Flyer Prospectus Part 2: Forwards/ Centers

Having worked for the Flyers two years ago, I quickly learned the consistent mantra at practices and in the huddle from the coaches: rebound! Player size and position was totally irrelevant. On defense, giving up an offensive rebound was a let down to the team, while on offense, not pursuing the rebound hard showed a lack of effort.

In short, the coach’s stressed the need to win the rebounding battle every possession.

This year, much of this responsibility will fall (literally) on the shoulders of Kurt Huelsman and Charles Little who will look to improve their team rebounding margin from last year. Huelsman was the only Flyer to start every game last year which proved his reliability and ability to perform as a freshman to Coach Gregory and his staff’s expectations.

“Kurt really was one of our most dependable players last year, explaining why he was the only player to start every game. That really says a lot for our confidence in Kurt and his level of play, especially as a freshman”, said Coach Schmidt.

To help anchor the interior alongside Little and Huelsman will be Barton County Community College transfer Thiago Cordiero of Brazil and Devin Searcy from Romulus Senior High School (MI). Both bring an important skill set that will fit nicely into the Flyer attack on both ends of the floor. Cordiero provides much welcomed length and an interior blocking presence coming off a season where he averaged 4.3 blocks per game. He’s a mobile post player with a nice touch around the basket who plays an international style of basketball.

Finally, Devin Searcy brings “innate timing around the basket both offensively and defensively”, according to Coach Gregory. Coach Schmidt mentioned he has a very good sense for the game and has a real desire to learn from the coaching staff to improve.

“Devin has had a very productive summer and we look forward to him giving us a lift this year”, said Schmidt.

Last year, Brian Gregory’s Flyers out rebounded their opponents by a margin of +0.4. Simply put, that margin was unacceptable and should change this year with a new commitment to rebounding and the infusion of new talent. An increase in rebounding will serve as the catalyst to being able to play more in the open floor and increasing scoring opportunities, which is music to all Flyer fans ears.

Stay tuned to Flyercountry.com for more updates as we approach the regular season!