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August 1st,
2006
By Joel
Welser
Broadcast Basketball
Kent State Golden Flashes
Overall Rank:
#102
Conference
Rank: #4 MAC
2005-06:
25-9, 15-3, 1st East
2005-06
postseason: NCAA
 Nine of the ten
players who saw any action last year for
Kent State played at
least 12 minutes per game. Thus, despite losing four of those
players, the Flashes have plenty of experienced options to take
over. The roster doesn’t sound intimidating, but Coach Jim
Christian always has his team ready to battle for a MAC title.
Who’s Out:
Jay Youngblood and DeAndre Haynes saw most of the minutes in the
backcourt last season. The seniors combined for 27.6 points and
6.1 assists per outing. The frontcourt loses a couple quality
players as well in Kevin Warzynski and Nate Gerwig. Warzynski
averaged 10.5 points and a team high 5.1 rebounds, while Gerwig
tacked on 6.4 points and 3.9 boards in 22 starts.
Who’s In:
Even without
the newcomers, the Flashes have a quality starting five.
However, there is some talent coming in and KSU will need them
to provide some depth. Haminn Quaintance won’t be coming off
the bench though. The 6-7 power forward averaged 13.6 points
and 8.9 rebounds for Jacksonville two years ago before opting to
transfer to Kent State. The former A-Sun rookie of the year and
two time first-team all-conference player will be one of the
most athletic players in the MAC and keeps this squad towards
the top of the conference. At 6-11 and reportedly impressive
during his redshirt season, center Brandon Parks could make a
big splash up front for Kent State. Chris Singletary isn’t
officially a member of the team yet, but assuming he makes it to
campus, the 6-4 point guard is a great pickup for Coach
Christian. Singletary will get his chance this season and
should be one of the best in the MAC in a few years. Fellow
incoming freshman point guard Rodriguez Sherman will provide
some depth at the position and Mike McKee and Thurman Sutton
will help out on the wings. Sutton, a transfer from Los Angeles
Harbor Community College, is an athletic slasher and, with his
experience, is expected to contribute right away.
Who to Watch:
Despite starting 13 games as a freshman, Jordan Mincy doesn’t
have the experience one would like to see from a point guard.
Mincy averaged 1.7 points and 1.4 assists last year, but will
see an increase in numbers with a drastic increase in playing
time. Mincy has some help if things go bad in the backcourt.
Omni Smith was the super sub last year and should find himself
in a starting role this season. The juco transfer averaged 8.1
points during his first season in Kent and should increase his
scoring production for his senior campaign, especially if he can
knock down the three-ball with a little more consistency. Armon
Gates, the senior leader, averaged 6.9 points and 2.3 rebounds
last year and will be looked upon to provide the backcourt
leadership.
Final
Projection:
With Quaintance
on the squad, the frontcourt won’t have many problems. Mike
Scott and Isaac Knight will cover the other starting spot and
provide the depth in the paint. Scott can handle either forward
spot and step out to hit the long ball. Knight averaged 4.1
points and 3.5 boards as a freshman and the 6-7 forward is
expecting bigger things this season.
Projected
Post-season Tournament:
none
Projected
Starting Five:
Jordan Mincy,
Sophomore, Guard, 1.7 points per game
Armon Gates,
Senior, Guard, 6.9 points per game
Omni Smith,
Senior, Guard, 8.1 points per game
Mike Scott,
Junior, Forward, 7.0 points per game
Haminn
Quaintance, Junior, Forward, DNP last season
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