Spotlight's on Jason Flagler

Jason Flagler will take on a new role this season as the most accomplished returner for South Carolina State's men's basketball team. Instead of being one of several possibilities in the Bulldogs' offensive scheme, he will be the main option for a team looking to replace key players up front.

"I know I have to be more assertive on offense," said Flagler, a 2004 Potomac High School graduate. "It freed me up in my role."

That role will keep the 6-foot-4 Flagler busy as he bounces between being a threat in the post as well as on the perimeter.

Last year, Flagler had the benefit of having 6-7 Jason Johnson to carry the load down low.

But Johnson, the team's leading rebounder last season and the MEAC's defensive player of the year, is gone, as is 6-8 Josh Jackson, who was Johnson's backup. Johnson averaged a league-high 8.2 rebounds per game, while Jackson averaged 4.7 rebounds per game.

Flagler was a complement to both last season, finishing second on the team in scoring (12.8 points per game) and rebounding (6.2 per game). Down the stretch, became more of a force in the post and helped South Carolina State finish 17-14 and reach the MEAC semifinals.

Flagler knew his role would change this season.

"I saw it coming," said Flagler, who was named to the conference's all-preseason team. "It's going to hard to replace those big guys."

Flagler spent the summer working to improve his game. He spent a good part of it playing pickup games while also spending time practicing with two former Potomac teammates, Bryan Butler and Maninder Ghotra.

Butler and Ghotra pushed Flagler in different areas of his game. Butler, a sharpshooter who scored 1,218 points in his career at Potomac, helped Flagler with his guard play, while Ghotra helped Flagler on his all-around game.

"This was more special this summer," Flagler said. "They've been following my career in college and they are friends who knew there were things I needed to improve on. I trust them."

Flagler is used to being a focal point. He averaged 19.6 points and 11.1 rebounds to help the Panthers go 29-1 and reached the 2004 Group AAA state championship game during his senior season.

Although he's taking each game as it comes this season, Flagler is hopeful that the Bulldogs can build on last year's success. Expectations are high for South Carolina State, which was picked as the league's No. 2 team in the conference's preseason poll.

"I have no choice but to be ready," Flagler said. "But I am ready and I've prepared myself for this season and embraced this role."

Sports editor David Fawcett can be reached at 703-878-8052.