Head coach: Tyrone Slaughter
2011-12 record: 16-10
Head coach Tyrone Slaughter (middle) has one of his most talented teams at Whitney Young with (from left to right) Paul White, L.J. Peak, Jahlil Okafor, Miles Reynolds and Ausar Madison.
Photo by John Rowland
(6-10, Jr., C),
Paul White (6-8, Jr., F),
L.J. Peak (6-4, Jr., G/F),
Miles Reynolds (6-1, Jr., G),
Joseph Toye (6-4, So., G/F),
Rodney Herenton Jr. (6-1, Fr., G),
Ausar Madison (5-10, Sr., G)
Strengths: The Dolphins will revolve around Okafor, the top center prospect in the country regardless of class. He was the MVP of the FIBA U17 World Championship in Lithuania over the summer and should have significantly more help around him this season than he did as a sophomore. Slaughter expects a breakout season from versatile big man White, who has drawn the interest of Arizona and UCLA among a long list of college suitors. Peak is a Top 100 transfer from South Carolina who will add athleticism and talent to a young WY backcourt.
Question marks: It seems like Whitney Young looks great on paper every fall. Due in part to youth and ambitious scheduling, Michelle Obama's alma mater hasn't always lived up to lofty preseason expectations. Slaughter is optimistic that this squad will be in better position to handle the challenging slate than it was a year ago, when he rolled out his youngest lineup – including three sophomore starters – since taking over at the school. Even with a trip to Fort Myers for the City of Palms Classic, the most highly anticipated date on the schedule is Jan. 26. That's when the Dolphins take on rival
Simeon (Chicago).
