Last Season: 17-17, 3-13 ACC
Key Losses: Justin Gray, Eric Williams, Trent Strickland, Chris Ellis
Backcourt: Harvey Hale and Michael Drum will be the top returning backcourt players from Wake Forest’s rough 2005-6 season. While both Hale and Shamaine Dukes played point during the 2006 season, neither had consistent success, and the point guard duties will likely be transitioned to incoming freshman, Ish Smith. Smith is slight in frame, at 5’11” and 155 lbs, but comes in with a reputation of being a competent floor leader. Along with Smith, Anthony Gurley is another highly regarded freshman, who should see time at shooting guard. Also seeing time on the wing will be senior, Michael Drum, who despite lacking in athleticism, showed the ability to score last season. Look for sophomore, Cameron Stanley to see some time on the wing as well, as he can bring some athleticism that Drum lacks. Of this group, look for Hale to lead the backcourt in scoring, as he has the frame and the shooting touch to put up double figures for a team in desperate need of a scorer.
Frontcourt: The frontcourt for Wake Forest will be equally green, with senior Kyle Visser manning the middle for the Demon Deacons. Even Visser has a question mark, as his time and performance has decreased each season since an impressive freshman debut 3 years ago. Next to Visser, will likely be sophomore, Kevin Swinton, who showed a knack for hitting the boards last season and a desire to be aggressive in the paint. Behind Visser and Swinton are a lot of question marks for Skip Prosser. While it is possible the Demon Deacons could go to a small, athletic lineup in lieu of frontcourt depth, the likely alternatives are redshirt freshman, David Weaver (6’10” 224), freshman project Chas McFarland (7’0” 235), or athletic freshman Jamie Skeen (6’8” 220).
Intangibles: Kevin Swinton showed an ability to make a contribution without having to score, notably on the offensive boards.
Potential Breakout Player: Harvey Hale should get an opportunity to be a featured backcourt scorer in Wake Forest’s offense early on, and could see 8-10 shots per game. If he capitalizes on this opportunity, Hale could average close to 10 to 15 points per game this season.
Summary: Skip Prosser has an odd collection of athletic, energetic players and unproven, upperclassmen, although none of whom have seen consistent success at the collegiate level. Due to the athletes on the team and lack of consistent scorers, Prosser may show a return to the chaotic play that he often featured at Xavier. Most likely Wake Forest is in for another long season, but if Prosser can get Ish Smith to take care of the ball, Harvey Hale to step up as a consistent scorer, and Kyle Visser to play to the potential he showed as a freshman, this team could get 6-8 wins in conference play.
Top Returning Fantasy Player: Harvey Hale averaged just under 8 points per game in ACC play last season.
Coming Next: #11 Miami Hurricanes
