Maybe you’re a relatively new Liberty fan and weren’t along for the ride during Coach McKay’s first stint at LU (2007-2009). Or maybe you are trying to reconcile how much of an impact the past 6 seasons at defensive-minded Virginia have impacted McKay’s offensive-mind? Whatever the case may be, here’s 5 qualities that will define his Liberty teams:

1. Get used to the Flames shooting a ton of 3-pointers.

Photo courtesy: Liberty.edu

During the 2008-09 Liberty season, McKay’s team set a school record for most made 3-pointers. 4 of the top 5 single season 3-point field goals made performances in Liberty history came during McKay’s 2 seasons as head coach.

2. The point guard will be asked to penetrate and kick it out to 3-point shooters.

Photo courtesy: Liberty.edu

To go along with point #1, McKay likes his point guards to drive into the lane, collapse the defense, and kick it out to the perimeter to open 3-point shooters.

3. Pack-line defense.

He told us last week he was bringing it with him from Virginia, but it will take some time to implement.

4. He will recruit and play the best 5, regardless of position.mckay7

Remember his 2nd season at Liberty? His starting lineup consisted of 5 guards with the tallest player among the starters being 6’6″.

5. He will recruit high-level basketball players.

McKay really had just 1 full recruiting class his first go-around with the Flames, but that class produced the likes of Seth Curry and Jesse Sanders. Sure, Curry transferred, but his talent was obvious. And Sanders is one of the all-time greats to wear a Liberty uniform. His 2nd full recruiting class was going to feature guys like Darius Theus, Ovie Soko, and Bo Barnes.