The 2012-13 Louisiana Tech Bulldogs

Here's Coach Mike White's 2012-13 roster:

(alphabetical)

Chris Anderson 6-6/210 F JR Muskegon, Mich. Weatherford College

Raheem Appleby 6-2/160 G SO Jacksonville, Ark. Jacksonville HS

Brandon Gibson 6-5/225 G SR Marianna, Fla. Marianna HS

Stojan Gjuroski 6-7/195 F SO Gostivar, Macedonia Life Center Academy

Alex Hamilton 6-4/180 G FR Chipley, Fla. Chipley HS

Cordarius Johnson 6-5/215 G JR Coushatta, La. Red River HS

Jaron Johnson 6-6/205 G  JR Tyler, Texas  Tyler Junior College

Michale Kyser 6-9/210 F   SO Lancaster, Texas Christian Life Center

J.L. Lewis 6-8/240 F/C SR Gonzales, La. University of New Orleans

Isaiah Massey 6-8/220 F SO McDonough, Ga. Ole Miss

Kenyon McNeail 6-1/185 G JR Conway, Ark. Conway HS

Kenneth Smith 6-3/185 G SO St. Petersburg, Fla. Boca Ciega HS

Gilbert Talbot 6-10/240 F/C FR Houma, La. Ellender HS
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(Wrote the following back on May 14):

Coach Mike White and Louisiana Tech are entering season two and preparing a followup act to last season's 18-16, 6-8 turnaround.

Two players have departed -- Lonnie Smith and Alex Carr -- but such will have no effect. Two have graduated, Trevor Gaskins, who contributed mightily and Romario Souza, to a lesser degree. But with the latter pair, returnees and newcomers will step up with no dropoff.

Here's the 2012-13 Bulldog roster.

In the middle are:

* Michale Kyzer, 6-foot-9 sophomore
* J.L. Lewis, 6-foot-8 senior
* Gilbert Talbot, 6-foot-10 freshman

Kyzer led the squad with 60 rejections -- this while playing but 13.5 minutes per game. Add some strength/weight and his rebounding effectiveness will elevate but his offensive game is still evolving.

Lewis was a nice surprise but remains a fill-in talent

Talbot is a frosh who advanced his skills set a long way as a prep senior but will probably benefit from being a redshirt next season.

At the four:

* Isaiah Massey, 6-8 sophomore
* Demetrius Moore, 6-foot-8 junior

Massey got off to a promising start before an injury ended his season early and, between him and newcomer Moore, the four spot should become a real strength for the Techsters. But remember that Massey has missed virtually two straight seasons (redshirting at Mississippi two years ago) and Moore will be making the jump from the JC ranks so progress may come with sits and starts.

Beginning with the outside-the-paint talents:

* Brandon Gibson, 6-foot-5 senior wing
* Jaron Johnson, 6-foot-6, junior wing
* Stojan Gjuroski, 6-foot-7 sophomore wing

PTW keeps expecting Gibson to explode into an All-WAC player but his shooting percentages need to elevator up dramatically. Johnson is just out of the the JC ranks but is a superb athlete with solid basketball skills and perfect for White's uptempo offensive and defensive systems. Gjuroski redshirted two years ago, played little last season and it doesn't look like much of an opportunity for playing time will be available for him in 2012-13.

At shooting guard:

* Raheem Appleby, 6-foot-2 sophomore
* Cordarius Johnson, 6-foot-5 junior
* Alex Hamilton, 6-foot-4 freshman

Appleby enjoyed a remarkable freshman year and such should be a jumping off point as he'll be an All-WAC selection and a contender for WAC POY come the new season. Johnson was streaky but certainly contributed to the positive Bulldog reversal. A better assist-to-turnover ratio is needed from him. Newbie Hamilton faces a crowded situation but PTW still thinks he'll earn his way on to the court and be a contributor even if he has to play some one (which he is capable of).

Getting to the point:

* Kenneth Smith, 6-foot-3 sophomore
* Kenyon McNeail, 6-foot-1 junior

Smith was a 27-minute-a-game player in 2011-12 -- even as a frosh -- and piled up the assists as the LT team leader in that category. He also topped the Bulldogs in steals but does need to improve his shooting accuracy. McNeail also contributed with his passing and scoring but likewise needs to reach the net more often with his attempts.

In summary, keep an eye on Massey and Hamilton to help and then eventually emerge as prominent contributors. Plus, Johnson will solidify the three spot. Coach Mike White keeps stealthily building in Ruston.
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The Bulldog starting five:

* Isaiah Massey
* Demetrius Moore
* Brandon Gibson
* Raheem Appleby
* Kenneth Smith

Where Michale Kyzer fits is a big question -- has he developed enough physically and regarding offensive skills to nab the five spot starting role?