UTC (15-3, 29-6):
2016-2017 Roster: http://www.gomocs.com/roster.aspx?path=mbb
2015-2016 Stats: http://www.gomocs.com/custompages/stats/...m#TEAM.IND

The big plus for the Mocs is getting preseason conference Player of the Year 6-5 205 Senior Casey Jones (29.6 min., 12.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 3.1 t.o.’s) back from injury. In his absence all conference 6-5 195 Senior Tre’ McLean played like his clone (31.0 min., 12.1 points, .365 from 3 with 35 makes, 6.3 reb, 2.5 assists, 2.2 t.o.’s, 1.7 steals). Together they form a pretty impressive wing tandem around all conference 6-10 235 Senior Justin Tuoyo (25.2 min., 11.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.5 blocks – numbers that all went up against ETSU). Add in 6-7 218 Senior Chuck Ester (24.5 min., 7.7 points on .400 from 3 with 17 makes, 4.9 rebounds and 1.0 steals) and they’ve got the best proven front court in the conference.

In the back court they’ve got solid guards in 6-2 195 Senior Greg Pryor (29.3 min., 12.6 points on .318 from 3 with 41 makes, 2.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.1 t.o.’s and 1.5 steals) and his former high school teammate 6-2 177 Senior Jonathan Burroughs-Cook (14.9 minutes, 6.0 points but only .268 from 3, 1.8 rebounds), with Jones playing a lot of his time at guard.

That's six quality, proven Senior players. Last year in the big games, like against ETSU, McCall had no problem reducing the rotation to 5 guys in one game, 6 in another and 7 in the third. Without any "ifs" or "maybes" concerning unproven additions, McCall has already got most of what he needs.

But the Mocs do have some significant losses from the team that beat Dayton, Georgia and Illinois, and went 5-0 against ETSU and Mercer: 6-6 225 Duke Etheridge, 6-4 208 Dee Oldham and 6-4 200 Eric Robertson are gone. That leaves them smaller and less muscular as a team than they were last year, thinner at guard with less experience off the bench. They also lost half of their made 3 pointers. It should be harder for them to overmatch ETSU especially at guard, but also in the post.

Matt McCall did not bring in any obvious difference makers to help out. His big additions, 6-10 220 Makinde Lindon transferring from Xavier, and 6-6 199 Andrew Fleming transferring from Iowa, will have to sit out this year.

At guard he’ll be looking for improvement from 6-3 180 sophomore sharpshooter Peyton Woods (6.8 min. in 19 games, 2.9 points on .467 from 3 with 14 makes in his freshman year); and/or help from 3 incoming freshmen 6-1 185 Makale Foreman from Kingsport by way of Hargrave, 6-1 183 David Jean Baptiste and 6-1 172 Rodney Chatman with offers from ETSU, Mercer, Samford and Radford.

In the front court, 6-4 183 JUCO and former BC footballer Nat Dixon, and last second addition 6-7 221 JUCO Jr Trayvond Massenburg, who averaged only 6.3 minutes per game last year as a JUCO, will try to crack the rotation. He had expected help from 6-5 193 Traevis Graham, but Graham has been kicked off the team and replaced by Massenburg. 6-9 walk on Jackson White is unlikely to make a breakthrough this year. (As of October 2016 White is no longer on the roster).

Most everything this year will depend on the senior core: Tuoyo, Jones, McLean, Ester, Pryor and Burroughs-Cook.

Post:
Justin Tuoyo 6-10 235; 25.2 min., 11.1 points, 5.0 reb, 2.5 blocks
Chuck Ester 6-7 220; 24.5 min., 7.7 points, .400 from 3 (14 makes), 4.9 reb, 1.0 steals
Jackson White 6-9 212; 4.2 min. in 10 games; 1.7 points, 0.8 rebounds AS OF OCT 3, NO LONGER ON THE ROSTER
JUCO Jr. Trayvond Massenburg 6-7 221 JUCO 6.3 min.??, 5.6 pts, 5.5 rebounds (Southeastern Iowa CC). 1st JUCO year was at Miami Dade, with only 2.4 minutes per game.

Wing:
Casey Jones 6-5 205; 29.6 min., (7 games before injury), 12.6 points, 6.5 reb, 3.9 assists, 3.1 t.o.’s,
Tre’ McLean 6-5 195; 31.0 min., 12.1 points, .365 from 3 (35 makes) 6.3 reb, 2.5 assists, 2.2 t.o.’s, 1.7 steals
JUCO SO Nat Dixon 6-4 183; JUCO 9.5 min., 12.0 points; fg % 41.4; 3pt % 32.3 (41 makes); 3.2 reb; assists 1.8; stl 1.2; only other offer Troy

Guard:
Greg Pryor, 6-2 195; 29.3 min., 12.6 points, .318 from 3 (41 makes), 2.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.1 t.o.’s, 1.5 steals
Jonathan Burroughs-Cook 6-2 188; 14.9 minutes, 6.0 points, .268 from 3(15 makes), 1.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.3 t.o.’s, 0.7 steals
Peyton Woods 6-3 180; 6.8 min. (19 games), 2.9 points, .467 from 3 (14 makes), 0.8 rebounds
Fr. Makale Foreman 6’1” 185 HS PG 2* Kingsport TN Hargrave; supposedly great shooter; Only offer on Verbal Commits; roster says also Loyola IL, Duquesne and Northern KY
Fr. David Jean-Baptiste 6’1” 183 HS PG 2* Miami FL; 10.7 ppg, 47%, 34% 3’s, 2.2 rpg, 2.0 asst, 1.1 t.o., 1.4 steal as sr; 1 other offer UNF
Fr. Rodney Chatman 6’1” 172 HS SG 2* Atlanta GA; 16.3 ppg, 48% (36% 3’s) 8.0 rpg, 2.7 ass’t, 2.6 t.o., 2.2 stl as sr; 6 offers according to Verbal Commits: RU, ETSU, Samford, Ark. State, Mercer

