Layer’s job status
Now that the season is over, everyone wants to know what Layer’s job status is. As of right now, he’s still Liberty’s head coach, and from everyone that I talk to it sounds like that will be the case for the 2014-15 season as well. That doesn’t mean things can’t change though.
2014-15 roster
We will have a more in depth look to next season in the coming days/weeks, but here’s what we know about the 2014-15 roster. There are 6 guys who have exhausted their eligibility – Antwan Burrus, JR Coronado, Joel Vander Pol, Davon Marshall, JC Sanders, and Casey Roberts. That leaves 7 scholarship players with eligibility who could remain – Tomasz Gielo, Andrew Smith, Sommy Ogukwe, Chad Donley, Joe Retic, Wesley Alcegaire, and Ryan Kemrite. Plug in the 5 signees – Evan Maxwell, Stavian Allen, Ezra Talbert, AC Reid, and Braxton Bonds – and you’re up to 12 of the 13 scholarships filled.
That doesn’t factor in the likelihood of turnover. Chad Donley and Sommy Ogukwe would both be seniors next year, and neither look to get much playing time. So, if either leaves, it will not be a surprise. The other 5 returnees are likely to stay.
We also have our Scholarship Grid permanently fixed to our site for your viewing pleasure. It’s updated frequently as changes to the roster are made.
Retic looks to become a permanent starter next season
2014-15 starting lineup
With 6 seniors moving on, 4 of whom saw significant time as a starter, what will next year’s starting lineup be? Great question. Joe Retic should enter the season as the starter at point with incoming freshman Braxton Bonds pushing him for playing time. Tomasz Gielo and Drew Smith will be penciled into two forward spots. Those 3 are certain, the other 2 are certainly up for debate. Ryan Kemrite, who redshirted this year, could make a push for the other guard spot. Then one of the freshman forwards (Allen, Talbert, or Reid) could break into the starting 5. Of course, I’m expecting Layer to bring in 1 or 2 JUCOs to round out this class who could work their way into the top 5.
Women advance to Semis
Liberty’s women’s basketball team defeated Presbyterian 67-42 Thursday night to move to the semifinals of the Big South Tournament. The Lady Flames held the Blue Hose to under 30% from the field in the game. Liberty got a bit of payback from a 46-43 loss to the Blue Hose on February 13th. Since then the Lady Flames have won 6 straight games and are in the semifinals of the conference tournament for the 18th straight season. Liberty, the 2 seed, will face 3 seed Winthrop. The Flames swept the season series with the Eagles.
Baseball beats Duke
Liberty’s baseball team defeated Duke 8-2 in 11 innings on Wednesday afternoon. Ryan Seiz had a bases-clearing double as part of a six run 11th inning to give Liberty the edge. The Flames are now 8-6 on the season, and play host to Kent State this weekend as part of a 4 game series.
New Poll
We’ve got a new poll on the site for the month of March. Who was the most pleasant individual surprise for you during the 2013-14 basketball season? Let us know your thoughts, Drew Smith is the current leader.
FlameFans thread of the week
Liberty held their annual Pro Day earlier this week, and it was discussed in the Liberty’s Proday 2014 thread on FlameFans.
