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Flyers look like they're missing Charles Little

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By Doug Harris, Staff Writer Updated 10:05 PM Thursday, November 26, 2009

Charles Little may not have had that big an impact statistically as a rebounder, but his presence sure is being missed at Dayton this year.

The 6-foot-6, 245-pound power forward was always one of the strongest players on the floor, and opponents were required to put a physical player on him to keep him away from the boards. His 4.1 rebound average last year was deceptive because foes always had to account for him. As Saint Joseph's coach Phil Martelli once said, "We don't have a Charles Little."

The Flyers no longer do, either. Chris Johnson, the 6-foot-6, 195-pound sophomore, is fanatical about going to the glass, but he's limited because of his lack of bulk. And I don't see the Flyers' inside players picking up the slack.

Three foes in Puerto Rico out-rebounded UD by a combined 28 boards. But senior center Kurt Huelsman, for one, doesn't believe Little's departure is the reason for the team's problems so far.

"I do think he made a big contribution to last year's team. But you know what, that still should never happen," Huelsman said. "No excuses at all. We have guys who are just as good as defenders and rebounders and (are Little's equal) size-wise and athletic-wise. I don't think it should be that big a difference."

One thing is for certain: Unless the Flyers find some answers in a hurry, they won't begin to reach the heights they did a year ago.

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I know that Kurt Huelsman is a popular player with the fans, but even though he can get in position to rebound he has bad hands. A good percentage of the time he will cleanly grab a rebound and get it knmocked away or stolen. Plus, he is usually reluctant to go to the the basket. The way they are calling blocking fouls this year and with his size, he should be scoring at least 10 pts a game. GO FLYERS!

Ken Moss
8:33 PM, 12/2/2009

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Seriously Kurt is a nice enough kid but it is 4 on 5 with him in there on the offensive end. Truly offensive. I think he has regressed if that is possible. This team will never win against big time teams until there is a low post/PF presence that can alter a teams defensive strategy. Until then it will be one and done in the NCAA. Yeah they will win games, mostly at home, but we will be wet paper in the tourney (NIT included).

Bryan Gard
1:48 AM, 11/28/2009

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I wonder how long we can continue winning without more scoring from the center positiion.

Bill in Dayton
8:14 PM, 11/27/2009

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The Flyers are not going to sneak up on anybody this year. They are the hunted not the hunter. Having said that I think the guys will be fine... Coach Gregory has plenty of things to correct but this team is talented enough to go on a great stretch of wins... Rob Lowery obviously is missed. Maybe the 12 man rotation will be cut back a little bit. This may have been the toughest 4 game open to a season the Flyers have had in recent memory. UD Arena will get the guys back on track... Go Flyers!!

Harry the Horse
7:28 PM, 11/27/2009

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Rob is the one that the Flyers are missing not CL

Doug
8:32 AM, 11/27/2009

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