Should Belmont Be Ranked?
Each of the last few seasons, it seems that the Belmont Bruins have entered the season outside the national scope, yet every year, they remind us why they are the class of the Atlantic Sun Conference. With three first place finishes in the last three seasons, the Bruins are poised for a fourth straight behind an experienced senior duo of Kerron Johnson and Ian Clark; Johnson and Clark, the team's top two scorers in '11-'12, combined for 26 points a night, Johnson by way of penetrating through the defense and attacking the rim (201 free-throw attempts) and Clark serving as the primary perimeter shooter (92 3-point makes). Part-time starter at power forward, Blake Jenkins, also returns as an inside-outside scorer who will take on a much-larger role this season.
As for others seeing a different role this season, last season's backup center, 6'11", 275-pound Chad Lang, who averaged 3 points in 4 minutes per game, will surely see many more minutes with the departure of senior starter Scott Saunders.
With the success of Kerron Johnson and Ian Clark and the development of frontcourt role players, Belmont should be able to notch a third straight 25+ win season.
By NBA-DRAFT.com Staff Writer - 8- 29 - 12
