Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1425851
21 2021 NWA COLLEGE BASKETBALL PREVIEW | 11.7.2021 888-982-1400 https://unitedfcu.com/ Insured by NCUA. the United three-pointer local. loyal. lifelong. Become a Member today! Vicky and Ed, members since 2003 (888) 982-1400 UnitedFCU.com WILSON BACK TO LEAD UAFS MEN INTO SEASON HAROLD MCILVAIN II SPECIAL TO THE NWA DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE FORT SMITH — University of Arkansas-Fort Smith men's basketball coach Jim Boone couldn't help but smile when asked about fifth-year seniors Matthew Wilson and C.J. Rollins. Both opted to come back for one final year with an extra year of eligibility with an extension because of COVID-19. Boone couldn't be more thrilled that they did with Wilson set to lead the backcourt and Rollins ready to guide the frontcourt. "To have both these guys back is special," Boone said. "The experience they bring, the quality of play they bring and the understanding of who we are is a blessing. We are excited to have both those guys back in our program. They are really good basketball players, but they are really good people, too. They are what the program is all about." The young and inexperienced Lions finished 5-11 in Boone's second year. UAFS is now turning the table in the experience department, and it is being shown clearly in practices, Boone said. The Lions return nine players from last year's team, which is the most in Boone's three years at the program. "We have flipped the table because now experience is the biggest thing we have gained from a year ago and two years ago," Boone said. "Last year was very difficult for our young team. We had six freshmen and we practiced two days in November and a handful of days in January. Those are two of the most critical developing months you have for your team. We didn't have an opportunity to establish an identity a year ago. We are getting a chance to do that now." The Lions, who haven't had a winning season since the 2017-18 season, hope the turnaround starts now. UAFS is picked to finish 11th in the Lone Star Conference preseason media poll. But the team is optimistic this could be the breakout season it has been working hard toward. It will start with Wilson, a Farmington native, and Rollins, who are both coming off monster seasons for the Lions. Wilson averaged 15 points, three assists and three rebounds per game while shooting 43% from behind the arc, which was a 9% increase from the previous year. "I knew that wasn't the kind of shooter that I can be," Wilson said. "I think the improvement mainly came down to not forcing it and taking better shots. That's something I made an effort to do better last year. I want to keep that Jim Boone Ryan McAdams See WILSON, Page 22