Much Ado About Gaels 2013-2014 Roster Part 1 – Guards

Paul McCoy could play a bigger role than most fans realize next year.

Despite Citrus College Transfer Kerry Carter announcing his commitment to Saint Mary’s Gaels this morning , there is still plenty of questions remaining how the roster will shape up and exactly who will play where. So here is my quick spark notes version of what we know so far about the returning guards (more on forwards/centers, recruits and the incoming class later):

Guards:

Steven Holt – Holt is the most consistent player on the Gaels and is presumed by most to take over point guard duties. He hit a major three point slump towards the end of the year, but his mid-range jumper and ability to drive into the lane kept his scoring numbers up Entering his senior year, look for him to bear most of the burden as being the offensive catalyst.

Jordan Guisti – After surprising everyone but himself with a solid freshman campaign that saw him get his first career start at the nationally televised First Four game vs. Memphis, the former walk on will be on scholarship next year. His shots weren’t falling last year but don’t be surprised if that aspect of his game improves by November.

Paul McCoy – McCoy got his medical redshirt appeal granted so the senior will return for his fourth year at Saint Mary’s. When fully healthy at SMU, McCoy put on a show playing in C-USA. He admitted to me that he wasn’t fully healthy last year while playing some minutes down the stretch. If he can be as close to 100% as possible, he will be another dangerous guard for Randy Bennett.

James Walker III – Walker III showed lots of promise early in the season before not appearing in the final seven games of the year.

Trevean Duffy – Duffy is my pick to be the breakout star. He has shown all the intangibles off the court and was in charge of guarding Matthew Dellavedova in practice as a redshirt. After graduating from nearby Las Lomas High School in 2011 , Duffy spent 2011-2012 playing for Cushing College Prep against the likes of Norleans Noel (among others). After seeing what Guisti did last year, I firmly believe that Duffy could play himself into a major impact role for the Gaels.

Zach Sanchez – Sanchez is a walk-on and has seen limited time as a player for the Gaels and played a total of 12 minutes in ten games as a sophomore.

With stars like Patty Mills, Mickey McConnell, and Matthew Dellavedova, the guard position has been a longtime strength for the Gaels. Expect very little drop off next year with Holt & Co.