In what has turned out to be a difficult season for the Los Angeles Lakers due to injuries (Julius Randle, Steve Nash, Kobe Bryant Xavier Henry who was cut, all out for season) and missing-out on free agents (Lebron to Cavs, Melo back to Knicks, Isaiah Thomas to Suns, Greg Monroe back to Pistons), the Lakers have found a player who is a bright spot.

Jordan Clarkson: The college years

Jordan Clarkson played three years in college — two years for Tulsa Golden Hurricanes and one year for the Missouri Tigers. Jordan Clarkson improved each season in college:

• His freshman year at Tulsa he averaged 11.5 points; 1.5 assists; 2.1 rebounds; 0.7 steals; and 0.1 blocks per game.
• His sophomore year at Tulsa he averaged 16.5 points; 2.5 assists; 3.9 rebounds; 0.9 steals; and 0.5 blocks per game.
• His Junior year at Missouri he averaged 17.5 points; 3.4 assists; 3.8 rebounds; 1.1 steals; and 0.2 blocks per game.
• While at Tulsa, Clarkson was a 47.1% shooter from the field; 34.8% three point shooter; and 78.8% free throw shooter.
• While at Missouri, Clarkson was a 50.1% shooter from the field; 28.1% three point shooter; and 83.1% free throw shooter.

Jordan goes to the NBA

Clarkson was selected 46th overall in the second round (14 picks away from the 60th and final pick in the 2014 draft) by the Washington Wizards and acquired by Lakers for cash ($1.8 million). He was not seen as a rotational player for the Lakers coming in with the acquisition of Jeremy Lin from the Houston Rockets to replace Steve Nash as starter and the signing of Ronnie Price who plays hard on defense.

As I mentioned earlier, the Lakers have dealt with a large amount of injuries this season. To try and re-energize the team, head coach Byron Scott has experimented with lineups throughout the year. Lin and Ronnie Price had their opportunities as starters during the first half of the season.

Full Speed Ahead:

Jordan Clarkson could be a bright spot in an otherwise dark season for the Lakers this year. By Mark Schierbecker (Own work) via Wikimedia Commons

Clarkson has impressed Scott and the rest of the Lakers coaching staff and has a bright future with the team. As a 6’5″ athlete, he gets to the rim with ease and can pull-up on a dime and hit his jump-shot. He is continuing to learn the point-guard position and how to read defenses. His ability to create space to take shots for himself should help him create shots for others as well.Clarkson’s chance as starter came on January 27th against the Washington Wizards. In 37 minutes Clarkson scored 18 points, had 3 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal. In his second game as a starter on January 29th against the Chicago Bulls (one of the best games the Lakers have played this season) he scored 18 points, had 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks and 2 steals in 43 minutes. In today’s game, Clarkson started agains the New York Knicks and scored 19 points, had 3 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals in 34 minutes.

With the Lakers in re-building mode, they need to find players with the type of athleticism, shot-creating ability and potential on the defensive end that Clarkson possesses. Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson can develop into a nice one-two punch and core for the Lakers moving forward. With a potential top-five pick in the upcoming draft as well as owning the Rockets first round pick in the mid-twenties and two second round picks, the Lakers can find a few players to go along with Jordan and Julius becoming the young guns who bring enthusiasm and energy.

Maybe Clarkson is a bright spot in an otherwise dark time for the Lakers.

To me, Chick Hearn was a modern-day basketball Shakespeare. For 45 years, Chick broadcast basketball games and, for those of us lucky to watch games he called, was a welcome addition to any living room or sports bar. It’s been over 12 years since Chick passed away, but it’s still hard to watch a Lakers game without him. For generations of NBA fans, he may as well have been Shakespeare.

Words Crafted by Shakespeare: 

“Words, words, words” is a quotation in William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet when Hamlet responded to Polonius’ question, “What do you read, my lord?” Polonius sought a reason why Hamlet was reading but Hamlet took the word matter to mean what was wrong with him. The quotation, “Words, words, words” came to mind because Shakespeare is one of the greatest crafter of words we know of.

