Appalachian's big men will carry a heavy burden on their wide shoulders this season as they strive to replace the all-conference frontline of Donte Minter and Jeremy Clayton, both of which graduated after great success in 2007-08.

On paper, the Apps will struggle to replace that experience, but bring in four newcomers that more than make up for what they lack in experience with increased talent.

Complementing that talent will be two young veterans in Isaac Butts and Tyler Webb, giving Fancher the luxury of employing a plethora of lineups in the post.

“We've got the luxury of always having a big body on the inside, so I don't forsee there being any matchup problems there,” said Fancher. “If we want to go more up-tempo, we can do that as well. The versatility of this group gives us a lot of different ways to play. If we need to, we can go big or we can go extremely small and quick or with five guys that can really shoot the basketball.”

That versatility includes six players that are all legitimate scoring threats and can shoot from outside the lane with greater frequency and accuracy than ASU's previous frontcourt lineups. 

Depending on the situation, Butts, Webb and Josh Hunter can all play the five, giving the Apps options ranging from a 6-10, 285-pound traditional center to a 6-6, 235-pound athletic forward in the lane.  

Webb returns as the unit's leader, despite taking a redshirt last season. Bigger and stronger after a year spent wisely in the weight room, he was voted a unanimous team captain entering the season and will be charged with the task of driving and improving the talented freshman class.