COLIN PORTER & ZACH CLEVELAND WILL BE KEY PIECES

As true freshmen last year, Colin Porter and Zach Cleveland both made significant contributions. Porter started every game a year ago, and became a reliable weapon on the offensive end of the floor. Cleveland, who missed a good chunk of the season due to mono, saw his impact increase considerably in March.

“You can see their confidence continue to grow in this system,” Liberty fifth year senior Kyle Rode said of Porter and Cleveland. “You try to find your way as a freshman and how can you get on the court. They’ve done a great job expanding their games in our system.”

Moving into their sophomore seasons, it would not be a surprise to see either one of them have an even greater impact on the floor. They both have the potential to be all-conference performers and can help lead this team into Conference USA.

“I think it’s hard for all freshmen because it’s such a long season,” said McKay. “Especially when you get here in July and you are punishing your body on the regular like that. IT’s different than high school basketball.”

KADEN METHENY EXPECTED FOR BIG SEASON

Bowling Green transfer guard Kaden Metheny is going to be counted on to make a big contribution for the Flames this season. Thanks to COVID and a medical redshirt, Metheny played three years at Bowling Green, but he still has three years of eligibility remaining.

Metheny averaged right at double figures for much of his time on the court for the Falcons. He has immediately adapted to the Liberty roster and is expected to be a key contributor. We could see him begin the season as a starter in the backcourt alongside Colin Porter. Both guards have very similar games.

“Our team, we are really good right now,” Porter said. “We have another guard in Kaden Metheny who I’ve loved playing with this offseason. We have so many young pieces that continue to get better.”

FLAMES WILL HAVE TO RELY ON NEWCOMERS

Liberty fans know what to expect from the returners in Kyle Rode, Shiloh Robinson, Brody Peebles, Joseph Venzant, Colin Porter, and Zach Cleveland. Behind them there are question marks as Liberty looks to find its final pieces in the rotation to begin the season.

Bryson Spell and Ben Southerland are returners who have not been able to make crack the rotation yet. Spell redshirted two years ago while Southerland redshirted last season. Both have size and the ability to stretch the floor with their shooting ability.

Creighton transfer Zander Carter, and true freshmen Jaylen Davis, Curtis Blair III, and Kai Yu also have the opportunity to crack into the rotation this coming season.

“We are going to lean heavily on those returners at the start,” said McKay. “That’s par for the course. Kai (Yu) has the biggest learning curve because the language transition is hardest on him. Curty (Blair) and Jaylen (Davis) just need the reps.”

“Zander comes from a really good program, as does Kaden, in terms of accountability on the defensive end. Both of those guys have had years of experience of college basketball at this level. I think their curve has been accelerated a bit. They’re a little more prepared.”