ETSU (14-4, 24-12)
2016-2017 Roster: http://www.etsubucs.com/mbasketball/roster/
2015-2016 Stats: http://files.streamlinehosting.net/etsub...M#TEAM.IND

GUARDS:
T.J. Cromer 6-3 195 Sr., 32.0 min., 14.9 ppg on .365 3’s (70 makes), 3.4 reb, 3.1 asst, 2.0 t.o.’s, 1.0 stl
Desonta Bradford 6-4 190 Jr; Conference 21.9 min., 8.3 ppg .520 from 3, 13 makes, 3.2 rpg, 2.2 asst, 1.0 t.o.
Last 10 games of the season (5 of them in tournament play) 25.8 min., 11.3 ppg on 53.2% overall, 50% from 3 (12 makes) and .869 (20 of 23) from the free throw line; 3.5 assists, 4.2 rebounds
Julian Walters 5-10 175 Jr. JUCO 18.9 ppg, 50.9% 3’s, 118 makes, 5.0 rebs, 4.6 asst, 2.1 stl, 2.2 a/to
Devontavius Payne 6-2 175 Jr. JUCO 21.6 PPG, 38.6% 3’s, 71 makes, 4.0 rebs, 2.8 asst, 2.1 a/to, 1.2 stl
Jermaine Long 6-3 175 Jr. JUCO 20.4 ppg on 31.2% 3’s, 73 makes, 4.7 rebs, 3.2 asst, 1.3 a/to; 1.3 stl
Fr. Jason Williams 5-11 185; Detroit, MI; averaged 25.6 points, 6.1 rebounds and 6.6 assists during his junior campaign; 2nd team all state Michigan
Tr-Jr Kanayo Obi-Rapu 6-3 190; transfer from Longwood, must sit out a year; as soph. 31.9 min., 12.0 ppg, .384 from 3, 64 makes, 3.2 rebounds

POST:
Hanner Mosquera-Perea 6-9 230 Sr; Junior stats (Indiana) 19.5 minutes, 6.5 points and 2.7 rebounds and a team high 33 blocks
Peter Jurkin 7-0 245 Sr; 12.1 min., 5.3 ppg on .563, 3.1 rebs

FORWARD:
Isaac Banks 6-7 235 Sr., 23.2 min., 6.1 ppg on .600 overall, 6.0 rpg, 1.1 t.o.
A.J. Merriweather 6-2 205 Sr., 18.3 min., 7.1 ppg .381 from 3(8 makes), 3.6 rebs [missed 16 games to injury, saw reduced time in several others]
David Burrell 6-6 200 Jr JUCO 15.1 ppg on 42% 3’s, 55 makes, 6.2 rebs, 1.5 stl; offers from Washington St., Bradley, Southern Ill., UIC, Eastern Mich., Drake
Tevin Glass 6-8 220 Sr At Wichita, 19 games, 5.6 min., 2.1 points with no 3’s, 1.1 rebounds; as a JUCO, 24 games, 12.0 ppg with no 3’s, 5.8 rebounds, 0.9 steals

The Bucs are the reverse of UTC: full of "ifs" and "maybes", with lots of unproven players. But what possibilities!

In the post: the Bucs won a lot of games despite being weak in the middle last year. This year there is 6'9" 230 jumping jack Hanner Mosquera-Perea with experience in the most physical conference in the country, the Big Ten. Junior stats at Indiana: 19.5 minutes, 6.5 points and 2.7 rebounds and a team high 33 blocks. Can he help neutralize the Justin Tuoyo's and Desmond Ringer's of the SoCon? And will hard working 7'0 245 Peter Jurkin, in essentially only his second D1 season, show the kind of improvement that big men often make? If Peter Jurkin is capable of 20 minutes per game this year (he averaged 12.1 last year, but increased that to 17.2 in the last 6 games of the season), then he could become a 10 point, 5 rebound guy with high efficiency and game changing length. Isaac Banks did better than expected, but was overmatched against teams like UTC and Mercer. He might be more effective this year with Hanner or Jurkin taking the other team's big man. He makes an interesting comparison with UTC's 6'7" 218 Chuck Ester who could rely on Tuoyo to take major responsibility for the other team's center:
Banks: 23.2 min., 6.0 rebounds, 6.1 points on .600 with no 3's and .494 freethrow shooting, 0.3 steals
Ester: 24.5 min.; 4.9 rebounds, 7.7 points on .515 with 14 3's (.400) and .609 freethrow shooting, 1.0 steals.

At forward: the promise of 6-6 200 JUCO David Burrell (15.1 ppg on 42% 3’s, 55 makes, 6.2 rebs, 1.5 stl) at wing is huge. He might be almost as good a 3 point shooter as Lester Wilson with more length and a better range of skills - if he can transfer it to the D1 level. 6-8 220 Tevin Glass was rated a 3 star athlete coming out of high school. He had a good JUCO year (24 games, 12.0 ppg with no 3’s, 5.8 rebounds, 0.9 steals), but no proven D1 play - but neither did Deuce Bello. We need these guys to give us a better matchup than we had last year against Tre McLean and/or Casey Jones. A.J. Merriweather, as tough and productive as he is, had difficulty with that matchup. He also missed half the season with injury.

