Good news, bad news: AFA young basketball players getting lots of experience

In time, the Air Force men’s basketball program will be better off for the young players gaining experience this season.

But it’s not so easy right now, especially with the Mountain West Conference season set to begin today at TCU.

The Falcons (8-5) will be without center Sammy Schafer (concussion) and forward Taylor Stewart (wrist). Guard Avery Merriex (concussion, broken nose) and forward Grant Parker (groin) might return, but Merriex’s status will be a game-time decision and Parker is unlikely to play.

Coach Jeff Reynolds has had little choice but to play his underclassmen, and their contributions will go a long way in determining if the team starts well in conference.

“I think it’s going to be a matter of how quick these youngsters grow up,” Reynolds said. “It’s going to be a challenge but it’s one that, hey, it’s part of the mentality of our freshmen and sophomores. They’ve got to understand this is their time and they have to make the most of it.”

Schafer continues to struggle with headaches, which stem from a concussion he suffered in November. When the symptoms subside, it will be at least 8-10 days before he can return. Stewart had surgery Monday to place a pin in his wrist and is out a minimum of six weeks.

Younger players have to fill the void, and that often leads to inconsistency. Reynolds said his team played well in a win against Niagara and in a loss to UTEP, but “sort of took a step back” in Saturday’s 72-65 win against Texas-Pan American (1-14). Air Force started a pair of freshmen in that game and, among the team’s healthy players, only guard Evan Washington averaged more than two points last season.

“We’re sort of Jekyll and Hyde,” Reynolds said. “If we can get them to play with great energy and effort — and we’ve been consistent with that — we can be competitive. I tip my hat to the kids. Some of these freshmen are learning on the job, so to speak.”

Reynolds said TCU (7-7) has some skill on offense, and he wants his team to eliminate transition baskets while not giving the Horned Frogs second chances with offensive rebounds.

“I think we have to go about this game like we did the Niagara game, the UTEP game and have the same mental toughness and focus,” he said. “We have to match their intensity.”