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October 2nd,
2006
By Joel
Welser
Broadcast Basketball
Air Force
Falcons
Overall Rank:
#38
Conference
Rank: #1 MWC
2005-06:
24-7, 12-4, 2nd (t)
2005-06
postseason: NCAA
 Picking
Air
Force to make the NCAAs last year was a risky proposition. The
Falcons were coming off of a good season, but with a new coach
and lacking a history of success, many wrote off Air Force
during the 2005-2006 campaign and described the recent success
of Air Force as lucky. Yet, there were the Falcons once again
towards the top of the Mountain West and in the NCAA
Tournament. With four starters back and the return of the
injured Nick Welch, Air Force won’t accept anything less than
another trip to the big dance this season. And the rest of the
country better be paying attention by now.
Who’s Out:
The
loss of last year’s leading scorer Antoine Hood will leave some
questions at the two guard spot. Hood averaged 14.9 points, 3.7
rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.5 steals during his senior season in
Colorado Springs, Colorado. Seldom used forward Marc Holum has
also run out of eligibility.
Who’s In:
Nick Welch
averaged 12.0 points and 3.6 rebounds per game two years ago
before missing last season due to a foot injury. Back and
healthy, the 6-8 center should return to his form that earned
him Co-Player of the year honors as a sophomore in 2004. Welch
is a solid three point shooter, passer and defender and his
presence will drastically change the teams look. Incoming
freshmen Grant Parker and Zach Walker will add some more depth
at the forward spots. Parker, a 6-7 Aurora, Colorado native, is
a versatile team player. His range takes him out to the three
point line, but he’s not afraid to mix it up under the basket
either. Walker earned all-conference accolades during his
senior campaign at St. Mark’s School in Dallas, Texas. The 6-8,
185 pounder can stand to bulk up a bit, but will contribute
before his time is up at Air Force.
Who to Watch:
The
frontcourt may be the strength of the team, but the backcourt is
underappreciated and will have some interesting battles for
playing time in the fall. Matt McCraw averaged 10.8 points per
game and will once again be starting on the perimeter. Dan
Nwaelele is a tremendous outside shooter, but his defensive
liabilities mean the 6-5 wing is best suited to play at the
small forward spot. Replacing Antoine Hood is where it gets
interesting. Tim Anderson has the experience, but would
ironically be the worst long range shooter in the starting
five. Sophomores Anwar Johnson and Andrew Henke have the
potential to see a drastic increase in minutes. Antoine’s
brother, Adam Hood, has seen little playing time over his two
seasons at Air Force, but is a candidate to help replace his
brother’s production.
Final
Projection:
Heading into
last year John Frye had scored one point during his collegiate
career. Frye took over for the injured Welch and averaged 5.7
points and 3.3 rebounds while starting all 31 games. Frye is
expected to return to the bench with Welch back, but at least
the Falcons will have some experienced depth up front for the
first time in a while. Jacob Burtschi earned second-team all
MWC honors last year, averaging 12.4 points and a team high 6.1
boards. The 6-6 senior will be starting beside Welch at the
power forward spot. The depth up front is a huge asset and will
allow the Falcons to remain fresh down the stretch. The only
concern is replacing Antoine Hood, but there are plenty of
options and Coach Jeff Bzdelik won’t take long to find who fits
best with his system.
Projected
Post-season Tournament:
NCAA
Projected
Starting Five:
Matt McCraw,
Senior, Guard, 10.8 points per game
Tim Anderson,
Junior, Guard, 4.5 points per game
Dan Nwaelele,
Senior, Forward, 11.8 points per game
Jacob Burtschi,
Senior, Forward, 12.4 points per game
Nick Welch,
Senior, Center, DNP last season
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