Senior guard A.J. Slaughter didn’t use words to set off the 2009-2010 season on a high note.

The fourth-year player out of Shelbyville held the ball with more than 20 seconds left in Western’s season-opening Hilltopper Hysteria, his team down one point. He continued to hold it with 10 seconds left, then five, finally releasing a no-sweat three-point teardrop from the corner.

Slaughter’s senior campaign may have started with a routine 24-22 scrimmage victory, but he said this season represents a new challenge.

The senior, who said he’s a leader by example on the floor, will now have to be a vocal leader.

“Trying to be that leader and fill those big shoes — it’s been tough,” he said. “I think the toughest part is just coming out and trying to be a leader at all times on and off the court … not just showing by example, but being more of a vocal leader.”

Orlando Mendez-Valdez stepped into the role as a vocal leader last season, following NBA draft pick Courtney Lee’s example.

Now, both age- and production-wise, Head Coach Ken McDonald said it’s time for Slaughter to make the squad “his team.”

“He’s starting to step up and talk and realize that he does have that chance,” McDonald said. “Guys are going to look to him and understand and respect what he says, and there’s a true value when it’s coming from your teammates.”

After averaging 16 points per game last season, Slaughter scored 14 points against Illinois in the Toppers’ first-round NCAA tournament win and followed with 25 more in Western’s season-ending loss to Gonzaga. He was voted this season’s Sun Belt Conference’s Preseason Player of the Year.

Junior forward Sergio Kerusch said Slaughter’s previous success is fueling much of the Toppers’ will to succeed.

“A.J. is easy to follow, but he is a trash talker,” Kerusch said. “He’ll make you want to play. Even if you don’t, he’ll say some stuff that makes you get fired up and get you ready, because he’s been there before.”

Slaughter said an increased responsibility for his teammates is what he was hoping to experience, at least early in the season.

“It’s something that I always wanted to have,” Slaughter said. “I respect the guys, and the guys respect me. I’m just talking it up and just speaking what I’ve learned in my career and just trying to give the younger guys a little heads up about what they can do to get better.”

The Toppers are listening, Kerusch said.

“Everybody respects him, and you can always follow somebody you respect,” he said.