He coined words such as:

1. Advertising in Measure for Measure.

2. Circumstantial in As You Like It.

3. Zany in Love’s Labour’s Lost.

4. Swagger in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (actualized in Nick Young)

5. Rant in Hamlet

As a Lakers fan I believe that the modern day Shakespeare is Chick Hearn. Other sports fans can say the same of their favorite announcers.

Picture of Chick Hearn and some of his Chickisms Image via Laker Nation and rareink.com

Chickisms:

Chick Hearn coined most of the lingo used in the game of basketball including:

1. Give and Go (one player passes the ball to his teammate and cuts to the basket after he passes the ball).

2. Air Ball (a shot that does not hit anything involved with the basket such as rim, net or backboard).

3. Slaaaaaaam Duuuuuuuuunk (when a player authoritatively dunks a basketball).

4. Charity Stripe (Free Throw Line where players shoot a shot after they get fouled).

5. Dribble Drive ( A player driving to the basket while dribbling the basketball).

Just as Shakespeare penned most of the words we use today, sports announcers speak words we use as sports fans.

New Year’s resolutions are fun. I’ll be posting during the next week or so about some of my favorite teams and what resolutions they might think about adopting First up: Cal Poly men’s basketball.

Early Blows:

The Cal Poly Mustangs Men’s Basketball are currently 7-5, which puts them third in the BigWest Conference behind the UC Davis Aggies (9-3) and Hawaii Rainbow Warriors (12-4). Conference powers such as UC Santa Barbara, UC Irvine, and Long Beach State have not started the way they wanted to but will most certainly be in the hunt throughout conference play.

The season did not start out the way the Mustangs wanted. Guard Taylor Sutlive and forward Zach Gordon whom Coach Joe Callero expected an increase in production from this season were lost for the year due to injuries. Callero was forced to incorporate new players into the lineup such as freshman forward Aleks Abrams — a big and active player who rebounds well — and increase roles for players such  as senior guard Michael Bolden who is a skilled defender and capable shooter, and senior guard Reese Morgan who has battled through injuries but is a great free throw shooter and known for making big time threes.

The Mustangs were blown out in their first three road games at Nevada (65-49) California Berkeley (72-52) and Saint Mary’s (82-56). The Mustangs also found out recently that Kyle Toth who had been productive during his time with the Mustangs will not be eligible when conference play begins due to academic reasons.

In his sophomore season, Ridge Shipley’s ability to put pressure on defenses and be efficient with the ball will go a long way toward Cal Poly playing their preferred style and pace. By Owen Main

New Year’s Resolutions:

January begins the new year (2015) as well as conference play for teams. With the Big West as deep as it has been in years, Cal Poly will need to find ways to stay competitive throughout conference play. Recently, they’ve found ways to win on the road and get themselves above .500 despite the losses of Sutlive, Gordon and Toth.

1.The Mustangs lead the NCAA in fewest turnovers per game (8.4) and fewest total turnovers (101).

2. The Mustangs are balanced offensively with 8 players scoring more than 4 points per game (7 minus Toth). The Mustangs have 2 of those 7 players scoring 6 points per game (Ridge Shipley and Joel Awich) 1 player scoring almost 10 points per game (Reese Morgan) 1 player scoring over 11 points per game (Brian Bennett) and 1 player scoring over 14 points per game (David Nwaba).

3. The Mustangs defense holds opponents to 60 points per game while Cal Poly averages 63 points per game.

With an efficient and balanced offense and tenacious defense the Mustangs have been able fight through injuries and should be able to remain competitive after the loss of three players before conference play even begins.

