MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama men’s basketball coach Ronnie Arrow and his staff have begun individual workouts, working with players two hours per week in preparation for the 2009-10 season.
Departures From Last Season
The Jaguars lost DeAndre Coleman, Brandon Davis and Ronald Douglas to graduation, and DeAndrae Ross and C.J. Garner transferred out of the program.
Returning Experience
Senior Phillip Tabet and redshirt junior Charles Tabet are returning letterwinners who play inside, though neither started a game last season. DeAndre Hersey redshirted last season. Seniors Bryan Sherrer and LaShun Watson are the other returning players with game experience.
Arrow on the Roster
Arrow has added a mix of junior college transfers and freshman signees to fill out the roster. He said the team will have more size, quickness and outside shooting than last season.
“We will be bigger, quicker and better shooters on the outside than we were last year,” Arrow said. “LaShun Watson, Tim Williams and Martino Brock bring a lot of size and quickness to the wing.”
Arrow also praised the work of the veterans and newcomers in the early sessions. “The seniors have shown good leadership and have been able to share their knowledge in how to do the drills and what we expect of them,” he said. “The newcomers have put forth a good effort in learning the system.”
Newcomer Rob Phillips
Among the newcomers is Rob Phillips, a 2006 high school graduate who averaged 23.1 points per game at Charis Prep while shooting 57 percent from 3-point range and 92 percent from the free-throw line.
Staff Opening
Arrow has not yet named a replacement for longtime assistant coach Andy Helton.
South Alabama competes in the Sun Belt Conference and plays its home games at the Mitchell Center.
