Now the most important figure in a thinned-down TCA frontline, Aristide Boya is cognizant of his rapid increase in importance as we usher in 2017.
Fueled by captivating guard play, Conrad must incorporate a post game and utilize the height at its disposal.
At 7-foot-1 and 245 pounds, Boya oozes of promise... even if the nuances of the American are still coming to him.
Assistant coach Johann Mpondo has worked diligently to cultivate a post presence in the still-evolving sophomore.
TCA will look to capitalize on the groundwork starting this weekend, as they crack open the new year at Grind Session's Mustang Madness in Paducah, KY.
The field includes team such as Prolific Prep, 22 Feet Academy, Hillcrest, Oldsmar Christian, with Conrad facing Wesleyan Christian (NC) on Jan. 6.
Since the departure of commanding 6-foot-10 recruit Austin Wiley, a top-20 national recruit who made his way to Auburn on early enrollment, there's been decreased production on the blocks.
Workaday interior labor from Boya is now a necessity in healing up the wound.
TCA has another massive option in seldom-used 7-foot, 265-pound Bosnian mountain man Milan Stakic.
Since subscribing to a strict training regimen (which emphasizes constant running and permanently deleting fried foods from his diet) back in August, Stakic has dropped a whopping 30 pounds.
More importantly, 6-foot-8 Malishaw Niang (a burgeoning mid to high major option in the class of 2018) and 6-foot-7 Mel Esso are expected to add manpower on the glass.
A Cameroon import, Boya has displayed the natural athleticism and fleet-of-foot that's in alignment with the furious game speed and high-motored ferocity the SIAA has to offer.
With time, expect Boya to expand by incorporating a feathery mid-range game and a short hook with both hands.
During Conrad's first ever-season and inaugural season in the talent-stacked SIAA, Boya is standing tall amongst a surplus of guards.
With his suddenly ramped up responsibility as a high efficiency inside threat, buckets via lobs and dunks and point-blank finishes must become givens.
Boya displayed flashes in wins over Potter's House and 22 Feet Academy (SC).
He was the focal point of a thorough 100-29 pummeling of Agape Christian (FL), turning in a 25-point, 17-rebound performance.
Yet as the competition stiffens, Boya must adapt to bigger stages and adapt in a hurry.
Developing a nose for the ball, becoming more instinctive on defensive rebounds and using his manipulative wingspan to alter the trajectory of shots are adjustments capable of solidifying Boya's Division-I appeal.
In high school basketball, big men typically take time to develop into scoring threats and one-on-one, back to the basket threats.
With the early promise Boya has shown, especially given he's got two full years left, TCA Director of Player Development Brad Traina envisions an eventual high-major talent.
"There are programs out there that would take him tomorrow," said Traina, who has been thorough in helping Boya open up a dependable jumper and put the ball on the deck comfortably.
"With Ari, you have an elite rim protector with a tremendous ability to run the floor. He possesses explosive vertical leaping ability. He needs to continue to work on his hands and his footwork. He's progressed a long way in the last four months, he could potentially be a top-50 sophomore in the country."
The tools Boya is steadily developing are integral ingredients for a high-major program, especially when you consider just how effectively he can be utilized in a breakneck, rim-to-rim style offense.