Posted by Ditka on 9/16/2009, 7:31 am
71.108.158.232
Full article:
http://community.foxsports.com/goodmanonfox/blog/2009/09/15/greg_monroe_gtown_could_battle_for_big_east_crown_long_beach_states_turnaround
LONG BEACH STATE MAKES QUICK TURNAROUND
Dan Monson took over a team a couple years ago that was in shambles.
Two years later, Monson and Long Beach State are being picked by many as the odds-on favorites to win the Big West.
The 49ers lose leading scorer Donovan Morris (14.8 ppg) off last season's 15-15 team, but Monson brings back four key freshmen and senior guard Stephen Gilling.
"We have the same team that was .500 last year," Monson warned. "We have to be better."
Larry Anderson was a first-team all-league guy in his first season after averaging 10.8 points and 4.0 rebounds last season and coming off the bench most of the year. Fellow frosh T.J. Robinson (11.4 ppg, 6.2 rpg) and Casper Ware (9.1 ppg, 4.1 apg) both made the league's all-freshman team.
Monson is also hopeful that 6-foot-9 Lin Chang, a native of China who spent last season at Mira Coast College and has three years of eligibility remaining, could come in and make an immediate impact.
"He can shoot the three, post up and is a good passer," Monson said. "If he can make the adjustment, he'll be a big key for us."
Monson also said he's prepared to involve 7-foot, 270-pound senior Andrew Fleming more into the offense.
"When you have a guy like that, you have to change a lot – and we weren't ready to do that last year," Monson admitted. "But my plan is to stick with him. He can change shots, finish and block shots."
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