Tonight at 7 p.m., another year tips off for the Liberty Flames men’s basketball team, but why should you care? Liberty has been blessed with the joy of some national attention in the last five years. Whether it’s due to a highly talented quarterback or a Cinderella basketball team, national attention shouldn’t be the only thing that inspires the Flames’ faithful to care. 

Those of us who enjoy those beautiful shades of red, white, and blue are eagerly awaiting a chance at redemption. Last season there were no banners hung. Expectations were left unmet, the season affected by infectious diseases, scoring deficits, and the heavy weight on Darius’ shoulders.

This season means more for Liberty. This is Darius McGhee’s last year as a collegiate athlete. The team is as deep as they are talented. One last ASUN title is on the line. Liberty awaits the crown at the top of the mountain they failed to scale last season. There is a chip on the shoulder of those who didn’t get it done last year. 

So, why should you care? What will make you tune in this year with vigor and support the young men who are playing so hard for the Liberty University name? Here are three considerations as we go into this new season that I think will make you want to put the Flames on your weekly calendar. 

  1. The continued success on the national scale. I know. We as fans should be loyal regardless of who knows the Liberty name, but it is incredibly exciting when Liberty is pulling off upsets on the national stage (pondering the pig roast from this past Saturday). These are the beautiful days of Liberty fandom, though. These are the days when we still have access to players and coaches, and we feel close to the program. It’s easy to feel like we are a part of their success because they’re not as detached as some programs. Darius will kindly shake your hand, take a photo, or sign an autograph after the game. Joseph Venzant will dap you up and share a laugh. This is my advertisement to you to invest in the program with your time and money now, while Ritchie McGhee, Darius McGhee, and the rest of the guys prepare for a hopeful deep run and national noise. 
  2. The burning question, “can we be even better than we think?” Former Liberty guard Ryan Kemrite and I discussed the potential of the Flames this season, and he believes the Flames will be much better than we are expecting. I have to agree. The offensive firepower and shooting that is available to the Flames with this team has potential to put up a record setting, well, record! While we should maintain reasonable expectations, don’t be shocked if you start hearing noise about this team in the ASUN that is quite impressive. This season is poised to be a mix of dunks, three pointers, blow-outs, and lights out defense. Basically, there’s real potential for the Flames to dominate. 
  3. Lastly, Darius. We are watching the best Flame to ever bounce a basketball at the school. Once in a while, a school recruits a young man or woman who is simply astounding at what they do and the school gets to marvel for a few years. These years have been and this one will especially be unique for all of us who get a chance to celebrate the talent that is Darius McGhee. I already have stories to share, and I am sure you do. He is “can’t-miss” television. The hype is real, and I think Flames nation is poised to be right back in the spotlight like we were with Malik Willis. It’s a wonderful time to cheer for the success of a once-in-a-long time basketball talent like Darius. 

Those are just a few of my anticipations and hopes for the season. The tip-off against Regent is not predicted to be a highly contested matchup, but it will serve as the finale to a long off-season. Here’s to the ‘22-’23 season and all the potential it holds!