In Cal Poly’s case, their resolution to get back to basics seemed to start a little early, when they went 4-2 on a 6-game December road trip to finish non-confernence play. Like many people resolve to do the same things year-in and year-out, Cal Poly seems to have once again found out a way to hang their hat on defense and taking care of the basketball. Perhaps it was a resolution they made before their recent road trip in December, but Joe Callero once again has his team focused on the things that matter to him.

Defense wins games and tournaments and Cal Poly proved that last season after they won the BigWest Tournament and won their first round game against Texas Southern in the NCAA Tournament. Their teamwork on offense and defense should give Mustangs fans a reason for optimism through the uphill climb that is BigWest Conference.

Cal Poly starts Big West play on Thursday at Hawai’i before returning for their home conference opener Saturday January 10th against rival UCSB.

In 1920, Harold K. Needham, D.W. Kerr, and W.C. Pierce, founded a school to prepare Christians for various ministries in the church. In 1927 the institute was named Southern California Bible School and moved from Los Angeles to Pasadena, California. In 1939, it became known as Southern California Bible College and became the first four-year institution of the Assemblies of God. On July 1, 1999 it achieved university status and became known as Vanguard University of Southern California.

Rhett Soliday Celebrate:

Photo Courtesy of Vanguard Lions Athletic Website

The athletic teams at Vanguard are called the Lions. The men’s basketball team is coached by Rhett Soliday. The Lions had a great season last year, winning the NAIA National Championship. Soliday brings back a talented team. He lost Preston Wynne, his best offensive player from a year ago to graduation. Wynne averaged 20.9 points per game. This team will rely on four players

Lions Roar:

Deangelo Jones is a 6’3″ senior guard who is averaging 16.9 points per game while shooting 43.4 percent from the field (33-76) and 76.4 percent from the free-throw line (42-55). His speed and athleticism allows him to drive past defenders, get to the rim, and draw contact to get to the free-throw line.

Chris Gorman is a senior guard who is averaging 14.8 points per game while shooting 35.7 percent from the three point line (15-42). Much like Preston Wynne last year, Gorman has the ability to pull-up and shoot over any defender.

Keith Mason is a 6’8″ senior forward who is averaging 9.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game this season. His size helps him down low grabbing rebounds (26) and blocking shots (8).

Zach Allmon is a 6’8″ sophomore forward who transferred to Vanguard last year from Cal Poly Mustangs where he redshirted in his only season. He is averaging 8.6 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. He and Mason make a nice combination as starting bigs. He is active around the rim and has a nice touch from deep. He is shooting 44.4 percent from the three-point line (4-9).

GSAC Outcome:

I am projecting the Lions to finish in a tie for second place in the GSAC with the Hope International Royals. The Lions have a high quality starting lineup but will need a few players on the bench to contribute consistently if they want to win the GSAC.

GSAC According to Mark:

1st: The Master’s College Mustangs 

2nd: Hope International Royals

2nd: Vanguard Lions

3rd: Arizona Christian Firestorm

3rd: Concordia Eagles

4th: BIOLA University Eagles

5th: Westmont Warriors

6th: San Diego Christian Hawks

7th: William Jessup Warriors

Hope International University was founded in 1928 as Pacific Bible Seminary and renamed in 1962 as Pacific Christian College as it moved to Long Beach, California. Today. Hope International University is located in Fullerton, California and consists of five colleges, each consisting of graduate and undergraduate programs. The current campus of Hope International University originally consisted of a shopping center, and movie theater (the Titan Theater).

Bill Czech Era:

Photo Courtesy of Hope International Royals Athletic Website

Bill Czech is entering his sixth season as head coach of the Royals men’s basketball team. Czech’s teams have shown drastic improvement each year. In his first season (2010-2011) his team finished with a dreadful 4-26 record overall. In the 2011-2012 season his team finished with 14 wins overall. In the 2012-2013 season, Czech led the Royals to their first NAIA National Tournament appearance in school history. Last season his team won 21 games.

