Starting Five
PG: Drake Dobbs – Sophomore
Dobbs was one of the Flame’s key reserves last year. He played in all 29 games, averaging three points, one rebound, and one assist on 50% shooting and 45% from behind the arc. Dobbs has the potential to be one of the best shooters and playmakers in the A-Sun. With Chris Parker graduating, I think we will see a breakout season from the sophomore.
SG: Darius McGhee – Senior
McGhee is not only one of the best players in the A-Sun, but one of the best players in all of college basketball. McGhee averaged 15 points, four assists, and two rebounds on 45% from the field and 40% from three. McGhee is a lights out shooter that can get hot at any moment from the court. Expect McGhee to be averaging close to 20 points a game this season.
SF: Kyle Rode – Junior
Rode has been a key contributor for Ritchie McKay the last two seasons. Rode averaged seven points, four rebounds, and two assists on 48% shooting and 37% from three. Rode is a pretty solid defensive player and a consistent three-point shooter. Look for the junior scoring averages to go up with the more touches he gets.
PF- Micaiah Abii – Sophomore
Abii started the first seven games last year as a freshman for the Flames and averaged four points and one rebound. Abii was pretty solid when he started last year but fell out of the rotation going into A-Sun play. The biggest reason was Abii’s struggle to learn Ritchie McKay’s Pack Line defense. But the potential is there, as Abbii had a 19 point performance in last year’s opener against Purdue. With a full off-season to learn the defensive system, look for Abii to play a major role for the Flames this year.
C – Blake Preston – Junior
Preston was the Flames’ second leading for the majority of last year until a little drop-off at the end of the year. Preston averaged nine points, six rebounds, and one assist on 61% shooting. Preston was a monster off the block last year and gave Liberty much-needed physicality in the post. With Parker and Cuffee gone, I expect Preston to average double digits this season.