Today we turn our heads to the 2012-13 season and what we can expect for the Lancers. Certainly Longwood fans have a lot to be excited about in joining the Big South and the addition of six quality players to Mike Gillian’s lineup. There is a chance that one more player could be added for next season, but the class is pretty much rounded out. Given the additions and the players set to return for the Lancers, I’d expect a lot of smaller lineups and three guard sets. These sets certainly aren’t foreign to Mike Gillian who started last season with Jeremiah Bowman, Martez Washington, and Tristan Carey.
Returning Lancers
Tristan Carey, 6’4, Junior: TT will return for his junior year as the primary scoring option for Mike Gillian’s offense. In his first year as a Lancer the LaSalle transfer averaged 13 points and lead the team in assists. Obviously with the rash of injuries and the loss of Durann Neil and Bowman for other reasons, TT was thrown into some roles that were not ideal for him. This year should be different as primary ball-handling duties will likely be turned over to the incoming freshman and TT can flourish on the wing. TT has the best chance to be an all-Big South performer than anyone else on our roster, don’t be surprised to see him listed as a 1st or 2nd teamer at Big South media day this fall.
David Robinson, 6’4, Junior: Robinson has the opportunity to grab some valuable starting minutes last year but was derailed by injury. He did however end up being the Lancers primary scoring option off the bench, averaging over seven point per game last year. The biggest question with Robinson is, will he start? He certainly has the skillset to do so, and fans should be excited about what he brings to the table. But with the way next year’s lineup may pan out the best option for Robinson may be being the sixth man once again and bringing a spark off the bench. Some guys just seem better suited for coming off the bench (think Manu Ginobli) and Robinson is one of those guys in my opinion.
Anthony Taylor, 6’2, R-Sophomore: With injuries and departures piling up last year Taylor was forced to receive a baptism by fire. He even started seven games for the Lancers late in the season. Taylor ended up averaging just over three points per game and showed some flashes of developing into a decent role player at the latter end of Gillian’s bench. His primary downfall was taking care of the basketball, he had 43 turnovers to just 23 assists. It’ll be interesting to see what kind of role Taylor has in 2012-13 given the influx of freshman talent.
Stephen Shockley, 6’0, Senior: Shockley will find himself as the lone Senior next year for the squad. He appeared in 20 games last year, averaging about six minutes. Obviously Shockley isn’t the most talented player on the Lancers bench, but what he lacks in talent he makes up for in hustle. He will once again be able to give the Lancers some high intensity minutes off the bench, in a pinch next year.
New Additions
Nik Brown, 6’2, Freshman: Brown comes to Farmville via the Middleburg Academy and was ranked as one of the top twenty-five players in the state. The primary advantage that Brown will have is the fact he’s been with the team and practicing since December. Brown is very much a combo guard who can score and distribute the basketball. Brown is also supposed to be a solid defensive player who can guard multiple positions. I would be surprised not to see Brown in the starting lineup come November, the only question is will he be the primary ball-handler?
Lucas Woodhouse, 6’0, Freshman: The Lancers introduced Elwood recently but will be introducing LWood this fall. Out of all the recruits coming to Longwood this season Woodhouse is the one that I’m most excited about. He’s not the biggest guard, standing 6’0, 155 lbs but he knows how to win and lead Harborfield (NY) High School to several championships over the past two years. Woodhouse has an extremely high basketball IQ and has averaged a double-double for the past two years. Woodhouse can certainly be the primary offensive facilitator for the Lancers, but the question is will he be right away? Could a three guard set featuring Woodhouse, Brown, and Carey be Mike Gillian’s best option in November?
Photo via Newsday
