Additions and Subtractions: Dayton Flyers

Additions and Subtractions is the latest A10Talk series taking a look at new and departing players in each of the Atlantic 10 programs. Today we continue by examining the roster change-ups for the Dayton Flyers

Before we start talking about typical player additions and subtractions, lets take a moment to remember the Flyer’s toughest loss of all. As you all know, Dayton’s 6’11” redshirt freshman center, (Big) Steve McElvene tragically passed away over a month ago. Big Steve’s smile and dance moves will never be forgotten. He was a great player with a bright future but an even better person, always putting those around him in a good mood. While the UD and A-10 community still grieve over the loss of McElvene, the Flyers will find a way to fight harder than ever for their brother this season.

Key Additions

• Josh Cunningham, F (6-7, 216 lbs)

A top 100 player coming out of high school, Josh Cunningham originally committed to Bradley University. At the conclusion of his freshman season, however, he decided to transfer to Dayton to join Archie Miller and the Flyers. After sitting out last season due to NCAA transfer rules, Cunningham is ready to make his impact with the True Team. In his freshman season at Bradly, Cunningham averaged nearly 8 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. Cunningham will have three seasons of eligibility remaining and if he continues to improve this offseason, will definitely be given a chance to compete for a starting job.

• Kostas Antetokounmpo, F (6-9, 190 lbs)

The Flyers latest addition is also a top 100 player nationally. Kostas Antetokounmpo, the #2 high school prospect out of the state of Wisconsin recently committed to Dayton. His older brother Giannis, who’s known as the Greek Freak, is a NBA star for the Milwuakee Bucks. Like his brother, Kostas has incredible athleticism and a very bright future. Nearly two weeks ago he announced he will be playing for the Greek U20 national team. Antetokounmpo will most likely compete with Josh Cunningham for the Flyer’s final starting spot. If he puts in the work, Antetokounmpo could help Dayton in monumental ways as their premier big man.

• Trey Landers, G (6-5, 195 lbs)

Dayton’s final addition heading into the 2016-17 season is local guard Trey Landers. Landers attended Wayne high school and officially signed with the Flyers back in December. According to 247sports, the 3 star shooting guard is a top 250 player nationally and the #13 recruit in the state of Ohio. He will reunite with former high school teammate Xeyrius Williams, who is an athletic 6’8″ forward at Dayton. Landers can expect to find himself coming off the bench this season along with backup point guard John Crosby and junior shooting guard Darrell Davis. With the additions of Cunningham, Antetokounmpo, and Landers, the Flyers will have a lot of talent on this year’s roster.

Key Subtractions

• Dyshawn Pierre, F

Dyshawn Pierre will go down as another one of the Dayton greats. He scored nearly 1,500 points in his Flyer career and was a consistent producer every time he took the floor. In his time at Dayton, Pierre helped lead the Flyers to new heights. Dayton has made three straight NCAA tournaments and won five tournament games in that time thanks to Pierre’s contribution. Not to mention he showed up clutch in the 2014 Elite Eight run. Pierre will be missed, but Flyer fans wish him the best of luck as he pursues his dreams of playing professional basketball.

• Bobby Wehrli, F

There’s no denying Bobby Wehrli is one of Dayton’s best ever walk-ons. After the Flyer’s two centers were kicked off the team in the 2014-15 season, Wehrli found himself as the tallest guy on the roster. Without much depth left on the bench, Wehrli was forced to play and he certainly stepped up. Despite being just 6’6″, the Wehrli Bird, as some Flyer fans know him, fought with all he had every game. Wehrli held his own against opponents premier big men and his toughness earned him a scholarship. Even though he did not get to play as much in his senior season, Flyer fans won’t forget the Wehrli Bird anytime soon.

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