APPALACHIAN STATE MOUNTAINEERS:  Coach:  Jim Fox (2nd season)

2014-15 Record (12-17, 9-11 Sun Belt)--Ineligible for Conference Tournament.

KEY RETURNEES:  G Frank Eaves (16.6, 3.9), G Chris Burgess (9.0, 2.9, 89 assists), G Jake Babic (6.1, 2.5), F Michael Obacha (3.0, 3.5) G Dustin Clarke (6.1, 2.5)

KEY LOSSES:  F Tommy Spagnolo (9.7, 7.0)

When Jim Fox took over as Appalachian State head coach a season ago, he knew he had a task.  Not only did he have to install his system and his values to the program, he also had to do it knowing there would be no postseason for the Mountaineers.  Appalachian State was ineligible because of APR issues Fox inherited.  But, App played hard all season long, as evidenced by wins in their final three games of the season.

" Last year was a learning experience.  I was happy with the way our team finished considering we were ineligible for postseason," Fox said.

Now, Fox wants to see his team perform with something to play for.

App loses leading rebounder and second scorer Tommy Spagnolo, but returns every other major contributor from last year's 12-17 team, including all-conference performer Frank Eaves.  Eaves was one of the better scorers in the league last season, averaging 16.6 points per game. And, as one might expect, Fox is hoping for even bigger things.

"I think his familiarity with our system makes him better, Fox said.  "He was a junior (last year)  but a freshman in our system," said Fox.  "I'm most happy about his leadership.  He talks to players and is pushing his team along."
The loss of Spagnolo, however, leaves a void inside and Fox will be looking for someone to pick up the inside scoring and rebounding.
"Hopefully we'll have fewer rebounds because we'll have better scoring.  But the desire to go get the boards is something we've stressed," Fox said.  "We have to do it to be successful."
OUTLOOK:  Like so many teams that are picked in the second division, the need to rebound as a team is something the Mountaineers will need to do to be successful in this guard oriented league.  Eaves gives them a proven scorer and the supporting cast is there.  App could use a second reliable scorer and they have some options with the return of Burgess, who averaged nine points per game at the point last year.  It's the second season in Fox's system, which means the staff hasn't had to teach quite as much.  That, and the load of returning players, should make App better.  But that inside game is a concern and the success of this team will be predicated on getting some answers inside.

 

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