University of North Texas Athletics
New-Look Flannigan Leads North Texas Into MVSU Showdown
11/25/2014 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
North Texas (3-1) vs. MVSU (0-4, SWAC) |
DENTON - Quite frankly, Armani Flannigan was tired of hearing it, both the clang of the rim and the moans from the crowd. With every free throw that crashed off the iron the 28.6 percent shooter further cemented his offseason plans - spend some quality time at the practice gym's charity stripe.
And that's exactly what Flannigan did. He spent the summer heading into his senior season putting up countless free throws at the Ernie Kuehne Practice Facility, recreating his shooting motion and gaining confidence with each passing day.
After going 12-of-42 (28.6 percent) from the line during his junior season, Flannigan has hit 10 of his last 15 (66.7 percent) free throws. The most unlikely of free-throw heroes just a year ago, Flannigan made four straight from line in the closing minutes against Delaware State to cement the victory.
"Armani put in a lot of hard work in the offseason, and I'm really proud of him for it," said North Texas head coach Tony Benford. "The biggest result isn't just that his free throw percentage is getting better, but his confidence has grown from it as well. He's really matured as a player and a leader."
The free throw transformation has seemed to raise Flannigan's overall game. The senior ranks second in Conference USA with a 70.6 field goal percentage, and he's topped his career scoring high twice despite playing just four games this year. He ranks third on the team with 8.5 points and 4.8 rebounds per game.
On Wednesday, Flannigan and his Mean Green squad welcome Mississippi Valley State to the Super Pit. Tipoff is slated for 7 p.m., and can be heard on the Mean Green Radio Network.
