College basketball: AFA players are true believers

Hitting the right notes in two-part harmony, Air Force junior basketball players Mike McLain and Grant Parker made quite the impression with their version of R. Kelly's hit "I Believe I Can Fly" on Saturday at Midday Madness festivities at Clune Arena.

Ultimately, each hopes his playing does the talking for the Falcons (16-14 in 2007-08), who return three starters to go with a bevy of newcomers for the upcoming season, which starts Nov. 14 at home against Western State.

"No doubt, I've worked hard to be a starter," said Parker, a 6-9 center who is battling, among others, his singing partner and 6-8 teammate McLain for the starting job. "We lost some key players, and I'm ready to contribute, either as a starter or not."

"It's not going to be handed to us," McLain said. "The younger people are pushing the older people, and that's making everyone better. Whatever my role is, it's about having the best players on the court."

On the women's side, eighth-year coach Ardie McInelly brings back three starters but not much depth as the Falcons aim to improve on their 10-19 season and seventh-place Mountain West Conference finish.

"We've seen improvement, already in practice," McInelly said. "We have to work on offensive production since we lost three seniors who accounted for 60 percent of our points."

Players and staff from both teams took to the court for the annual season tip-off, featured by a DVD presentation and a cadet-taught clinic for kids. Fans also got a chance to meet the players.

"I'm optimistic and upbeat, and we've always enjoyed the quality of basketball," said retired Col. Dick Allen who, with his wife Bonnie, has had season tickets since his retirement in 1991 after a 32-year Army career. "We do this every year, but it's the first time we've heard any of the players sing. They were good!"

The Falcons return starters Anwar Johnson and Matt Holland, both seniors, and sophomore Evan Washington, who led the conference in minutes played by a freshman, at 33.5 per game.

This year, Washington plans on using his experiences to not only improve personally, but also to quicken the learning curve for as many as seven freshmen who could make the opening-day roster.

"Tim Anderson always gave me tips to make myself better," Washington said, alluding to one of Air Force's best players who graduated last year. "Now, it's my turn to lead by example, even if I'm not the one doing the talking."

And, for at least two players, singing. Not during the game, anyway.