BLOG 4: Sheer numbers make for competition in practice

By Sandy Gholston

Ferris State’s Austin Randel (right) goes up for a shot over the outstretched arm of Justin Keenan during a Bulldog men’s basketball practice (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

BIG RAPIDS – The practice competition is already fierce for playing time in the lineup of Ferris men’s basketball head coach Bill Sall.

With a 16-man roster, the Bulldogs have plenty of bodies to send to the floor during practices and likely games, too. The strengthened depth further ensures Ferris of substitutes in case of injuries (minor or major). Already during the preseason the team has experienced a few minor injuries to guys (typical stuff), but quality depth keeps the machine running.

“I like the blend of guys we have on this team with the combination of the juniors we’ve added and the freshmen who have come in,” Sall said. “We’ve had some guys who are going to come in and be competitive and that will be a big thing for us. Our three juniors bring us some help in the front court, some depth on our roster and a shooter who’s going to really help us.”

Austin Randel, who has been nursing an injury during the preseason, gives the Bulldogs a big-time long-range shooter on the wing, Verdell Billingsley gives the team some frontcourt depth and Josh Young is a versatile wing guy who brings athleticism and explosiveness. Those are the juniors Sall has added. Freshman-wise, Dontae Molden, a point guard from Detroit, has made an immediate impact and, along with sophomore Darien Gay, help solidify the point guard spot with two capable guys.

“It makes it easier for us, as coaches, when you have that many guys and they’re out there competing for spots because they want to play and they know they’re going to have to go out and win those spots,” Sall said. “Our guys are competing and that’s a good thing.”

If you have any questions, ideas or comments feel free to contact Sandy Gholston at sgholston2@netzero.com