The strength of this year's team lies without a doubt at the point-guard position, as Appalachian returns two talented point guards that split time at the position a year ago.
Donald Sims, who earned all-SoCon freshman honors in 2007-08, averaged 11.5 points per game in his maiden season and was a dead-eye marksman from the floor, hitting 44 percent of his three-pointers and shooting 88 percent from the free-throw line. He also averaged 2.6 assists per game in just 23.9 minutes of action while splitting duties with Ryann Abraham.
Abraham, whose tough, physical play serves as the perfect complement to Sims' smooth style, was the SoCon's most accurate three-point shooter last season, converting on 46 percent of his attempts. The junior averaged 8.1 points per game last season and shot 49 percent from the field with 60 assists and a team-high 29 steals.
Don't expect the pair to split time again this season, as Fancher feels that they're simply too talented not to keep on the floor together. Neither will serve as the team's “primary” point guard with Fancher noting that whoever touches the ball first will be the team's point guard on that possession. Both are more than capable of driving the basketball up court or hitting a perimeter shot while the other assumes a two-guard role.
“They've both had success and will both be better because of what happened to them last season,” said Fancher. “Ultimately, the teams with the best point guards are the best teams in the league.”
The team's depth and experience at the position looks great for the future as well as neither are seniors and freshman Marcus Wright will have the opportunity to develop under their guidance.
However, Wright won't be relegated to the end of the bench as his natural scoring abilities and perfect fit into the Apps' up-tempo offensive system will demand that he get minutes this season.
One of the most experienced groups on this year's team, the wing position returns five players and a redshirt freshman for 2008-09. Senior Eduardo Bermudez leads this group after playing in 90 games in his first three seasons at ASU.
Last season, he averaged 6.5 points and as a notably strong rebounder with three boards per game. Aiding him on the perimeter will be junior Kellen Brand. A dogged defender, he is also extremely skilled at both slashing to the basket and squaring up on the three-point arc. He started every game, with the exception of ?Senior Day,' in 2007-08 and averaged 10.4 points per game on 44 percent shooting.
Adding depth will be sophomore Jeremi Booth, who saw time in the starting lineup last season. The long, lean guard averaged 3.7 points last year and has made noticeable improvements to increase his ability to score off the dribble and rebound more effectively. Fancher notes that Booth is too talented and athletic to simply be a one-dimensional shooter.
Another new dimension this season will be Donterious Hughes moving into the rotation after taking a redshirt in 2007-08. Fancher confides that Hughes is one of the more talented perimeter players on the squad that can shoot and has a very tough, physical presence on the floor. Capable of playing either the two or three, he has a zeal for attacking the goal in addition to his shooting.
A.J. Highsmith also returns on the wing as a junior with three years of experience in the program. He has quickly become one of the team's leaders on and off the court and seen his production increase each season with appearances in 17 games last season. Also adding depth will be J.R. Archer, a dedicated worker who continues to adapt to the collegiate game after a standout prep career at nearby Watauga High School.