Royals Attack:

The Royals look to continue their success under Coach Czech and will rely on three players.

Matt Green is a 5’9″ senior guard who is averaging 15.7 points per game while shooting 39.4 percent from the three- point line (13-33) and 43.4 percent from the field (33-76). He is known for hitting key threes in big moments of the game.

Kenny Morgan is 6’2″ senior guard transferring from Adams State University to the Royals. He is averaging 12.4 points per game while shooting 35 percent from the three-point line (7-20) and 52.1 percent from the field (25-48). He is strong driving to the basket.

Garrett Neilan is a 6’5″ junior wing who is averaging 11.2 points per game while shooting 36.4 percent from the three point line (4-11) and 42.6 percent from the field (23-54).

GSAC Outcome:

I am projecting the Royals to finish in a tie for second in the GSAC with the Vanguard University Lions. The Royals have six players that primarily contribute to their offensive attack. To win the GSAC they will need to find two more bench players to contribute on a consistent basis.

The GSAC (so far) According to Mark:

1st: The Master’s College Mustangs 

2nd: Hope International Royals

2nd: Vanguard Lions

3rd: Arizona Christian Firestorm

3rd: Concordia Eagles

4th: BIOLA University Eagles

5th: Westmont Warriors 

6th. San Diego Christian Hawks 

7th: William Jessup Warriors

Founded in 1960 as Southwestern Conservative Baptist Bible College, Arizona Christian University is a private, non-profit Christian university that is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. This university traces its roots back to Ida Clouse, a Christian missionary and registered nurse who moved to Arizona in 1917 under the Homestead Act. She opened the Clouse Ranch, which soon became a Christian retreat center. Upon her death in 1959, she left the ranch to the Arizona Baptist Convention to create a Christian college. In 2011 the university took on its current name Arizona Christian University.

Jeff Rutter’s Way:

The athletic teams are known as the Firestorm and the men’s basketball team is coached by Jeff Rutter. In his first season as Firestorm head coach (2012-2013) Rutter’s team made the GSAC Championship game and lost 112-111 in double overtime to the Concordia University Irvine Eagles. It was one of the most exciting games I have seen in the GSAC. The Firestorm’s leader the past two seasons, Talib Uqdah, scored 43 points and Tim Harris scored 38 points for the Eagles.

Firestorm’s Attack:

Photo Courtesy of Arizona Christian Firestorm Athletic Wesbite

With Uqdah graduating last season, the Firestorm will miss his consistent offensive output of 19.3 points per game average over two seasons. They will rely on three key players this year.

Charles King is a 6’1″ senior guard who is averaging 15 points per game while shooting 51.2 percent from the three-point line (22-43), and 44.1 percent from the field (30-68) so far this season. At 215 pounds his strength allows him to score inside via drives and his shooting touch makes him difficult to guard.

Shariff Watson is a 6’6″ junior forward who transferred to Arizona Christian from Azusa Pacific University. He is the definition of a swing player (can play both the small forward and power forward position). His slashing mentality allows him to get to the basket, make highlight dunks and draw fouls. He is averaging 14.5 points per game this season while shooting 85.2 percent from the free-throw line (23-27).

Brandon Newman is a 6-foot junior guard who is averaging 13.3 points per game this seasons while shooting 46.4 percent from the three-point line (13-28) and 44.8 percent from the field (26-58).

With King, Watson and Newman leading the way for the Firestorm, their offense will still be potent.

GSAC Prediction:

I project the Firestorm to finish tied in third in the GSAC with Concordia Eagles. While the Firestorm having five players averaging in double figures is impressive, they need some bench players to start contributing if they want to finish higher in the conference play.

