Mcneese State Getting Inside
by Sports Xchange
That's not the way Ford should have ended his time with the Cowboys. Nor is it the way Jarvis Bradley should have exited. But the upset of Sam Houston was just missed, and the two pillars of the team over the past few years now are gone.
It's not a full-scale rebuilding effort, but there are three huge gaps to fill, though the team managed to get another season of eligibility for center Kleon Penn, the fourth-leading shot-blocker in the nation.
But make no mistake, especially on offense, this now is John Pichon's team. The athletic forward was hobbled by an ankle injury early last season, but showed burst in the second half and finished only behind Bradley and Ford as team-leading scorers. Pichon is a tough defender, an exciting athlete who now will do much to carry this team.
Outside shooter Diego Kapelan had his moments, and sometimes was all or nothing. If he shows a little more consistency this season, the Cowboys should be back to the tournament.
Guard Stephan Martin played understudy to Ford while finding his shot. He should emerge at the point this season, giving McNeese a nice perimeter attack.
The inside game is suspect, and it is here that the Cowboys will find the make or break part of the season. Someone needs to help Penn now that Bradley is gone. forward Rorey Lawrence and forward Aldryan Wardell are gone, siphoning the depth. Junior college transfers Jamarcus Little, at 6-8, 255 pounds, and 6-9 Elbryan Neal could be inside bruisers who will help.
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