Byerson puts bounce in Panthers’ step

Ayear ago, Virginia Union guard Brandon Byerson didn't have much to smile or laugh about, in part because he had lost confidence in his usually reliable jump shot.

Nowadays, Byerson wears an easy smile. Even though he still struggles with his shot at times, he said he hasn't had this much fun playing basketball since his days at Thomas Dale High School.

And Byerson's enthusiasm is rubbing off on his teammates. The Panthers, perennial NCAA Division II tournament qualifiers, are playing loose and relaxed. They're having big fun.

The Panthers (5-2 CIAA, 9-3), too, are winning. So far, they have defied the naysayers who gave them only a slim chance of contending for the CIAA title.

The Panthers are looking to have the time of their lives tonight when they face conference rival Virginia State in the second game of the Freedom Classic doubleheader at the Coliseum.

The VUU-VSU game follows a matchup between MEAC rivals Winston-Salem and Hampton, which tips off at 5:30 p.m.

"Our coaches understand we can have fun, but you have to take care of business," Byerson said. "It'll be less fun if you're losing."

For the most part, the Panthers have taken their cue from their junior captain. Byerson and his brother -- sophomore guard Braxton Byerson -- have infused confidence into a young team that has developed beyond expectations for first-year coach Willard Coker.

"That's the role I want Brandon to have," Coker said. "He has to guide this team, because almost everything starts with him. If he's having fun and playing hard, it sets an example for the rest of the team."

The Panthers have won seven in a row and eight of their past nine -- including road wins against defending CIAA champion Johnson C. Smith and 2008 NCAA tournament qualifier Augusta State.

Coker said the clutch play of his guards has enabled the Panthers to overcome a shaky 2-3 start.

"Good guards win close games," Coker said. "We've won some games that could have gone either way -- like Delta State (76-73) and Augusta State (70-68), which were two big games on the road.

"We try to make the game fun. We're probably giving our players a little more freedom."

Brandon Byerson, who this season turned the offense over to junior point guard Branden McDonald, probably has more freedom than most. His move to shooting guard gives him an opportunity to create shots off the dribble and aggressively attack the basket.

"I've focused more on defense, but I'm determined to get as many easy buckets as possible," Byerson said. "In the past, I had to get everyone else involved in the offense."

Byerson, averaging 13 points on 41.3-percent shooting, has developed into one of the top defensive players in the CIAA. More importantly, says Coker, the 6-1 Colonial Heights native has filled the leadership void created by departure of another brother, Brad Byerson, who was the conference's defensive player of the year last season.

"I tell Brandon all the time that he has to command respect," Coker said. "Now, he's taking the freshmen under his wing."

Assistant coach Anthony Peeler, a former NBA standout, has been credited with developing Byerson's offensive skills. Peeler constantly reminds the Panthers to "bite the rim."

It's a battle cry that has helped keep the Panthers among the CIAA elite -- and has Brandon Byerson and the VUU faithful smiling.

Contact Ralph N. Paulk at (804) 852-7851 or .