Will Wade's UTC Mocs have perimeter options

photo UTC basketball coach Will Wade, right, directs player Duke Ethridge during practice.

The Chaos system employed by the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga men's basketball team is predicated on the versatility of the players within the system.

Of the 13 players on the roster, 12 can play multiple positions. Only Justin Tuoyo -- who at 6-foot-10 primarily will be protecting the rim -- is solidified into one specific spot.

Senior Ronrico White, who has spent time alternating between the point guard position and the wing, said the interchangeable parts have been key to the team's success. Last season, he was one of the most necessary parts, as the Mocs went 14-7 when he played but dropped eight of the 12 games he missed due to injury.

"I feel the guys trust me and have a tremendous amount of belief in me," White said Tuesday afternoon. "I enjoy putting guys in the position to score easily; I take a tremendous amount of pride in it. If I'm open, I'll shoot, but I have no problem finding other guys, because I have no doubt they can make the shots."

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The team has a lot of depth and options on the wings. Junior Casey Jones and sophomore Tre McLean seem to be in the lead to get starting roles, but White, juniors Alex Bran and Eric Robertson and freshman Shaq Preston will be solid options off the bench.

Coach Will Wade said Tuesday during a media luncheon that some of the parts needed for Chaos to be completely successful are in the works. Tuoyo doesn't have a true backup at the 5 position; if he's in foul trouble, the Mocs will have to employ a smaller lineup, as 6-7 Chuck Ester is their next tallest player.

The Mocs have a commitment from 6-11 high school senior Trey Kalina from North Cobb Christian School in Kennesaw, Ga., who eventually will provide help in that area. Incoming point guard Austin Donaldson from Jonesboro, Ga., can play any of the three perimeter positions, while Zyqwaun Matthews and LaMarcus Lee each present the length and athletic ability Wade prefers.

White, one of UTC's three seniors along with forwards Marty Bareika and Lance Stokes, said the key to a successful start to the season will be taking care of business away from home. The Mocs have eight games in the first 18 days, starting Friday against visiting Hiwassee. The next true home game is not until Dec. 2, when Georgia comes to McKenzie Arena.

"We have a lot of new players on the team this season," White said. "We were hungry last season, but we're even more hungry now. We're looking to get off to a good start, but we have to take things one game at a time."

Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com. Follow him at twitter.com/genehenleytfp.

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