The GSAC (so far) According to Mark:

1st: The Master’s College Mustangs

3rd: Arizona Christian Firestorm

3rd: Concordia Eagles

4th: BIOLA University Eagles

6th: Westmont Warriors

7th: San Diego Christian Hawks

8th: William Jessup Warriors 

In 1962, The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) built a Lutheran college in Irvine, California. This college was originally called Christ College and in 1973 Rev. Dr. Charles Manske became the first president. In February of 1993, the Board of Regents changed the school’s name to it’s current name Concordia University Irvine. This is the tenth campus in the national Concordia University System. The CUS is the second largest church-related school system in the United States.

Quick Facts:

Ken Ammann:

Concordia’s athletic teams are the Eagles. Their men’s basketball team is coached by Ken Ammann who enters his 14th season with the Eagles. He has won at least 21 games in 11 of his 13 seasons and has six 30 win seasons.

Photo Courtesy of Concordia Athletic Website

Eagles Attack:

This year’s Eagles team will rely on three players.

Matt Scott is a 6’4″ junior guard who can attack the basket and get to the free-throw line by drawing contact on drives.  Through seven games this season, Scott is shooting 71 percent from the free-throw line and 39.8% from the field. He is averaging 13.6 points per game. His athleticism allows him to finish plays on defense by rebounding the ball. He has 24 rebounds, 17 being defensive rebounds.

Stephen Grosey is a 6’6″ junior forward who is averaging  17.1 points per game and 11.9 rebounds through seven games. His aggressive play allows him to average a double double. Like Scott, Grosey is able to finish defensive plays off with rebounds. Of his 83 rebounds, 50 are on the defensive end.

Mario Soto is a 6’6″ freshman guard who takes care of the ball, makes threes and gets to the free-throw line. This season he has 15 assists and three turnovers. He is shooting 42.2 percent from the field, 37 percent from the three-point line and 92.3 percent from the free-throw line. His composure will help the Eagles this season.

GSAC Outcome:

I am projecting the Eagles to finish in a tie for third in the GSAC with the Arizona Christian Firestorm. The Eagles lost three key contributors from last season (Kiefer Douse, Josh Smith, and Montreal Harris) and will need bench players to develop if they want to finish higher in the GSAC.

The GSAC (so far) According to Mark:

1st: The Master’s College Mustangs

3rd: Arizona Christian Firestorm

3rd: Concordia University Eagles

4th: BIOLA University Eagles

6th: Westmont Warriors

7th: San Diego Christian Hawks 

8th: William Jessup Warriors 

In 1908, the Bible Institute of Los Angeles was founded by: Lyman Stewart, president of the Union Oil Company of California (Unocal); Thomas C. Horton, a Presbyterian minister and Christian author; Augustus B. Pritchard, also a Presbyterian minster.

The school was located at the corner of Sixth and Hope St. in downtown Los Angeles, California. In 1989 it took on its current name (Biola University) and re-located its current location (La Mirada, California). It is a non-denominational Evangelical Christian institution with 40 undergraduate majors and 145 professional fields of study.

Quick Facts:

Coach Holmquist:

Biola University’s athletic teams are the Eagles. Their men’s basketball team is led by one of the winningest coaches in college basketball history, dr. Dave Holmquist. He is the only active NAIA coach with over 800 wins. Entering his 37th year as a head coach at 35th year as head coach of the Eagles, his overall record is 883-339, including 847-296 in the GSAC.

To put his win total in perspective, Dr. Holmquist is ranked eighth all-time in college coaching wins, ahead of Dean Smith, Adolph Rupp, and Jim Calhoun. If the Eagles win 19 games this season, he will tie Bob Knight with 902 career wins, good for seventh on the all-time win list.

The 2014-15 Eagles have three seniors, two juniors, two sophomores, and nine freshmen.

Photo Courtesy of BIOLA Athletic Wesbite

The Eagles Attack:

There are three Eagles to keep an eye on.

Mike Kurtz is a 7-foot senior forward who will contest and block shots. He has a nice mid-range jump shot that keeps defenses from focusing on guards. He will keep plays alive with his rebounding.