And at guard, the Bucs lose athletic tough guy, the iron-willed crunch time hero Ge'lawn Guyn, but return all-conference 6-3 T.J. Cromer (14.9 ppg on .365 3's with 70 makes, 3.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists), and athletic 6-4 lefty Desonta Bradford who finally hit his stride the end of last year (Last 10 games of the season, 5 of them in tournament play, 25.8 min., 11.1 ppg on 45.8% from 3 with 11 makes and .869, 20 of 23, from the free throw line; 3.5 assists, 4.2 rebounds). First team JUCO All-America 5-10 Julian Walters (18.9 ppg, 50.9% 3’s [5th in the country], 118 makes [1st in the country], 5.0 rebs, 4.6 asst, 2.1 stl) and Second team JUCO All-America 6-2 Devontavius Payne (21.6 PPG [11th in the country], 38.6% 3’s, 71 makes, 4.0 rebs, 2.8 asst, 2.1 a/to, 1.2 stl) have the potential to hit the SoCon even harder than third team JUCO All-Americans T.J. Cromer and Jalen Riley did in their first year - all conference quality. And not too many people would be astonished if 6-3 JUCO Jermaine Long (20.4 ppg on 31.2% 3’s, 73 makes, 4.7 rebs, 3.2 asst) does almost as well.
This is potentially the best guard group in the conference.

Lots of unknowns, though. Last season Ge'lawn Guyn and Deuce Bello did far better than their previous offensive stats suggested. By contrast, Benny Lufile, Nigel Holley and Peter Jurkin did less well than hoped. And T.J. Cromer was pretty much exactly what his prior stats suggested. So who knows which players will perform, out-perform, or disappoint this season?

I can hardly wait for the season to start.

Mercer (8-10, 19-15):
2016-2017 Roster: http://mercerbears.com/roster.aspx?path=mbball
2015-2016 Stats: http://mercerbears.com/cumestats.aspx?pa...&year=2015

These guys were tied with ETSU for 2nd in the SoCon at 8-3 until the shooting death of Jibri Bryan and the suspensions of Jestin Lewis and Desmond Ringer, after which they finished the year on a 1-9 skid. Once again Bob Hoffman laughs at heavy losses (his 2 best guards, Phillip Leonard and Jestin Lewis) and reloads effectively, this time with 5th years, transfers and JUCO’s who are eligible NOW!

In the post he adds 5th year New Mexico transfer 6-10 245 J.J. N’Ganga. He sat out last year with an Achilles heel injury, but as a Junior logged 12 min., with 3.2 points on .590 and 1.7 boards. Returning from academic suspension is 6-9 255 Rs-Junior Desmond Ringer (25.0 min., 7.8 pts, 4.6 rebounds, 0.8 blocks). 7-1 218 Rs-Senior Andrew Fishler (7.7 min., 2.8 pts, 1.9 rebounds) and 6-10 280 freshman walkon Mac Brydon are not likely to make much impact.

At forward, there’s workhorse all conference and leading SoCon rebounder Junior 6-6 225 Stephon Jelks (29.0 min., 8.4 rebounds and 11.7 points) and 6-7 Sophomore Cory Kilby (8.1 min., 2.1 points, 1.6 rebounds). To that Hoffman adds Rs-So Rutgers transfer 6-5 192 Ryan Johnson who got high school offers including JMU, Appy State, UNC-W and Asheville.

At guard he returns Junior 6-1 175 Jordan Strawberry (25.4 min., 8.1 ppg on .358 from 3 with 34 makes, 2.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists); 6-5 205 Sophomore Ethan Stair (24.2 min., 6.6 ppg on .281 from 3 with 18 makes and 4.2 rebounds); 6-8 180 Junior Demetre Rivers (24.2 min., 9.7 ppg on .374 from 3 with 43 makes and 3.2 rebounds); and 6-4 200 Sophomore Jaylen Stowe (only 4.2 min.)

To that, Hoffman adds JUCO Junior 6-0 152 Ri’an Holland formerly of Wichita State (JUCO 13.3 ppg on 50.4% from 3 with 65 makes, 3.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists) and JUCO Junior 5-8 156 Rashad Lewis (JUCO 11.6 ppg on 41.6% from 3 with 99 makes, 3.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists). Freshman 6-2 170 Darius Roy is an interesting addition. Despite being Oklahoma 5A POY, he only drew small school offers from Rogers State, East Central, Arkansas Fort Smith, Illinois Springfield and Drury. It will be interesting to see how he measures up.

Hoffman whiffed on potentially his best get as former Wake Forest starting point guard Madison Jones first committed, and then decommitted in favor of Seton Hall. Still, he’s left the Bears looking formidable. It should not be forgotten that he had a similar version of this squad tied for 2nd in the SoCon before suspension and death struck.

Post:
Desmond Ringer 6-9 255 Rs-Jr 3* 25.0 min., 7.8 pts, 4.6 rebs, 0.8 blks, 1.8 t.o.’s; lots of high major, UT, Cincy, Minn, Vandy etc.
J.J. N’Ganga 6-10 245 New Mexico Sr. 2* Achilles heel injury last year - Junior stats: 12 min., 3.2 points on .590, 1.7 boards; High school offers Nevada, Fresno, Albany, Librty
Andrew Fishler 7-1 218 Rs-Sr; 7.7 min., 2.8 pts, 1.9 rebounds 1 other offer, Okla State
Fr. Mac Brydon 6-10 280; walkon, only offer

Forward:
Stephon Jelks 6-6 225 Jr.; 29.0 min., 11.7 ppg, 8.4 rebounds, 1 other offer: Stetson
Cory Kilby 6-7 195 So; 8.1 min., 2.1 ppg, 1.6 rebounds, 2 others, Brown and South Dakota
Ryan Johnson 6-5 192 Tr-Rs-So was at Rutgers, high school offers – JMU, Appy State, Gdnr-Webb, UNC-W, Asheville, GA St., Longwood

