Coach Layer, Flames look for healthy start

Men’s basketball focuses on the upcoming season with their first test coming up against the Richmond Spiders

A new year of Liberty Flames basketball has crept up on us, and for Head Coach Dale Layer and crew, staying healthy is key.

Early injuries to players cost the Flames its first eight of 10 games last season. As those players slowly returned, the Flames were able to win five out of seven games late in the season before being ousted in the quarterfinals of the Big South Tournament to Charleston Southern.

New faces - Jarred Jourdan is one of many transfers Liberty acquired. Photo credit: Ruth Bibby

“We are a different team without Jesse Sanders, but we got a nucleus of a really good team,” Layer said. “If we stay healthy, it’s a team that can contend for a championship in the Big South.”

Forward Sommy Ogukwe was one of the players who was unable to play last season after he suffered a severe knee injury.

Ogukwe’s presence will give added depth to the front court along with the return of forwards Antwan Burrus and Tomasz Gielo. However, 6’10’’ center Joel Vander Pol will miss the beginning of the season.

“I think it will be the best front court we have had in a long time since I’ve been at Liberty,” Layer said. “Sommy is back, he is about 95 percent, Tomasz is much improved, Antwan has been our best player throughout the preseason. We need Vander Pol back, but we are deeper and more athletic in the front court since I have been here.”

Vander Pol is currently receiving treatment for a nagging back injury. Last year, he played throughout the season with this injury, appearing in 29 contests.

Training camp impressions

Layer has collected five transfers, some of which will see playing time early in the year. One is transfer Davon Marshall from Monroe College. After an impressive training camp, Marshall has gotten the nod at the starting point guard position.

“Davon Marshall has molded well into the team,” guard John Caleb Sanders said. “He will most likely be our starting point guard. He is real unselfish, but a very good scorer. He is not Jesse (Sanders), but he is a different style of player.”

Combo guard freshman Wesley Alcegaire is another player who has progressed well in Layer’s team. Alcegaire is one of two Florida high school recruits who entered the Liberty basketball program, the other being guard Larry Taylor.

“Everyone is trying find each other’s game out and trying to fit into the coach’s system,” guard Tavares Speaks said. “I think the point we are at now, we are looking pretty good.”

The Flames ended training camp with a blue-white scrimmage that drew to a 65-65 tie. J. C. Sanders posted a double-double with a game high 20 points and 10 rebounds.

“As a team, we have progressed well during boot camp,” J.C. Sanders said. “We need to look forward to get ready for Richmond next Friday night.”

Season Outlook

In the preseason polls, Liberty is predicted to finish fourth in the North Division of the Big South Conference. The Flames were also invited to the Legend Classic, where they will face Big East opponent Georgetown University, and will host an ESPN BracketBuster game for the second time in three years.

Liberty opens its season on the road when it travels to Richmond Friday, Nov. 9. The first home game is against William & Mary Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. in the Vines Center.

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