The game has already started, so I will keep this brief. 3 starters are gone from the UALR team that won at Moody last year, including leading scorer Solomon Bozeman, and leading rebounder Eric Kibi. Sixth man Matt Mouzy, who was 3rd on the team in scoring last year is also gone, so all together the departed players accounted for more than 65% of last years offense.
Sophomore guards Chuck Guy and Deandre Williams split time at point guard last year, and are trying to pick up the scoring slack this season, but its not working out very well. Their shooting percentages and assist numbers are both down, and UALR has struggled to a 2-5 record, including an embarrassing loss to Northwest Louisiana.
Williams and Guy are both listed as 5'10, but that is probably a stretch. Overall, UALR doesnt start anyone over 6'6", and rebounding has been a problem area. Guy and Williams are bothing shooting just 25% from outside 3-point range, so when a team has no inside presence and cant knock down shots from outside, thats a recipe for an ugly season.
UALR does have some size on its bench, newcomers Will Neighbors and Michael Javes are both listed at 6'10, and both are seeing consistent minutes off the bench. Neighbors si already the teams best rebounder, and is averaging 10 ppg off the bench, so he may work his way into the starting 5 fairly soon.
Senior forward Courtney Jackson is the other returning starter from last season. Jackson is a little short for a post player (6'6) but he does the best he can with what he has, averaing 8 points and 4 rebounds.
Thats all, game is underway and SMU is down 12 already.