Guard:
Jordan Strawberry 6-1 175; Jr.; 25.4 min., 8.1 ppg on .358 from 3 with 34 makes, 2.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists, one offer, St. Louis
Ethan Stair 6-5 205 So.; 24.2 min., 6.6 ppg on .281 from 3 with 18 makes and 4.2 rebounds; many offers including ETSU, Murray St., WKU, Wofford
Demetre Rivers 6-8 180 Jr.; 24.2 min., 9.7 ppg on .374 from 3 with 43 makes and 3.2 rebounds; 2 offers SC State, Campbell
Jaylen Stowe 6-4 200 So.; 4.2 min., 1.3 ppg, 0.7 rebounds; one other offer – ETSU; much other interest
Ri’an Holland 6-0 152 JUCO-Jr Wichita St transfer, JUCO 13.3 ppg on 50.4% from 3 with 65 makes, 3.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists; no other offers noted
Rashad Lewis 5-8 156 Tr-JUCO-Jr. USC Aiken transfer, JUCO 11.6 ppg on 41.6% from 3 with 99 makes, 3.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists; no other offers noted
Fr. Darius Roy 6-2 170 Okla 5A POY; Only other offers small school: Rogers State; East Central; Arkansas Fort Smith; Illinois Springfield; Drury (7/2015)
Fr. Ross Cummings 6-3 165 Only offer
So. walkon Stephen Gavin 6-3 190

Furman (11-7, 19-16):
2016-2017 Roster: http://furmanpaladins.com/sports/m-baskb...-17/roster
2015-2016 Stats: http://furmanpaladins.com/sports/m-baskb...nStats.pdf

They beat UNCG in the SoCon tournament before losing to the Bucs; then beat La-Monroe in the CIT before losing to La-Lafayette.

They lose a lot in 17.1 point scorer guard Stephen Croone SoCon POY. But they bring back most everybody else of importance.

Rising junior 6’2” 175 Devin Sibley with 12.1 points on .328 from 3 (44 makes) may be ready to step up and replace some of what they lose with Croone with help from 2 other rising junior guards, 6’4” 195 Daniel Fowler (6.3 ppg, 3.8 rpg) and 5’10” 160 John Davis 4.5 ppg, 1.6 rpg.

Sophomore 6-8 215 Matt Rafferty (24.2 min., 8.0 points, 6.7 rebounds) had an all-freshman year inside and only looks to get better. 6-6 215 Senior Icelander Kris Acox (23.2 min., 8.9 points with no 3’s, 5.8 rebounds) is an undersized but experienced no-nonsense tough guy inside. 6’7” 210 Junior Geoff Beans (16.2 minutes, 5.4 points on .375 from 3 with 45 makes and 2.1 rebounds) contributes.

2 good freshmen recruits might also help: Jordan Lyons 5’10” 175 pg who scored 19.7 pts as a senior with 37% form 3 (98 makes); and Willie ‘Tre’ Clark, 6’5 185 with 24.7 points and 6.2 rebounds. Lyons got 12 scholarship offers, including Mercer, Wofford, Chattanooga, Samford, ODU, RU, UNC-W, and MTSU. Clark got offers from South Alabama, Rider and Youngstown State.

Most of the team are rising Juniors and Sophomores who should continue to improve.

Guards:
6’2” 175 Devin Sibley Jr..; 27.6 min., 12.1 points on .328 from 3 (44 makes), 2.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 2.3 t.o.’s, 0.6 steals
6’4” 195 Daniel Fowler Jr..; 25.3 min., 6.3 points on .379 from 3 (33 makes) 3.8 rpg, 1.7 assists, 1.7 t.o.’s, 1.1 steals
5’11” 165 John Davis Jr.; 21.0 min., 4.5 ppg on .338 from 3 (24 makes), 1.6 rpg, 1.7 assists 1.1 t.o.’s, 0.7 steals.
6’4” 190 Andrew Brown So.; 11.1 min., (only 7 conference games) 3.3 points on .364 from 3 (16 makes), 2.2 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 0.4 t.o.’s
5-11 170 Jonathan Jean So. 7.1 min. (21 games), 1.6 ppg, 0.6 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.9 t.o.'s
6-1 175 T.K. Hayes Sr., former walk-on; 2.1 min. (8 games)
6-2 165 Bradley Schuck So., walk-on, no stats
Fr. 5’11” 170 Jordan Lyons with 12 offers including Mercer, Wofford, UTC, Samford ODU, RU, UNC-W and MTSU

Front Court:
6-8 215 Matt Rafferty So., 24.2 min., 8.0 points on .321 from 3 (17 makes) 6.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.2 t.o.’s, 0.8 blocks, 1.0 steals
6-6 215 Kris Acox Sr., 23.2 min., 8.9 points (no 3’s), 5.8 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 1.4 t.o.’s, 0.6 blocks, 0.7 steals
6-7 210 Geoff Beans Jr., 16.2 min., 5.4 points on .375 from 3 (45 makes), 2.1 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 0.7 t.o.’s
6-8 245 Jalen Williams Rs-Fr, late bloomer who needed work on weight control and conditioning http://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/sp.../12433023/ ; FUATT says coaches call him team's best rebounder in practice, which is saying a lot when you've got Matt Rafferty and Kris Acox.
6-6 195 Gene Langan Jr. walk-on; 2.0 min. (8 games)
Fr. 6’5” 185 Willie ‘Tre’ Clark with offers from South Alabama, Rider and YSU
Fr. 6’7” 200 Clay Mounce HS SF 2* Mount Airy NC; ?6’6”?; 3 offers – King, Lees McRae

