BOYS' BASKETBALL PREVIEW TIME OF CHANGE HEAD COACH'S ABSENCE WON'T SLOW VALENCIA.

Byline: Kevin Flavin  Staff Writer

When Valencia kicks off its eighth season of basketball on Tuesday, it might have to do so without coach Gary Spindt.

Spindt, who has led the Valencia program since its inception, is likely to miss the majority of Valencia's practices and games to be with his wife, who has health problems.

Assistant coach Robert Collins will be the Vikings' interim coach and will take the lead role in most coaching decisions, even when Spindt is nearby.

``Rocket (Collins) will be the constant voice that they hear,'' said Spindt, who plans on attending practices and games whenever possible. ``I don't want the kids to be confused about the voices they hear.''

Collins has been a junior-varsity coach at Valencia for four years and has assisted Spindt with the varsity team. He won a league JV championship two years ago, led the Vikings to a 19-4 record last season and has coached most of the current Vikings' varsity players at some time.

``It's going to be as seamless a transition as it can be,'' Spindt said. ``I've told the players that this is their team. I don't want them feeling any pity for me.''

Senior forward Will Broadus said the team understands Spindt's decision and is ready to begin working under Collins.

``We would love for coach Spindt to stay, but that's something he has to do and we respect that,'' he said. ``I played under Rocket on JV and it's cool.''

On the court, Broadus and Wes Felix, the Foothill League 200 sprint champion, will combine to give Valencia one of the fastest lineups in the league.

``You have to evaluate what you have,'' Spindt said. ``They have a lot of speed and can play defense, so we've decided that's the way we're going to have to put these kids' talent to use.''

Collins agreed, noting that senior point guard Alex Dunwoody might be even quicker than Broadus on the court.

``It's going to be run and gun,'' Collins said. ``If you score, we're trying to catch you in the next four seconds.''

The Vikings aren't tall, so they are hoping the running game will help them wear down taller opponents.

``Bigger usually means slower,'' said Broadus, who will return to the team after football season ends. ``We just run them.''

Spindt and Collins think most of their players should be called guards, although they will fill a variety of roles for the Vikings this season. Albert Ingram is the most versatile and could play point guard, shooting guard and forward this season.

``We could have four guards on the court at any time,'' Collins said. ``But we've been preaching to everyone to get on the boards because we're going to need it.''

Lewis Pettway, at 6-foot-4, is the Vikings tallest player and will play forward and center. He and Broadus will be relied upon to do most of the rebounding. Spindt also expects Giovanni Fernandez to provide energy off the bench.

``We'll be small, but we're not going to be outrebounded by anybody,'' said Spindt. ``We've been working real hard on boxing out and hitting the glass.''

The Vikings fast-paced offense will begin with Dunwoody, a 16-year-old senior who will be playing his first year of varsity basketball.

``He's improved 50 percent since spring,'' said Collins. ``He's going to be phenomenal as a player.''

Dunwoody will guide and offense that has a goal of three assists per turnover this season.

``They pass as well as any team that I've had in my seven years at Valencia,'' Spindt said.

Dunwoody will be passing to Ingram and Jose Velazquez, a streaky shooter who can score points in a hurry. The Vikings also will try to find the sprinter, Felix, in the open court.

``He has the ability to be quite a basketball player,'' said Spindt. ``He has a nice touch and can get way above the rim.''

Valencia expects its defense to carry it most of the season. Ingram is the most versatile defender and will be counted on to guard players of all sizes. James Lott, a transfer from Santa Clara, and Mike Suby, a transfer from Louisiana, are expected to make their biggest impact on the defensive end as well.

As speedy as the Vikings are, Collins believes the team's biggest strength lies in its chemistry, which should benefit them with the coaching situation.

``They all get along real well,'' he said. ``We do everything team- wise.''