FORWARDS

Lamona Smalley had a coming out party during the MEAC tournament. After a knee injury shortened her freshman season, the end of her sophomore season put the rest of the conference on notice. Smalley averaged 13.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.0 blocks on her way to earning all-tournament honors.

Those who follow N.C. A&T basketball have always known the type of player Small is, however. She recorded six double-doubles last season, she was third in the conference in blocked shots and was named the MEAC Defensive Player of the Week twice. Aggie coaches are often concerned about her conditioning, but they are never concerned about her effort.

“The people in this conference respect Lamona Smalley,’’ said Bibbs. “Lamona could be that leader we’ve lacked the last few years. She loves this game. She is a motivator and everybody loves her. She is a young lady who just wants to win. When those lights go on come gameday, she is going to perform. Her conditioning is getting better, but it is something we have to constantly monitor. When she gets to a good playing weight, look out.”

While Smalley has yet to garner any all-conference mention, 6-foot senior Brittanie Taylor-James heads into this season as a two-time all-conference performer. Taylor-James has usually been the opponents poison for doubling Bland or Cook. Plainly put, she is a scorer who can score from anywhere on the floor. She is closing in on 1,000-point career and she has been clutch at the line late in games.

Taylor-James’ ball-handling ability and quickness makes her a tough match-up for forwards. Her height makes her a tough match-up for guards.

Sophomore Jaleesa Sams is also built in the mold of tough match-up. The 5-11 New Castle, Pa., native had an excellent rookie season, where she recorded three double-doubles, scored in double figures 14 times and started 17 games. Sams can play shooting guard, small forward and her build also allows her to play power forward.

While she has earned the accolades of fellow seniors Bland and Taylor-James, 5-9 Ahmad Williams is the only player on this season’s current roster that was on the roster during Bibbs’ first season in Aggieland. Williams has seen her role change from scorer to defender to valuable role player over the years.

“I appreciate Ahmad so much,’’ said Bibbs. “She has done what we have asked her to do over the years without complaint. For that, I would love to see her walk away from N.C. A&T with a championship because she has been here through it all.”

Shantar Waddell will also add depth to the Aggies roster. Waddell can face the basket and score. Plus, her long arms makes her a good rebounder and defender. The Aggie coaches hope to find a defining role for the Wilmington, N.C., junior, who has the height to play the four.

 CENTERS

For a team with so many expectations, it is hard to find a weakness. If there is one question mark, however, it might be what the Aggies will do with their center position. A year ago, the Aggies put an undersized Smalley at the center position, which worked out pretty well. But Bibbs acknowledges that Smalley is more effective at the power forward slot, which makes the development of Brittane Neely and Nakia DeBlanc important.

Neely returns for her sophomore season after playing on a part-time basis as a freshman. Bibbs likes Neely’s rebounding ability but wants the 6-2 Arlington, Va., native to become stronger. DeBlanc can play the power forward and center positions. She is also comfortable facing the basket. But the coaches also want DeBlanc to get stronger as the season progresses.