UNCG (10-8, 15-19):
2016-2017 Roster: http://www.uncgspartans.com/SportSelect....SID=810485
2015-2016 Stats: http://www.uncgspartans.com/fls/32200/St...m#TEAM.IND

They started the season 4-10 after losing best player Tevon Saddler to transfer just two weeks before the start of the season. But they finished hot: 6-2 with a CBI win over Houston Baptist and a close loss at Ohio U 67-72. Despite a 15-19 record, they were good enough to beat UTC, Wofford and Western Carolina. Hot shooting 6-3 185 freshman Francis (The Andalusian Assassin) Alonso of Malaga, Spain, was a great addition – he averaged 13.0 points on .395 from 3 (85 makes). The only significant loss from that squad is Kayel Locke.

With the graduation of 6’5” 240 Kayel Locke they lose muscle, 5.4 rebounds and 12.6 points. But Locke was one of those guys who could always throw up an ill advised 3 (he shot .309 from the arc) or make an untimely turnover. A possible replacement is a freshman that they are very high on: 6’5” 195 Kylia Sykes from St. Johns in DC who passed up a Manhattan Jasper’s offer to go to UNCG. Said to be “as competitive as any young man we’ve ever recruited” with a defensive mindset, length and good hops. He doesn’t have the beef, but he could add some things that Kayel didn’t have. 6’3” 185 guard Malik Massey who had a strong post grad year at New Hampton (NH) Prep is another addition with real potential (10.6 points on 35% from 3, 3.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.5 steals.)

Key returning inside players are all conference 6-8 280 Senior R.J. White (27.2 min., 12.2 points, only 8 from 3, 6.9 rebounds) and 6-6 190 Junior Marvin Smith (26.7 min., 9.4 points on .322 from 3 with 55 makes and 5.5 rebounds). 6-9 250 Junior Jordy Kuiper missed last year to injury and returns to add muscle, 12.4 minutes, 2.8 points and 2.5 rebounds.

Key returning guards are 6-0 181 Senior Diante Baldwin (33.2 min., 11.5 points on .314 from 3 with 22 makes, 4.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 2.3 t.o.’s and 1.5 steals; 6-3 185 Sophomore Francisco Alonso (28.4 min., 13.0 points on .394 from 3 with 85 makes) and 6-0 187 Sophomore Demetrius Troy (18.8 min., 5.8 points on .410 from 3 with 32 makes, 2.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.3 t.o.’s and 1.1 steals. 6-0 176 Senior Clay Byrd missed all but 7 games last year to academic ineligibility but could add some real shooting and scoring (23.7 min., 10.3 points on .444 from 3 with 16 makes, 3.0 rebounds) if he spends some time hitting the books.

Justin Jordan, 6’3” 170 nephew of Michael Jordan has transferred in from UW-Milwaukee where in 2 years he got into 34 games averaging 5 points and 2.2 rebounds in 21 minutes. He’s certainly got some of the family’s athleticism, showing hops, speed and length. Just not enough game. He’ll be eligible the second semester.

UNCG should be improved – look for them to continue the hot streak that they finished on.

FRONT COURT:
R.J. White 6-8 280 Sr.; 27.2 min., 12.2 points, .296 from 3 (8 makes) 6.9 rebounds, 1.7 t.o.’s, 1.0 blocks, 0.6 steals
Marvin Smith 6-6 190 Jr.; 26.7 min., 9.4 points on .322 from 3 (55 makes) 5.5 rebounds, 1.1 t.o.’s, 1.2 steals
Jordy Kuiper 6-9 250 Jr.; 12.4 min., 2.8 points, 2.5 rebounds; missed last year to injury
Lloyd Burgess 6-11 270 Rs-So; 31 games, 8.0 min., 1.1 pts, 2.1 rebounds, 0.3 blks
Garrett Collins 6-5 185 Jr.; 16 games, 5.6 min., 1.7 ppg on 50% from 3 (7 makes), 1.1 rebounds
Jelani Mofford 6-5 192 So., only 6 games, no production; only other offer NC Central
Rs-Fr James Dickey 6-8(9??) 190 Hs Sr stats: 10.2 points, 12.4 rebounds and 4.8 blocks; offers Stetson, Campbell, VMI
Fr. Kylia Sykes 6-5 195; offer from Manhattan
Fr. Kyrin Galloway 6-8 215; Offers from Tenn Tech, UNF

GUARDS:
Francis Alonso 6-3 185 So.; 28.4 min., 13.0 points on .395 from 3 (85 makes), 1.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.9 t.o.’s, 0.6 steals
Diante Baldwin 6-0 181 Sr.; 33.2 min., 11.6 points on .314 from 3 (22 makes), 4.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 2.3 t.o.’s, 1.5 steals
Demetrius Troy 6-0 187 So.; 18.8 min., 5.8 points on .410 from 3 (32 makes), 2.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.3 t.o.’s, 1.1 steals
Clay Byrd 6-0 176 Sr. (academically ineligible last yr); 23.7 min. but only 7 games; 10.3 points on .444 from 3 (16 makes), 3.0 rebounds, 0.3 assists, 0.9 t.o.’s; will really add scoring and shooting if he can stay eligible
Taqqi Muhammad 6-4 193 So., offer from Howard, only 3 games, no production
Fr. Malik Massey 6-3 185 Fr. offers High Point, Radford; interest but no offer from USF, UCF and Cincy
Tr. Justin Jordan 6-3 170 Tr.-Jr. becomes eligible 2nd semester; from UW-Milwaukee where in 2 years he got into 34 games averaging 5 points and 2.2 rebounds in 21 minutes.
Fr. Jack Kostanzer 6-1 165 Fr. Only offer

Wofford (11-7, 15-17):
2016-2017 Roster: http://athletics.wofford.edu/roster.aspx?path=mbball
2015-2016 Stats: http://woffordterriers.com/cumestats.asp...tab=stats2

Wofford loses its 2 best front court players from last year in C.J. Neumann and Justin Gordon, and its best guard, all conference Spencer Collins. I initially thought they’d be in real trouble. But they have a potential difference maker back from injury in 6’8” 235 Rs. So. Cameron Jackson and a fine crop of sought after freshmen. And as Mercerfan points out, they have a solid coach in Mike Young. They shouldn’t be written off.

