Air Force Academy – The most inexperienced men’s basketball team in five years at Air Force began the adventure of the unknown Saturday with two practices at Clune Arena.
The Falcons are beginning a new era led by new coach Jeff Reynolds and senior guard Tim Anderson, the only returning starter from a 26-9 team that advanced to the semifinals of the National Invitation Tournament in New York.
Gone are forwards Jacob Burtschi and Dan Nwaelele, center Nick Welch and guard Matt McCraw, key contributors to the Falcons’ 90-35 record the past four seasons. That run included two trips to the NCAA Tournament.
Reynolds is preparing his team with a five-game trip to British Columbia that begins Sept. 1 in Vancouver. NCAA rules allow a foreign trip every four years. The Falcons played six games in Denmark and Sweden before the 2003-04 season.
“Because we have such a young team, we planned this trip so our freshmen can participate,” Reynolds said. “We have eight freshmen on the roster. We’re going to play five games in three days.”
Reynolds has some experience among his projected starting group, led by the 6-foot-3 Anderson. Senior guard Adam Hood (6-1), junior guard Andrew Henke (6-6) and junior forward Anwar Johnson (6-5) had playing time last season.
Reynolds said the Falcons haven’t gotten over the loss of last season’s strong senior class.
“I’ve told people that we lost more points per minute played than any Division I team in the country,” he said. “We’ve got to get our returning players to understand that those guys aren’t going to walk through the door.”
Reynolds expects leadership from Anderson and 6-8 seniors Keith Maren and Eric Kenzik.Also competing for playing time are 6-6 junior forward Matt Holland and Grant Parker, a 6-7 sophomore forward from Cherry Creek High.
