Furman Preview: More Experienced Paladins Look For A Big Year

Each day from October 23-November 3, there will be a blogger/fan previewing their team in this space. For previous previews and the future schedule, click here.

Returning Players:
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Players who started one or more games

Jordan Loyd 6-3, 190, Soph Probable starter at PG
David Brown 5-10, 170, Soph
Charlie Reddick 6-5, 185, Jr, Starter
Bryant Irwin 6-7, 220, Sr, Probable starter
Bobby Austin 6-3, 200, Sr, Starter
Dominic Early 6-5, 185, Soph
Colin Reddick 6-8, 24-, Sr, Probable starter

Other returning players:
Tyler Bisack 6-3, 185, Soph
Tyler Hunt 6-7, 232, Soph
Aaron O'Neill 6-0, 190, Soph

New faces (all Freshmen)
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J R Walker 5-9, 163
Stephen Croone 6-0, 170
Larry Wideman 6-4, 190
Kendrec Ferrara 6-9, 225
Keith Belfield 6-6, 205 (redshirt)
Kevin Chuisseu 6-8, 230

Schedule:
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Nov 10 Columba
Nov 13 Southern Wesleyan
Nov 16 Clemson
Nov 19 Brevard
Nov 25 at Mercer
Nov 28 Western Carolina
Dec 1 at Loyola (Ill)
Dec 9 Presbyterian
Dec 15 at Auburn
Dec 18 at Wake Forest
Dec 22 at Jacksonville
Dec 30 at SMU
Jan 5 at College of Charleston
Jan 12 Davidson
Jan 14 Wofford
Jan 17 at Elon
Jan 20 at UNCG
Jan 24 at Wofford
Jan 31 Georgia Southern
Feb 2 The Citadel
Feb 7 UNCG
Feb 9 Elon
Feb 11 at Appalachian State
Feb 14 at Chattanooga
Feb 16 Samford
Feb 20 at Davidson
Feb 23 at Georgia Southern
Feb 28 at The Citadel
Mar 2 College of Charleston

Three questions I want answered:
1. Will this be the year when we see a more upbeat offense where we get out and run?
2. Will the freshmen "Big Men" be able to step in and deliver quality minutes in the paint at both ends of the floor?
3. How will Colin Reddick respond to the leadership role and increased minutes expected of him?

Final analysis:
I expect us to step up the pace on offense this year. Despite losing 66 (of 155) starts, the team talent level is expected to be bigger, faster, and better shooters. While freshmen are always unproven, I expect to get lots of quality minutes in the paint from the new group, and contribution from the smaller players also. Bobby Austin, back for a sixth season (TWO full years out with back injuries) is an athletic and savvy backcourt presence. Charlie Reddick should improve on his emergence as a key player/shooter last year. A big factor will be the play of Charlie's twin brother, Colin, as he is now the most experienced post player on the team. Big and talented, he will have to adjust to the load of additional minutes and the team's dependence on him as a defensive/rebounding force. Jordan Loyd got a lot of experience at point guard last year, emerging as the starter in the second half; he will now need to lead the show, with capable backup from David Brown, a legacy who performed very well when injuries to the first two point guards haunted us last year. Rounding out the probable starters is Bryant Irwin, a transfer who will be a force from the perimeter after struggling a bit with his shot in some games last year. An athletic and rangy Dominic Early will contribute big minutes and could press for a starting job. Coach Jackson said over the weekend that freshman Larry Wideman is the best shooter he has had in his time at Furman. He should get substantial playing time.

http://mocsmania.blogspot.com/2012/10/scanning-socon-participants.html

Hawg- poster on Furman message board