DaytonDailyNews.com

OXFORD — When Tyler Dierkers is on the basketball court he normally stays out of the spotlight.

That doesn't make Miami University basketball coach Charlie Coles appreciate him any less.

"If we had a musical group, he would be the piano player," Coles said of his 6-foot-8, 220-pound senior. "Most of the time, he's playing below the vocalist. The piano is in the background; he's never the leading vocalist. He's always doing something, but you never notice him.

"We're expecting him to do a few solos this year."

That would be fine with the RedHawks, who lost one of their leading "vocalists" last season with the departure of Tim Pollitz.

Dierkers, who will play some center and some forward, came into his own last season, averaging 6.1 points and 6.4 rebounds and ranking second on the team with 79 assists.

"He understands the game on both offense and defense," Coles said. "He's a very unselfish player. He really has no need to prove anything, other than going out and having fun. I've never questioned his wanting to win or his place on this team. He's the perfect teammate."

Especially where Pollitz was concerned. He and Dierkers always seemed to be on the same page, one feeding the other the ball without looking, setting screens for each other.

"It's definitely a little different this year," Dierkers said, noting, however, that there will be plenty of interaction with the returning RedHawks.

"We're playing a more open post offense, more cutting and passing," Dierkers said. "We're trying to get more driving opportunities for our guards because we're very skilled on the wing positions."

"He's working the same way with (Michael) Bramos this year as he did with (Tim) Pollitz," Coles noted.

Coles also expects Dierkers to be more of a scorer.

"He's working after practice on his shot, and his shooting looks pretty good," Coles said. "He's got the other things. He's a good passer, good defender, good athlete."

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2197 or pconrad@coxohio.com.

Tyler Dierkers file

Year: Senior

Size: 6-foot-8, 220 pounds | Position: Center/forward

Last season: Made 28 starts, was second among Miami players in rebounding (6.4 per game) and assists (79), averaged 6.1 points, received the Darrell Hedrick Most Improved Player award.

Career highs: Points (18), rebounds (13), assists (10), steals (4), blocked shots (2).