Roster questions highlight preseason
After two full weeks of practice, the Coyote men’s basketball team is beginning to answer some of the preseason questions.
The biggest of which is the team’s starting lineup. There are a few position locks, but for the most part, head coach Joey James says it is an open competition.
“Generally there are two or three players in every position, and they are battling for that starting spot, for time on the court,” James said.
In 2012-13, the Coyotes had a group of transfer players sitting out because of NCAA eligibility requirements. However, this season their eligibility is up, and sophomore guard Adam Thoseby said it has been a competition for every position.
“I think 1-5, there are position battles everywhere,” Thoseby said. “Some days, one guy will play really well, and the other days another guy will play really well. We haven’t really found a consistent group.”
Last year’s Coyote team struggled on defense, and senior guard Karim Rowson said the offseason was focused on defense and rebounding.
“Defense and rebounding is the main thing we need to work on. Everything else has kind of fallen into place,” Rowson said.
The Coyotes are about halfway through the preseason practices, with their Nov. 9 game against St. Bonaventure fast approaching. James said the intensity in practice has been great early on.
“(The intensity) has been incredible, and the difference this year, as compared to last year, is we have more guys,” James said. “Everyone is competing for a spot, and that has driven the intensity and competition out of everybody.”
Another major question is who will take over the reign as point guard. The Coyotes graduated guard Juevol Myles last year, and early on, the team is trying to find his replacement.
Everything points toward sophomore guard Trey Norris starting the first game, but James said first-year guard Rico Thompson will also get minutes.
“Trey has been with us for a year, and he’s had experience at North Texas. He’s done a fantastic job, but we have to get him better defensively,” James said. “Thompson being a true freshman is young but very smart. He may be a better scorer than Norris, but it’s been a great competition between the two, and they’re making each other better.”
With nothing locked down for the Coyotes, the competition at all positions will continue up until their first match of the season with James at the helm Nov. 9.