The cupboard is not bare. They bring back 3 talented guards in Seniors 6-0 185 Eric Garcia (30.7 min., 10.3 points on .422 from 3 (57 makes), 2.6 rebounds, 4.8 assists) and 6-3 185 Jaylen Allen (14.8 min., 4.7 points on .302 from 3 (26 makes) 1.8 rebounds) and the astonishing shooter, freshman of the year 6-4 195 Fletcher Magee who in 28.8 minutes per game made 91 three’s on a .479 (.519 in conference) shooting percentage from a Stephen Curry like array of ranges and angles.

In the front court they have 6’8” 215 Senior Ryan Sawvell, who started slow but improved as the year went on. And they get rising RS-Soph 6’8” 235 Cameron Jackson. Last year Mike Young was touting him in glowing terms: “Cam Jackson had committed himself to getting better and becoming a great player,” Wofford head coach Mike Young said. “He was our best post player. (Starting senior) C.J. Neumann would tell you that, not to take anything away from him.” He went further to claim that he was the best player on squad in last preseason. http://www.goupstate.com/article/2016010.../160109774
But two weeks into preseason practice, Jackson hurt a knee. He missed the first four games. He came back and played in seven games, but fractured his right foot and missed the rest of the season. If he’s back healthy and as good as Young says he is, Wofford will have a solid core. If not, they could really be hurting up front.

Then there are the six incoming freshman, who, judging by the offers made by quality programs, are a very promising bunch:
Fr. Nathan Hoover 6’2” 180 [the roster now calls him 6'4" - we shall see] SG of Arlington TN; 3* Rivals, others say 2*; with offers from Wake Forest, Ole Miss and Tulsa
Fr. Donavan Love 6’1” 165 PG 2* of Providence RI (New Hampton); with offers from UTC, JU, ECU, Quinnipiac, Niagara
Fr. Kevon Tucker 6’4” 200 SG 2* of Dacula GA; offers from Murray State, MTSU, W&M, NE, Charlotte, FGCU, UNC-W, several others
Fr. Dishon Lowery 6’6” 240 PF 2* Peach Tree City GA; 3 other offers, Mercer, La Tech, High Point.
Fr. Justin Tucker 6’6” 210 PF 2* Orlando FL; 2 other offers, Florida Southern, Central Conn.
Fr. Michael Manning, Jr. 6’8” 195 HS F/C Memphis, TN, Lausanne School; ?? no info

By conference, Young may have them a force to be reckoned with. But a lot depends on Cam Jackson and 1 or 2 freshman newcomers stepping up.

Front Court:
Cameron Jackson Rs So 6-8 235; 14.3 min. (7 games before injury), 4.0 points, 3.9 rebounds
Ryan Sawvell RS-Sr 6-8 215; in conference 18.2 min., 6.2 points, 2-4 from 3; 4.4 rebounds
Matthew Pegram So. 6-11 240; 8.1 min., 2.1 points, 1.3 rebounds
Fr. Dishon Lowery 6’6” 240.,3 offers, Mercer, La Tech, High Point
Fr. Justin Tucker 6’6” 210, 2 offers, Florida Southern, Central Conn.
Fr. Michael Manning, Jr. 6’8” 195 HS F/C Memphis, TN, Lausanne School; ?? last minute signee, no info

Guards:
Fletcher Magee 6’4” 195 So.; 28.8 min., 13.8 points on .479 from 3 (.519 in conference!) with 91 makes, 3.0 reb., 1.3 assists, 1.3 t.o.’s 0.3 steals
Eric Garcia 6’0” 185 Sr.; 30.7 min., 10.3 points on .422 from 3 (57 makes), 2.6 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.5 t.o.’s, 0.5 steals Only offer
Jaylen Allen 6’3” 185 Sr.; 14.8 min., 4.7 points on .302 from 3 (26 makes) 1.8 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.8 t.o.’s, 0.8 steals Only offer
Derrick Brooks 6’2” 195 Jr.; 11.8 min., 2.1 points on .333 from 3 (6 makes) 1.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.9 t.o.’s, 0.6 steals
Trevor Stumpe 6'5" 200 So.; 17 games, 6.4 min., 2.6 points 0.5 rebounds
Eric Wagenlander 6'2" 180 Sr.; 6 games, 2.2 min., 1.0 points, 0.7 rebounds
Bobby Perez 5'11" 165 Jr.; 8 games; 2.6 min., 0.5 points, 0.0 rebounds
Fr. Nathan Hoover 6’2” 180 [most sites said 6'2" - the roster now calls him 6'4"] 3* Rivals, others say 2*; with offers from Wake Forest, Ole Miss and Tulsa
Fr. Kevon Tucker 6’4” 200, offers from Murray State, MTSU, W&M, NE, Charlotte, FGCU, UNC-W, several others
Fr. Donovan Theme-Love 6’1” 185, (New Hampton Prep); with offers from UTC, JU, ECU, Quinnipiac, Niagara

Samford (4-14, 14-19):
2016-2017 Roster: http://www.samfordsports.com/roster.aspx?path=mbball
2015-2016 Stats: http://www.samfordsports.com/cumestats.a...&year=2015 &

In an up and down year Samford started the season 10-5, upsetting Nebraska and Idaho. Then they struggled badly finishing 4-14 in conference. Surprisingly they were a tough out in the tournament, coming within 3 points of UTC (54-57) although playing without fine 6’9” freshman Wyatt Walker.

