GoWyo.com will take a look at the Cowboy basketball team over the coming weeks, as Wyoming prepares to open the season on Nov. 3 in an exhibition contest against Regis University in the Arena-Auditorium. Today will feature the veteran guards in the Cowboys' dynamic back court.
The Pokes return five players who saw playing time at the guard position a season ago. The returners at the guard position accounted for 41 percent of the Pokes' scoring a season ago. They also hit 143 triples for 39 percent of the Pokes' school and MW record of 369.
UW welcomes back Third Team All-MW selection and Sixth Man of the Year
Justin James, as he averaged 16.0 points per game to go along with 5.0 rebounds. He came off the bench primarily a season ago, but started during the Cowboys College Basketball Invitational title run. He was named the MVP of the CBI last season.
Fellow senior guards
Louis Adams added 7.6 points per game in 16 starts, while
Alexander Aka Gorski started 15 games for the Pokes adding 7.7 points per game and recorded 56 three pointers.
Other returners include sophomore guard
Cody Kelley, who scored 3.4 points per game and added 1.5 assists. Sophomore guard
Sam Averbuck added 0.7 points per game appearing in six games.
The following is Coach Edwards' player-by-player analysis of the 2017-18 returning guards:
Louis Adams • Senior
"Lou (Adams) is a special talent and may be our best player taking the ball to the basket. He is a guy who can get to the foul line. Lou needs to be a guy who is out there for extended periods of time, so we have focused on his cardio."
Alexander Aka Gorski • Senior
"Alex (Aka Gorski) has done a really good job with his body. He has worked on handling the basketball, especially off ball screens. Alexander will step into a bigger role this season for us. He is capable of being a serious three-point threat."
Justin James • Junior
"Justin (James) has separated himself as a basketball player and leader on and off the floor. This can be a special year for him. He has tremendous athletic ability and has really dedicated himself to improving as a player."
Sam Averbuck • Sophomore
"Sam (Averbuck) is a tremendous worker. Every time you walk by the gym you see him. He has improved his jump shooting and has an incredible basketball mind."
Cody Kelley • Sophomore
"Cody (Kelley) is a tough kid. He had a great summer and preseason. He is an improved player and a blue collar type of worker. He is willing to help in any way we can to help this team."
GoWyo.com will look at the redshirt incoming guards for the Cowboys next week.