Pierre Zook is a 5’10″ senior guard who has one of the quickest releases in the GSAC from three-point range. He was a 44 percent three-point shooter last season when he averaged 14.1 points per game. He will continue to be a focal point for the Eagles offense.

Dakari Archer is a 5’9” sophomore guard who has the speed to accelerate past defenses into the paint and make plays for himself and his teammates. He led the Eagles in free throw percentage last season at 83.7 percent.

GSAC Outlook:

I am projecting the Eagles to finish 4^th in the GSAC. The Eagles will need to find bench players to produce in order to compliment the consistent attack of Kurtz, Zook and Archer. The Eagles could finish higher than fourth if their freshmen develop quickly.

The GSAC (so far) According to Mark:

1st: The Master’s College Mustangs

4th: Biola University Eagles

6th: Westmont Warriors

7th: San Diego Christian Hawks

8th: William Jessup Warriors

In 1927, Los Angeles Baptist Theological Seminary was founded in Los Angeles, California by its first president, Dr. William Matthews. Renamed Los Angeles Bible College, the school moved to its current location of Newhall, California on what was once Happy Jack’s Dude Ranch, a 27-acre property in Placerita Canyon.

In 1985, Dr. John MacArthur succeeded the college’s fourth president Dr. John Dunkin and changed the school’s name to its current name, The Master’s College.

The Master’s College athletic teams are the Mustangs. I managed the Men’s Basketball team from 2010-2014. One well-known alumnus is Mike Penberthy who is the college’s all-time leader in

1. Scoring (2,616 points)
2. Three pointers made (444)
3. Free Throws made (516)
4. Free Throw Percentage (87.8%)

Penberthy is also a champion with the Los Angeles Lakers during the Kobe and Shaq era (2001).

The Mustangs had a coaching change this past offseason as Chuck Martin exited with an eight-year record of 131-118 (62-84 in GSAC). Injuries and lack of depth contributed to the Mustangs not making the NAIA National Tournament during Martin’s tenure.

2014-15 team photo courtesy of The Masters College website.

Ken Sugarman Era:

Reaching into the past, Athletic Director Steve Waldeck hired former Mustangs Women’s Basketball Head Coach Ken Sugarman to lead the men’s team.

Sugarman’s thirteen-year record with the Lady Mustangs was 265-151 (88-52 in GSAC). The Lady Mustangs made 7 NAIA National Tournament appearances, won two GSAC Tournament Championship titles, and made an NAIA Fab-4 appearance in 2006 under Sugarman. The Mustang were ranked in the top 25 nationally for 10 seasons in a row and posted a 100% graduation rate for four-year attenders. Waldeck and Sugarman hope for similar success with the men’s team.

Sugarman’s teams are known to play up-tempo with fast breaks on offense and play strong man-to-man defense.

Key Returners:

The Mustangs return four players from last year’s team and a player who suited up for the Mustangs two seasons ago. There are two returners worth noting.

1. Chris Patureau is a 6’6” 215 lb. Senior Forward who is considered a glue player. He crashes the glass for rebounds, can extend defenses with three-point range, sets solid screens to get teammates open, and is a terrific passer.
2. Reid Shackelford is a 6’ Sophomore Guard who is a deadly three-point shooter. Floor spacing is key for up-tempo teams and Reid will stretch defenses with his long-range shooting. He plays aggressive defense and dives for loose balls.

Key Additions:

Coach Sugarman signed 10 new players in his first recruiting class. There are two newcomers to keep an eye on.

Russell Byrd is a 6’8” 215 pound Senior Guard transferring to Master’s from Michigan State University.

His high school accomplishments include:

* 23.2 points and 10.1 rebounds per game as a senior at Blackhawk Christian.

*ESPNU Top 100 (61), Scout.com (82) and Rivals.com (115).

*Participated in the 2009 NBA Players Association Top 100 Camp, where he made 18 of his 26 attempts from the three-point line.

