Bonds, Tennessee, & NCAA violations
Tennessee self-reported two NCAA violations related to former Liberty signee Braxton Bonds. The violation comes from two impermissible phone calls made by former Tennessee head coach Donnie Tyndall to Bonds before they were given permission to contact him. Bonds was probably Liberty’s highest rated recruit from last year’s class, and him not ever dressing for the Flames definitely hurt the 2014-15 edition of the team. It’s interesting to think what could have been if Bonds stuck to his original commitment.

mckay6Flames to face VCU
Coach McKay will face one of the best mid-major programs in the country this season as his Flames will play at VCU on December 27th in Richmond. The Rams announced their 2015-16 men’s basketball non-conference schedule on May 29th. The Richmond Times Dispatch reveals this is part of a home and home series with VCU expected to make the return trip to the Vines Center during the 2016-17 season.

Dembley transfers to Williston State
Former Liberty point guard Jordan Dembley is transferring to Williston State College, a JUCO in Williston, North Dakota. Dembley played just one season at Liberty where he played in 25 games and started 10. He averaged 2.5 points, 1.7 assists, and 1.2 rebounds per game last year with the Flames. Dembley is originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Football recruiting heats up
Unless you’ve had your head buried in the sand the past week, you have noticed the Flames’ coaching staff have ramped up their intensity and focus in their recruiting circles. Liberty has handed out, somewhere in the neighborhood of, 25-30 offers to rising high school senior prospects since last Friday. There have also been at least 2 unofficial visits made by Ethan Crawford and Mike Welsh. Crawford ended up committing to Coach Gill and Liberty earlier this week, becoming Liberty’s first commit in the Class of 2016.

“Around the League”
We have started a new series this summer called “Around the League.” In it, we will interview a key member of each Big South football team as we continue to preview the 2015 football season. Our first installment, just published Wednesday, features Big South newcomer Kennesaw State. We spoke with KSU’s Athletic Director Vaughn Williams as we discussed the brand-new football program. What are their first year goals? Have there been any discussions to join the Big South for all sports? Williams answer these and other questions. Over the next several weeks, we will interview various players and coaches from each Big South football member, so be on the look out for our next Around the League installment!

FlameFans thread of the week
We’re gearing up for our annual “Best of Lynchburg” summer contest on FlameFans with this week’s thread of the week, Best of Lynchburg ’15 Suggestions. Is there a new restaurant or hotel in town you just love? Maybe a new food truck? Drop in and let us know what the best hidden gym in the greater Lynchburg area is!