Preseason high school basketball Fab 15: No. 11, Tech

From now until the beginning of the high school basketball season, I'll count down the area high school boys basketball Fab 15. Here's a look at No. 12, No. 13, No. 14 and No. 15 on the list. We continue today with No. 11:

NO. 11 – TECH

Tech coach Jason Delaney was approached by a man at a football game a few weeks ago who inquired about Delaney's expectations for the upcoming season. The Titans, after winning the first state championship by an Indianapolis Public Schools program in 34 years, are replacing a number of key players, including IndyStar Indiana Mr. Basketball Trey Lyles.

Still, Delaney told the man that Tech was working toward a repeat.

"The guy laughed and said, 'Seriously coach, what is your goal?'" Delaney said. "I said, 'We're looking to repeat.' Just because we lost a lot of talented players doesn't mean these guys haven't worked hard to become good players as well. They've watched how that senior class worked after practice and it's made them hungry. It's made them have a chip on their shoulder, too, because everybody thinks we're going to be bad."

Tech will have a different look from the team that went 27-2 last season and was considered one of the top teams in the country. Gone to graduation are Trey Lyles (23.7 ppg, 12.9 rebounds), Indiana All-Star Jeremie Tyler (16.2 ppg, 42 percent 3-pointers), Mike Jones (8.7 ppg, 3.8 assists), Justin Parker (5.6 ppg), Rashaun Richardson (5.2 ppg) and a host of role players.

What does that leave? The lone starter return is 6-foot guard C.J. Walker, who recently committed to Purdue. Walker averaged 8.3 points and 3.2 assists last season, though he's capable of scoring more and will play off the ball more as a junior.

"It would have been easy for him to bail because we lost so much, but he's still sitting here in Titan green," said Delaney, who is entering his fourth season at Tech. "I issued the same challenge I issued to Trey as a sophomore: 'How good can you make the guys around you?' That's what makes you a great player. On a normal team he probably would have been scoring a lot, but he's been our third or fourth option. But he knew his role and what he needed to do to make our team successful. Will he be more of a scoring option this year? Of course."

Walker realizes that and had a chance to play that primary scoring role for Tech in some games and tournaments this summer.

"I'm expecting it," he said. "I'll see some pressure and double teams. I just have to stay in shape this year and be ready for it. I'm probably going to play (shooting guard) quite a bit and the (point) a little bit."

There are other players back with experience, starting with 6-3 senior Donte Gladney and 6-foot senior Eric Meeks. Gladney (2.2 ppg, 1.3 rebounds) played in 13 games as a junior before he became academically ineligible. Meeks (1.3 ppg) played in 20 games and will likely become the primary point guard as Walker changes roles.

"We're expecting Donte to step up a whole lot," Walker said. "He's very capable and plays both sides of the ball really well. He's a machine. He's a dog on the floor, so he's going to do a lot of good things this year."

Delaney said Gladney "has a motor that doesn't quit" and will be a major piece to the puzzle this season. Chris Davis, a 6-5 senior transfer from Lawrence North, will add some experience and size.

"He's pretty athletic," Walker said of Davis. "We're expecting a lot from him, too."

Other seniors moving up from the junior varsity team are 6-6 Greg Gaddie, ultra-quick 5-8 guard Damion Gooch, 6-6 Quantrell Wakefield and 6-1 Julian Dorsey. Joining Walker in the junior class are 6-6 Marcus Boyd, a transfer from Horizon Christian, and 6-3 Wes Jones. A sophomore who could contribute is 6-2 Deshawn Watkins.

"There are some guys who would have played but were stuck behind talented players," Delaney said. "They had to play JV and wait their turn. The culture is now set for guys who have been in the program. The expectations in the classroom and on and off the court is set. That's made it really easy because this group really gets after it when it's time to work."

The schedule remains loaded, which is by choice. Delaney said believes last year's tough schedule allowed Tech to prepare for the competition it saw in the tournament. Without Lyles, the Titans will play a different style, but the expectations within the program remain.

"We have more guys coming out this year because they want to be a part of something special," Delaney said. "Expectations and standards don't graduate. They just keep going. When your best player is also your leader and hardest worker, that's a good start."

Why Tech could be ranked higher: Walker is one of the best players in the state and showed this summer that he's capable of scoring in bulk. Gladney is a very good player who will make things happen and Davis can help on the interior. Despite all the personnel losses, the Titans still have plenty of talent.

Why Tech could be ranked lower: There are so many new pieces and guys playing new roles that it could take some time to come together. A lot of opponents will be looking for payback.

Circle the date: Jan. 19-26. The City Tournament, which Tech won last year, will be a good barometer for where the program stands this season. Tech was picked behind Scecina, Cathedral and Howe by the City coaches.