Division I regional track finals
Fenwick graduation 2012
Ponitz graduation 2012
Home > Blogs > Flyer Connection: University of Dayton sports > Archives > 2008 > November > 18
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Flyers will need help from freshmen
Dayton wanted to unveil its new uptempo style in the season-opener against Wofford on Sunday, but the methodical pace of the visitors and UD’s own failings on the defensive glass kept that from happening.
I think the Flyers need to brace themselves for more slow-down tactics from opponents, at least in the non-conference schedule. An up-and-down game favors UD because of its athleticism, and coaches are too smart not to figure that out.
But the Flyers still have to be better than they were on offense in the 52-49 victory, even if they get mired in a low-possession game — and I think they will be.
Why? Well, for starters, the freshmen are much more skilled than they showed in their first official outing.
I watched Chris Johnson, Luke Fabrizius and Paul Williams during summer pick-up games, during preseason practice and in two exhibitions, and the all looked like they’re ready to contribute immediately. Against Wofford, though, they were obviously nervous and finished 0-for-3 from the field while playing a combined 12 minutes.
Johnson air-balled a 3-pointer from the corner. Fabrizius had two turnovers in two minutes. Yep, pretty ugly. But I believe that was an aberration.
Junior Marcus Johnson and sophomore Chris Wright are poised for terrific seasons, but they can’t carry the load by themselves. The Flyers probably are going to need production from the newcomers, and I think they’ll get it.