Going into his third year, Scott Padgett shows a remarkable ability to reload and win some battles for talent that should raise the level at Samford. Samford loses 4 key players: its 2 best guards in MVP Darius Jones-Gibson and Marcus Johnson, and 2 good mid sized players in 6’6” Jamal Shabazz and 6’5” Iman Johnson. They also lost SoCon all-freshman 6’7” 215 Matt Rose who transferred to Lipscomb. His Twitter feed indicates an extremely religious young man who might feel more at home at Lipscomb – he also visited Liberty University. Bringing in, and then losing, a SoCon all-freshman is something that was a recurring problem under Padgett’s predecessor Bennie Seltzer

Samford returns 2 very good players in rising sophomore 6’9” 230 Wyatt Walker (10.6 ppg and 6.0 rebounds) and a guard nearly as good as Jones-Gibson in rising Junior 6-2 185 Chris Cunningham (14.4 ppg, 2.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists to 2.6 t.o.’s and 1 steal).

To that base Padgett brings in 3 transfers eligible this year: 6’8” 210 RS-JR Auburn transfer Alex Thompson (23 games 11.3 minutes, 2.7 points, .400 from the field, almost no 3’s, 1.9 rebounds); 6’5” 200 RS-JR UMass transfer Demetrius Dyson (29 games, 10.7 minutes, 2.3 points, 1.3 rebounds); and 6’6” 230 RS-SR Ole Miss transfer Terry Brutus who sat out 2 years with ACL, foot and ankle injuries, but who was a 3 star athlete coming out of high school.

Then they add several sought after freshmen: 6’2” 180 SG Triston Chambers with offers from UAB, Mercer, Furman, IUPUI, Lehigh, App State and Troy; and 6’4” 190 SG Justin Hopkins with offers from Murray State, MTSU, Mercer, WKU and Tennnessee Tech. Also 6’5” 185 SG James Boone with offers from EKU, Furman and Lipscomb.

Their best catch will not be eligible for a year: 5’10” 170 4 Star athlete RS-JR Justin Coleman. He was Alabama’s point guard, in 38 games with 26.2 minutes, 7.8 points on .300 FG%, .272 from 3, .890 from the line, 3.3 assists, 2.0 turnovers, 2.0 rebounds and 0.7 steals and 4 Star athleticism. Look out for him next year.

It’s not the recruiting performance of Steve Forbes or Bob Hoffman, but it’s a step forward for Samford. It’s probably not enough to put them in the top rank of the SoCon. But it’s impressive that they can go head to head against UAB, Murray State, MTSU, WKU and Mercer and win some recruiting battles. They should be improving. Now if they can only hold on to these acquisitions.

Front Court:
Wyatt Walker 6-9 230 So 22.0 min., 10.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 0.8 blocks
Dakota Quinn 6-9 215 So 7.6 min., 2.6 points, 1.8 rebounds, 0.5 blocks NOT LISTED ON THE ROSTER RELEASED LATE SEPTEMBER
Alex Peters 6-8 225 Jr., 11.8 min., 2.1 points, 2.1 rebounds, 0.7 blocks
Alex Thompson 6-8 210 Jr-Tr from Auburn, sat out last year; Soph yr 23 games 11.3 min., 2.7 pts, on .400, almost no 3’s, 1.9 rebs
Terry Brutus 6-6 235 Ole Miss Sr transfer; missed several years to ACL, foot and ankle injuries, but was a 3 star athlete in high school
Eric Adams 6-7 185 Jr. walk-on, only 2 games played, 6.6 min., 1.7 ppg, 1.8 reb

Guards:
Chris Cunningham 6-2 185 Jr., 33.8 min., 14.4 points, .271 from 3 (19 makes), 2.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 2.7 t.o.’s, 1.0 steals
Demetrius Denzel-Dyson 6-5 200 Jr-Tr from UMass; sat out last year
Tanner Tapp 6-2 180 So. Only 2 games played, 1.8 min., no production
Gerald Smith 6-4 185 Rs-Fr. Only 2 games played, 15.5 min., 2.0 rebounds, 0.0 points
Fr. Justin Hopkins 6’4” 190 HS SG VC 2.3* Huntsville, AL; Mercer, Murray St, MTSU, WKU, Tenn Tech
Fr. Triston Chambers 6’2” 180 HS SG LOI 2* Pelham AL; App St, Troy, Lehigh, UAB, Mercer, Furman, IUPUI
Fr. James Boone 6’6” 185 HS SG 2* VC Murray, KY; Furman, Lipscomb, EKU
Fr. Josh Sharkey 5’10” 165 HS PG LOI 2* Philadelphia PA; only offer

Western Carolina (10-8, 16-18):
2016-2017 Roster: http://www.catamountsports.com/sports/m-...l-mtt.html
2015-2016 Stats: http://www.catamountsports.com/sports/m-...l#TEAM.IND

Western has a fine 45 year veteran coach in Larry Hunter, who just made the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame for his 25 years building quality programs at DIII Wittenberg and Ohio U. http://www.catamountsports.com/sports/m-...16aab.html

They’ll need him to work some coaching magic this year, since they lose their top 3 players in Mike Brown, Torrion Brummitt and Justin Browning, as well as ace 3 point shooter Rhett Harrelson. They bring back two promising guards in 6’1” 175 Sophomore Elijah Pughsley (9.2 ppg on .365 from 3 with 54 makes; formerly 2 time all-Ohio from a traditionally strong high school program at Lima Senior), and 6’1” 170 Junior Devin Peterson (5.0 ppg) as well as Sophomore 6’7” 195 swingman Marc Gosselin from Lyon, France, who improved toward the end of the season, showing athleticism and skill.

