Three keys to the season:
Rebounding. With a small lineup, Coach Boyle is looking for a team effort. “We’ve got to get the guards involved. We’re not going to overpower with height,” he said. Freshman Mike Proctor is the tallest player at 6-feet-8.
Offensive efficiency. The main focus is improving 3-point shooting percentage despite the line being moved back a foot. Last season, the Bears were outshot 37.6 percent to 33.8 percent from beyond the arc.
Get tougher: Boyle says the Bears need to be physically and mentally stronger. Most improved part of team: The Bears are deeper. Boyle, right, envisions going 10 or 11 deep without significant drop-off, although he acknowledges Proctor and fellow freshman Elliott Lloyd might lack consistency.
Biggest surprise: Proctor is well beyond where he appeared to be at Desert Vista High in Phoenix last season. Said Boyle: “He’s far from a finished product, but . . . he’s been a pleasant surprise.”
Who has to take ownership of the team? Forward Jabril Banks and Venezuelan Robert Palacios. “We have supportive cast members, but those two have to take the lead,” Boyle said.
Game/stretch most worrisome: The Bears start the season on the road at Oregon, Colorado State and Denver. Upon their return home, they play San Diego State and Air Force.
Roster adjustments: Point guard Yahosh Bonner (6-0, 210) is a game-changer on defense, according to Boyle. The 23-year-old junior college transfer can bench-press 325 pounds.
Coming out strong: Unless they are repeatedly blown out, don’t look too harshly at the Bears’ record after their foray to Oregon and meetings with four Mountain West Conference teams.
Theresa Smith, Special to The Denver Post
