Conference USA report

SportsLine.com Report
June 5, 2000

A Glance at 2001

Unless 7-1 junior center Igor Nikolic emerges as a force next season, the Blazers will play the same style they did last season. Simply enough, there is no size to speak of on this roster as no other player stands taller than 6-7.

An example: Junior forwards Myron Ransom and David Walker were the team's top rebounders, but both are only 6-5. So asking them to stop opposing big men was often a tall order, pun intended.

In a best-case scenario, 6-7 JUCO transfer Eric Batchelor comes in and makes a significant contribution down low to make life easier on Nikolic. Otherwise, the Blazers will have to hope their helter-skelter style can confuse teams enough to let them make up for their lack of height.

Besides being undersized, UAB must improve upon its wretched 2-12 record away from Bartow Arena. But if Nikolic can develop -- and Ransom and Walker can repeat their performances from last year -- the Blazers could qualify for the NIT.

The Coach

After guiding UAB into the postseason his first three years on the sideline, Murry Bartow's fourth year could be classified as a disappointment. So his biggest challenge heading into next season is this: getting the Blazers back on a playoff path. Considering Bartow's coaching ability -- he managed a .500 season despite playing two 6-5 players inside -- that is more than realistic.

Who'll Be Back

UAB lost some skill and toughness when 6-5 junior forward Mark Kimbrough went down with a mid-season back injury that required surgery, but he is expected back for his senior year. A good thing, considering he may be the team's best offensive player. Getting him back should lighten the load for Ransom and Walker.

Besides Kimbrough's return, the Blazers bring back virtually their entire cast. Junior guard LeAndrew Bass, junior forward David Walker, freshman guard Morris Finley and Nikolic were all noteworthy contributors last season.

Who'll Be Gone

With senior guards Eric Holmes and Torrey Ward having played their final games in March, the Blazers must now replace almost 26 points per game, not to mention two solid defenders and leaders.

Key Newcomers

The Blazers went to JUCOs to restock their talent base while also landing an underrated high school prospect from their backyard.

PG Asa Woods (6-5, 180, Fr.): A late bloomer who emerged as a Top 100 prospect this season, this Dora, Ala., native verbally committed to the Blazers in early April after a good on-campus visit in February. He averaged 22 points and seven rebounds his senior year at Dora High School and was a finalist for Alabama's "Mr. Basketball" honors. He should step in and see solid minutes immediately.

PF Eric Batchelor (6-7, Jr.): A transfer from Northeast Mississippi Community College who is expected to step in and see a lot of playing time immediately. Signed in November.

SF P.J. Holmes (6-5, Jr.): This transfer from Holmes Community College is a solid perimeter defender, which this team could use. He also signed in November.