SUSLA men's basketball bolstered by experience, size

The Southern University, Shreveport hoopsters look forward to a season with increased experience and some valuable 'big men' in the paint. David Francis, SUSLA head basketball coach of eight years, says he has never seen a Port City Jags team like this one.

"This could be one of my better talented teams." Francis said. "'We could be very deep. We're returning seven kids back and we had a good recruiting year. We finally got some size."

The recruitment net scooped up 6-foot-8 post player Willie Morning from Houston and 6-foot-6 Charles Buckner from Bossier High School.

SUSLA also returns seven players from last year's 24-7 team. Kenny Johnson, the state's Junior College Player of the Year last season, returns along with his 19-points-per-game scoring average. Johnson will likely be joined in the starting lineup try guards Marquel Allen and Alvin Brass.

The Port City Jags also scored with Junior Treasur, talented freshman point guard from Houston. The final starting position will go to either Morning or Buckner.

With the added depth, Francis' biggest challenge may be providing prime minutes on the court for his players. His solution will be to substitute "five in and five out."

"It's kind of hard when you bring most talented kids in because they are used to being the main man on the team,'" Francis said. "We've got a bunch of talent. We can sub in three teams."

The Port City Jags hosted Ouachita November 1 in their season-opener.