Bob West: Injuries, absence of good shooters doomed Lamar

[Guest coachacola]

Last summer, when Steve Roccaforte was courting two assistant coaches — Tic Price and Silvey Dominguez — he desperately wanted to add to his staff at Lamar University, the one qualifier he offered on the chances of Cardinal success turned into a prophesy of impending doom.

“I told them we had an experienced group of players back from a championship team that had a definite upside,†Roc reflected in the aftermath of a season that ended ugly and prematurely Saturday night. “I said I thought we could win our division, the conference and go to the NCAA tournament, as long as we stayed relatively healthy.

“The concern I expressed to them was that we were a little thin depth wise, and that there were two players we couldn’t afford to lose for any length of time, or we’d be in trouble. Those two players were Justin Nabors and Kenny Dawkins.â€

The team’s most improved player, 6-10 Coy Custer, suffered a knee injury early in the season and is headed to surgery. He was so hobbled, he never practiced after the Texas Tech game in December, but was still able to be a difference maker in short spurts.

About next year:

For Lamar to rebound, Roccaforte is going to have to sign some bigger guards who can shoot. Ironically, after three years, the knock on him is more in the area of recruiting than coaching. The TJ ex has proven over and over he’s a good, solid coach.

What he still needs to establish is that he can bring in players able to dominate games in the Southland Conference. With at least six scholarships available next year, he’ll have another golden opportunity.

So far it looks like Roc has signed 5 HS players, 2 5-11 PGs (Nuno and Garza), and 3 big guys (Wesley, Brown and Osis).  I also read he signed 6-5 JUCO guard EB Davis and 6-5 guard Moton signed last year and will be eligible next year.  Throw in a healthy Custer, Nwevo and Nabors with the other returnees and we'll see what happens.

http://www.panews.com/sportsbobwest/local_story_069211227.html?keyword=topstory

[Guest mffl]

Well it should be an interesting year next year, I really have no idea what to expect, maybe frustration while watching younger players. But if some of them develop like Anthony Miles developed, then I think we'll be ok.

[Lazeek]

What about the kid from PA that is at Lee College??????  I thought that LU got a verbal from him.

[badndn]

I have low expectations for next year. Just hope to finish in the top 8 with all the youth. The following year, when Miles and Harper are juniors and Coy, Moton and Williams are Seniors I look for a run at the title.

[Guest abovetherim]

Man, I just hope for a better season next year. Roc needs to get them at least into the SLC tournament.

[badndn]

I just don't see anyone on our current roster that can take over a game and dominate in the SLC! We all knew this year that KD (when healthy) could do this. AD could do this a few years back as well, but who next year?