Positional Breakdown: Power Forward

In the days leading up to Friday's Penn basketball 2011-12 season opener at UMBC, The Buzz is breaking down how the Quakers are shaping up at each position. After taking a look at the small forwards yesterday, we analyze what to expect out of their frontcourt partners.

THE PLAYERS:

Sophomore Fran Dougherty has been the most hyped player of the preseason after a summer of intense workouts. Now, his task is to back up the hype with production. The Quakers are relying on Dougherty to make a huge leap from his 2010-11 averages of 2.5 points, 2.4 rebounds and 13.6 minutes, which is perhaps why they're trying to give him an early confidence boost.

Senior Rob Belcore may stand just 6-6, but he has the build, grit, and defensive versatility to serve as an undersized '4.' Expect Jerome Allen to experiment with a small lineup early, and get used to seeing Belcore at power forward if it works.

Freshman Henry Brooks is expected to be brought along slowly, but could blossom into Penn's No. 1 option at the 4. His inside-out game makes the blue-chip recruit a dynamic offensive weapon.

Freshman Greg Louis "will be out for at least several months" after undergoing hip surgery, according to a Daily News report. If he gets healthy, he could add to the Quakers' depth as a stretch-the-floor 4 who can also bang inside.

THE MINUTES:

This is the most difficult position to nail down when it comes to minutes. Our best answer would be, 'Talk to me after Friday.' But if we had to venture a guess, we'd take the safe route and say that Dougherty will get the lion's share of the minutes playing alongside senior Mike Howlett. If Allen lacks confidence in Howlett's health or ability, look for Belcore to slide down low and Dougherty to play the middle.

THE OUTLOOK:

Jack Eggleston had this position on lockdown for the past four years. You could pencil him down for double-digit points on efficient shooting and a handful of rebounds every night, not to mention fiery leadership and hustle. The absence of Eggleston -- invaluable as a steady, stabilizing force -- could hang over this team for the entire season. Or one of these guys could emerge and bring stability to the front court. Whatever the case, it will provide one of the most intriguing stories to follow this season.