At Michigan State Russell battled injuries, which kept him from playing a significant amount of time for the Spartans. He transferred to Master’s to play his senior year for Coach Sugarman who will rely on his shooting, rebounding and passing ability. His father (Kelly) is second on the college’s all time career field goal percentage list at 58.7%.

J.P. Webster is a 6’1” 195 pound  Freshman Guard whose athleticism allows him to get to the paint with ease and rise for jumpers. His strength will allow him to stay in front of the opposition on defense and make them take contested shots. He will provide a scoring punch for the Mustangs too as he chases his father (Jason) who is on several of the program’s Top 10 lists.

 GSAC Outlook:

I’m projecting the Mustangs to finish first in the conference. I believe this is one of the deepest teams the Mustangs have had recently. There is a sense of renewed excitement with the new Mustangs coaching staff this year.

The GSAC (so far) According to Mark:

1st: The Master’s College Mustangs

4th: BIOLA University Eagles

6th: Westmont Warriors

7th: San Diego Christian Hawks

8th: William Jessup Warriors

Westmont College is located in beautiful Santa Barbara, California. Along with UCSB on the North side of town, college basketball fans have the  Westmont Warriors to enjoy around Montecito. Both teams have legendary coaches. Bob Williams is in his 17th season as Head Coach and he leads the Gauchos with a career record of 269-210. The 269 wins are the most in school history.

Head Coach John Moore leads the Warriors of Westmont College. His career record is 498-298 in 26 years as head coach of Fresno Pacific (1988-1993) and Westmont College (1993-present). He is entering his 22nd season as the leader of the Warriors and has only had 1 season with a losing record at Westmont (1996-97). His overall record with the Warriors is 419-224.

Quick Facts: 

Westmont College Warriors

Location:

Santa Barbara, CA

Where Warriors Play:

The Warriors play at Murchison Gymnasium on Westmont College’s campus.

The Princeton Offense:

Coach Moore has installed the Princeton as the primary offensive attack for the Warriors. He believes that every basket should come from an assist.

The Princeton Offense emphasizes:

1. Ball movement to find the open player.

2. Player movements via back-door cuts, as well as driving after on- ball pick and rolls and flaring or curling on off-ball pick and rolls.

3. Communication between players.

Why fans should be hopeful:

The Warriors opened this season with a win against Bethesda and the coaches got an idea of who they can lean on this season. There are three players in particular to focus on.

1. Britton Williams is a 5’11”, 170 lb. guard who transferred from Iona College. He also played a year at CSU Bakersfield. Entering his Junior Season and first year at Westmont, Britton is expected to lead the Warriors attack at the Point Guard position. Coach Moore’s Point Guards initiate the Princeton offense, wait for the power forward or center to set an on-ball screen for them, and look for the Shooting Guard to get open after an off-ball screen. Britton’s collegiate experience will help him transition into the leading role for the Warriors.

2. Daniel Carlin is a 6’9”, 245 lb. center entering his senior season for the Warriors. Last season he averaged 8.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. The Warriors need him to set strong screens for the guards, and be effective scoring in the low post, and defending the opponents post players.

3. Cory Blau is a 6’3” 190 lb. guard who played at Dana Hills High School. During his Senior Season at Dana Hills, he averaged 18 points per game, and shot 56% from the field including 43% from the three-point line. His ability to stretch the floor will give the Warriors Point Guards more space to operate. When the floor is spaced properly, shots will easier to make.

Why fans should be concerned:

The Warriors have three seniors, two juniors, five sophomores, and five freshmen. This is one of the youngest Warriors teams in recent memory. I’m picking them 7th in the GSAC due to their youth and inexperience. The top seven teams in the GSAC will battle each and every game, and I could see the Warriors finishing anywhere from 7th to 5th in the GSAC depending on how effectively they run their offense, and how quickly their young players mature on the court.