brings a good outside shot
and great court vision to the position. Schafer has excellent ball handling
skills for a big man and should work well within the offense.
The
forward position looks to be strong with Henke, Holland and Johnson all
returning with experience in the system. Sophomores Derek Brooks, Tom Fow and
Philip Brown providing solid backup. Freshman Taylor Stewart 6’5”, Kentucky, is
exhibiting solid potential and looks to get playing time.
The
guard position is getting the closest look for the Falcons. While juniors Avery
Merrieux and Saj El-Amin are familiar with the system, media reports that
freshman Jon Atkins, 6’3 from the prep school, is a top contender for playing
time up top. His classmate Brandon Provost 6’3”, Houston, may be one of the
most athletic players on the team and could get floor time early in the season.
Anwar Johnson has the ability to swing from forward to guard and may be the
Falcon’s best option to run the offense along side Washington until a younger
player steps up into and accepts a stronger role.
While
the Falcons have a mix of old and new players, they temper their outlook of the
2008-2009 season when looking at the MWC. Similar to the MWC this year in
football, this may be one of the strongest seasons the MWC puts on the hardwood
in recent years. As a conference, the MWC returns 38 of last year’s 45
starters. Both San Diego State and Utah return all five starters. BYU has MWC
player of the year Lee Cummard. Wyoming’s Brandon Ewing has been mentioned in
several pre-season lists. Even TCU, while picked below AF in pre-season media
polls, returns 4 starters and their top 3 bench scorers from last season.
Expectations for the Mountain West Conference to excel this year on the court
have never been higher. Air Force feels they can compete with the field but
must have three things happen to ensure success. First and foremost, the four
returners must provide the necessary leadership to not only run the intricate
offense and match-up zone defense effectively, but to mentor the youngsters as
they develop their own skill sets. Secondly, the young freshmen on the team must
contribute immediately, as Evan Washington was able to do last season. The
quickness of their maturity may be the defining element of a winning season.
Lastly, playing well and winning at home in Clune Arena is a must. The support
of local fans and the Cadet Wing’s Section 8 are a must. With the talent
throughout the MWC this year at such a high level, holding serve and winning on
your home court will be imperative. I do not believe that the winner of the MWC
will be only a two-loss team. Parity and home wins will result in the regular
season champion having 3 or 4 loses. Air Force has the ability to be ‘in the
mix’ and be a spoiler throughout the 2008-2009 season.
Young
and enthusiastic, this Falcon basketball team is ready to begin the 2008-2009
season. Air Force’s opening tip-off of the year is on 14 November at the
Academy against Western State. Grab your family and you friends, put on your
favorite blue t-shirt or hoody, and head out to watch your Air Force Basketball
team! Go Falcons!