As a longtime follower of college basketball with particular interest in mid-major programs, I've found myself increasingly drawn to the Liberty Flames this season. Having watched countless games and analyzed numerous player developments over the years, I can confidently say this team has assembled one of their most intriguing rosters in recent memory. What particularly excites me about this group isn't just their raw talent, but how different players bring complementary skills that could create something special on the court. Let me walk you through the five players who have caught my eye as potentially transformative figures for the Flames this season.
First and foremost, Abiera stands out as the undeniable centerpiece of this squad. When I look at his 24-point performance from the reference game, what impresses me isn't just the scoring output but the efficiency with which he operates. Having tracked his development since last season, I've noticed his decision-making has improved dramatically - he's no longer just a volume shooter but someone who picks his spots with surgical precision. His ability to create his own shot in clutch moments reminds me of some of the great Liberty guards from past seasons, though I'd argue his mid-range game might already be more polished than any we've seen in recent years. What truly sets Abiera apart in my view is his basketball IQ; he reads defenses like a seasoned veteran and makes adjustments on the fly that many college players simply don't have in their arsenal.
Then there's Ongotan, whose 13-point contribution in that same game only tells part of the story. I've been particularly impressed with his defensive versatility - at 6'7" with remarkable lateral quickness, he can effectively guard multiple positions, something that's becoming increasingly valuable in today's game. His length causes havoc in passing lanes, and I've counted at least three occasions where his deflections directly led to fast-break opportunities in the second half alone. Offensively, he's developed a reliable three-point shot that forces defenders to respect his outside game, opening up driving lanes for his teammates. If I had to pick one player whose development could elevate this team from good to great, it would likely be Ongotan - his two-way potential is that significant.
Libang's contribution of 7 points might seem modest compared to the top scorers, but having watched every minute of their last several games, I can tell you his impact extends far beyond the box score. He's the kind of glue guy that championship teams always seem to have - doing the dirty work, setting bone-crushing screens, and always being in the right position defensively. What I appreciate most about Libang is his unselfishness; he consistently makes the extra pass and never forces bad shots. His basketball instincts are phenomenal - I've lost count of how many loose balls he's recovered or how many times he's made the subtle rotation that prevents an easy basket. In my estimation, he might be the most underrated player in the entire conference.
Cabotaje, who also added 7 points, brings an element of unpredictability that I find absolutely fascinating. His handle is among the best I've seen at Liberty in years, allowing him to create separation against even the most disciplined defenders. While his scoring output fluctuates game to game, his playmaking ability remains constant - he sees passing lanes that most players don't even recognize exist. I particularly love watching him in transition, where he seems to make perfect decisions at full speed, something that's much harder than it looks. If there's one area I'd like to see him improve, it's his consistency from beyond the arc - when his three-point shot is falling, he becomes virtually unguardable.
Rounding out my five players to watch is Geronimo, whose 6-point performance doesn't adequately reflect his importance to this team. At 6'9" with a wingspan that seems to stretch from here to tomorrow, he provides the rim protection that every good defense needs. What's impressed me most in my observations is how quickly he's developed his post game - his footwork has improved dramatically since last season, and he's added a reliable hook shot with either hand. But where I think he could really make his mark is as a pick-and-roll partner with Abiera - when those two develop chemistry, and I believe they will, it could become the foundation of Liberty's half-court offense.
Having watched college basketball for over two decades, I've developed a keen sense for which players can elevate their games when it matters most. What strikes me about this particular group is how well their skills complement each other - Abiera's scoring prowess, Ongotan's two-way versatility, Libang's defensive intelligence, Cabotaje's creative flair, and Geronimo's interior presence create a balanced attack that can hurt opponents in multiple ways. The chemistry appears to be developing nicely, with players seeming to understand their roles while still playing within the flow of the offense.
What particularly excites me about this roster construction is the blend of experience and emerging talent. While Abiera clearly operates as the primary option, the supporting cast has shown they're more than capable of carrying the load when defenses focus too much attention on him. I've noticed how defenses are forced to pick their poison - collapse on Abiera and risk leaving shooters open, or stay home on shooters and give him one-on-one opportunities. It's a difficult dilemma for opponents, and one I expect the Flames to exploit frequently as the season progresses.
The defensive potential of this group is what really has me optimistic about their ceiling. With Ongotan's perimeter versatility, Libang's positioning awareness, and Geronimo's rim protection, they have the makings of a top-tier defensive unit. I've charted their defensive rotations over several games, and the communication appears to be improving with each outing. When they're locked in defensively, they can generate turnovers and get out in transition where players like Cabotaje truly shine.
As the season unfolds, I'll be watching closely to see how these five players continue to develop individually and as interconnected parts of the larger system. The foundation is clearly there for something special - the scoring punch, defensive versatility, and basketball intelligence give this team multiple pathways to victory. While every season brings unexpected challenges and developments, I believe these five players give Liberty one of the most compelling rosters in their conference, and potentially beyond. Their continued growth and chemistry development will likely determine just how high this team can climb, but based on what I've seen so far, the future looks bright for Flames basketball.
