Monday, October 12, 2009

Gaucho preview: Jaime Serna


With practice starting next week, and the season a month away, it's about time to re-visit Gaucho returnees, and get acquainted with the newcomers. Up first is Jaime Serna, the 6'7" sophomore power forward / center for the Gauchos.

Serna averaged 6.1 points and 3.6 rebounds per game as a true freshman last season, shooting .538 from the field, and .662 from the free throw line. Serna will be called on to play tough interior defense, and grab rebounds on both ends of the floor, especially with frontcourt mate Jesse Byrd out for the season due to a lingering knee injury. Serna will also be counted on to score more inside, expanding his repertoire of offensive moves in the post. His physical presence inside will be important for the Gauchos, as the Gauchos appear loaded on the perimeter.

Serna will probably start at one of the forward positions, which he did for the last 16 games last season. He is one of four returnees who were part of a vaunted freshman class from 2008, and if form holds true that the biggest improvement occurs between the first and second seasons, look for the Gauchos to have a much better team this season.

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