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Constant subbing keeps UD fresh

Only one other Top 25 team last season had 12 players average at least 8 minutes per game.

Last season, Brian Gregory would regularly sub out players. Marcus Johnson led the Flyers at 28.3 per game, while 12th man Stephen Thomas averaged 8.8.

Staff Photo by Teesha McClam Last season, Brian Gregory would regularly sub out players. Marcus Johnson led the Flyers at 28.3 per game, while 12th man Stephen Thomas averaged 8.8.

By Doug Harris, Staff Writer Updated 4:21 AM Friday, November 13, 2009

DAYTON — The University of Dayton men’s basketball team tended to wear down opponents last season with its hefty 12-man rotation, and coach Brian Gregory plans to leave foes with their tongues dangling and lungs heaving again this year.

The 21st-ranked Flyers have 12 eligible scholarship players — junior guard Josh Parker is sitting out because of transfer rules — and all 12 have made enough of an impression to get meaningful minutes.

“I’m not a socialist. You have to earn your playing time. ... (But) I feel comfortable playing everybody right now,” Gregory said.

The Flyers were forced to adopt an 11-man rotation last year when point guard Rob Lowery was sidelined with a knee injury Feb. 11. Gregory sometimes opted to go just 10 deep to avoid defensive mismatches.

But the minutes were spread liberally throughout the roster. Marcus Johnson led the Flyers at 28.3 per game, while 12th man Stephen Thomas averaged 8.8.

“I like it because once we switch guys, they can bring the same type of energy as whoever was out there,” sophomore sub Paul Williams said. “It’s good here to play 20-something minutes because you have to give it all you’ve got. You can’t go 110 percent and expect to play 40 minutes.”

Among the Associated Press Top 25, Mississippi State was the only other rated team to have 12 players average at least eight minutes per game. Minnesota and Michigan had 11 each. All other ranked teams rotated eight to 10 players.

But Gregory wants a frenetic defense and an up-tempo offense, and even the best-conditioned Flyer couldn’t play at an unrelenting pace for more than a few minutes without taking a breather.

“It’s cool because it keeps everybody fresh,” starting point guard London Warren said of the constant subbing. “We know it’s never going to be a letdown if you come out of the game because we’ve got good players at every position.

“Sometimes I feel like I could have gone a little longer, but most times when I get a sub, I need that sub. I’m happy to see my teammate coming to get me.”

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2125 or at dharris@DaytonDailyNews.com

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