Watched the Bulldogs participate in mini-basketball scrimmages today. Here's a few thoughts...

Dwight O'Neil is back, extending an arm in the passing lane, playing tough perimeter defense, leaping for a two-handed dunk. If he can continue to get in shape (he redshirted last season) he could push starter Eddie Miller for time at shooting guard. Will also earn PT at small forward, especially when Louisville transfer Bryan Harvey moves to point guard (when Kevin Bell goes to the bench).

James Tchana, as I said several weeks ago, has vastly improved. Still, it is a tough year for him to earn playing time. Alex Blair, Shawn Taylor, Hector Hernandez and Rekalin Sims are all seniors. Tchana is a junior, but will likely receive a medical redshirt for last season. Also, he still forgets that he's the biggest guy on the court... Settles for too many 5-foot jumpers instead of drawing contact at the rim.

Early plans were to redshirt true freshman Brandon Webster. That might change, based on what kind of shape he's in by late October and what the senior post players can accomplish. Right now, Webster needs to either lose, maybe, 20 pounds or keep it and turn it to muscle.

Kevin Bell... the only problem is that there's just one 'em.

Hector Hernandez seems to have left this summer's shooting woes at the FIBA Tournament in Las Vegas. He's added a drive to the basket. Coupled with his set shot and quick-baseline-dribble-and-shoot move, he could put up some points this season.

Alex Blair could spend some time on the perimeter. That's if the Bulldogs employ a big lineup. He has a nice perimeter jump shot; it's just hasn't been game-tested at Fresno State. What if Blair defends the 5 on defense, let Hec defend the 4, then on offense Hec plays against the 5 and Blair against the 4?

Wish Eddie Miller would put the ball on the floor more. He's got the most upps on the team, shoots the ball faster than you can say all-conference potential. If he could handle the rock, he could lead the Bulldogs in scoring. Right now, would it be better if he came off the bench to average double-digit points?

Bryan Harvey is the reason why this team, right now, is probably better than it was at the beginning of last season. Like Miller, he can score from the outside. But he can also handle the ball and distribute. Poise. Poise. Poise.