Gaucho preview: Lucas Devenny

Lucas Devenny is a 6'9" freshman power forward from Santa Rosa, CA. He averaged 21 points, 16 rebounds, and four blocked shots a game his senior year at Piner High. Named to the Honorable Mention All-State and Second All-Bay Area teams, Devenny led Piner to three consecutive post-season berths, and a North Bay League title last season.

Devenny had career high games of 36 points, 26 rebounds, and 11 blocked shots in high school. Known for being a solid presence in the paint, Devenny can also step out and knock down the outside jumper with accuracy. His length and strength in the post will be valuable for the Gaucho front court, as will his ability to rebound and score from the perimeter and inside.

Gaucho preview: Sam Phippen

Sam Phippen will provide much needed experience at the power forward position his junior season. Phippen played in 30 games last season, averaging 2.5 points and 1.6 rebounds a game. With Jesse Byrd out for the season due to a knee injury, the 6'9" Phippen figures more prominently in the Gaucho frontcourt, and will be expected to pick up some of the void left by Byrd on the boards and on defense.

However, Phippen's greatest talent is his ability to knock down the outside jumper, an advantage for a post player, as he can draw his defender out to the perimeter. In fact, Phippen was so proficient from beyond the 3-point arc, that he led the Gauchos in 3-pt. shooting with an outstanding .563 fg percentage. The redshirt junior will be asked to play more minutes and carry more of the offensive load this season.