Joe Anderson is looking for improvement from his boys basketball team one increment at a time.
The first-year Burris coach is trying to mold a group of players that is coming off a 3-17 record last season, and Anderson knows rebuilding the program won’t be an overnight task.
“We’re going to have to take things in steps to get where we want to be,” said Anderson, a former assistant boys and girls basketball coach at Burris and assistant boys coach at Union. “This is not going to be an easy road.
“We’ve talked about changing the whole system with a different coach. They’re trying to get used to me, and right now there’s a big transition for everyone.”
Despite some confusion at times, Anderson says his players have exuded excitement about this year. And he shares their enthusiasm.
“I told them we’ll grow together,” Anderson said. “I’m going to make mistakes, and (players) are going to make mistakes. They show up early … and they’ve bought in. There are good signs.”
One of the early obstacles has been Anderson’s late arrival to the program. Former coach Matt Jones resigned in July, and Anderson wasn’t named his replacement until the first week of September.
The Owls’ players didn’t have a summer with Anderson, like most players do with their coach. The result was having a lot to absorb in a short period.
“I see kids picking up on things,” Anderson said. “When we step on the floor, we’ll be ready to compete, but we’re not going to underestimate anyone.”
The Owls will run a three-guard lineup, with senior Matt Finnigan (a starter and one of the leading scorers last year), senior David Baker and junior Nick Baker among the top contenders to start.
“Matt is a strong leader and a steady player,” Anderson said. “He has a good outside shot.
“David (Baker) can score and … will play a big role with the team. Nick (Baker) is growing into the point guard role. He’s very quick and athletic.”
Senior Reed Borgman and junior Tyce Rogers will also be in the backcourt mix.
“Borgman is a true point guard; he thinks pass first,” Anderson said. “Rogers is a shooter. If you give him space, he can hit shots.”
Frontcourt player Ryan Morey might be the most versatile player on the roster, capable of filling any position but center.
He and Finnigan might be the two best leaders on the team, according to Anderson.
“He’s versatile, and he catches on quickly,” Anderson said.
The likely starter at center is 6-foot-3 junior Dyllan Kring. Anderson looks for him to be a good rebounder and provide inside defense.
Junior forwards Sam Williams, Levi DeHaven and Isaac Miller are contenders for playing time in the frontcourt.
“Right now we’re trying to help kids understand their roles,” Anderson said. “We’re identifying strengths and working on weaknesses. I told them it’s not how we start but how we finish.”