Four incoming freshmen are not highly sought after – their only offers came from the Catamounts, except for one from VMI and one from Mount St. Mary’s. Jason McMillan 5’11” 160 PG Cherokee, NC, only offer; Maurice Smith 6’7” 210 SF Oakland Park, FL; only offer; Adam Sledd 6’8” 210 PF Roanoke, VA, 2 other offers, VMI, Mount St. Mary’s; Onno Stegger 6’4” 180 SG Upper Arlington, OH, only offer.

Hunter has spent a lot of years proving that he’s pretty good at finding diamonds in the rough and polishing them until they look shiny in a team setting. Torrion Brummitt, Mike Brown, Justin Browning and Rhett Harrelson all had no other offers, and they led a tough SoCon team last year. But all are gone now. It’ll probably take a year or two of polishing to get these guys in contention.

Front Court:
Marc Gosselin 6-7 205 So.; 18.9 min., 3.2 points on .273 from 3 (6 makes), 4.0 rebounds
Haboubacar Mutombo 6-5 190; 16.2 min., 4.0 points on .381 from 3 (8 makes), 3.0 rebounds
Jesse Deloach 6-7 230 So.; 6.3 min., 0.7 points, 1.8 rebounds
Ashley Williams 6-5 175 JR, 17 games, 7.1 min., 1.6 ppg, 0.8 rebounds
Charlendez Brooks 6-9 240 RS JR, 11 games, 6.8 min., 1.2 ppg, 0.9 rebounds
Kyle Rhoades 6-6 190 SR, 4 games, 1.5 ppg, 2.3 rebounds
Fr. Maurice Smith 6’6” 215 HS SF 2* Oakland Park, FL; only offer
Fr. Adam Sledd 6’8” 220 HS PF 2* Roanoke, VA; 2 other offers, VMI, Mount St. Mary’s
Fr. Yalim Olcay 6-8 225 Izmir, Turkey//Spire Academy (Ohio), late signee

Guards:
Elijah Pughsley 6-1 170 So.; 20.6 min., 9.2 points, .365 from 3 (54 makes); 1.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 2.1 t.o’s, 1.0 steals
Devin Peterson 6-1 175 Jr.; 20.4 min., 5.0 points, .200 from 3 (13 makes); 1.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.3 t.o.’s, 0.8 steals
Deriece Parks G 6-5 155 SR, only in 9 games, 11.1 min., 2.1 ppg, 1.4 reb
Aaron Williams G 6-3 185 JR, only in 4 games, 3.3 min., 3.0 ppg, 0.5 reb
Devonte Fuller G 6-1 185 RS SO, only in 2 games 1.5 min., 2.5 ppg, 1.0 reb.
Fr. Jason McMillan 5’11” 160 HS PG 2* Cherokee, NC; only offer
Fr. Onno Stegger 6’5” 205 HS SG 2* Upper Arlington, OH; only offer


VMI (4-14, 9-21):

2016-2017 Roster: http://www.vmikeydets.com/SportSelect.db...EASON=2016
2015-2016 Stats: http://www.nmnathletics.com/fls/9800/sta...m#TEAM.IND

VMI went from the fastest tempo, highest scoring team in the conference under Duggar Baucom to the slowest tempo, lowest scoring team in the SoCon under Dan Earls. It was not a happy transition for players recruited to run Baucom’s system. The shortest team in the SoCon by far, the Keydets just did not seem suited to the new style. That is changing as Earl’s first class brings in three players taller than anyone on the squad last year, 6’7”, 6'8" and 6’10”. Of the new players, only 1 drew offers from any other D1 school: 6’10” 2*Tyler Creammer from Parkton NC with offers from Dartmouth, Columbia, Yale, Army, Tulsa, the Citadel, UMBC.

They’ve still got all conference and leading SoCon scorer 6-0 185 Senior Q.J. Peterson pouring in points at 19.8 per game on .361 from 3 (83 makes) and leading the team in rebounding with 6.3 despite his size. 6-3 190 Senior Julian Eleby adds 13.8 points on .396 from 3 (63 makes) with 4.6 rebounds, and 6-6 205 Senior Trey Chapman scores 8.0 points on .333 from 3 (only 17 makes) and 4.7 rebounds. But nobody else returns with over 3.3 points or 2.2 rebounds.

This is going to take time. Dan Earls, former Ed DeChellis assistant at Navy, has his work cut out for him.

New Signees:
Fr. Tyler Creammer 6’10” 245 HS C 2* LOI Parkton NC; other offers: Dartmouth, Columbia, Yale, Army, Tulsa, Citadel, UMBC
Fr. Will Miller 6’8” 210 HS SF 2* LOI South Boston VA; only offer
Fr. Garrett Gilkeson 6’3” 200 HS SG 2* VC Mineral Wells WV; only offer
Fr. Chuchu Enechionyia 6’7” 200 HS SG 2* VC Lorton VA; only offer
Fr. Keith Smith 6’0” 170 HS SF 2* Danville, CA; only offer
Fr. Marcus Larsson G 6-4 195 HS G Fremont CA, Fork Union
Fr. Kuony Deng F 6-6 190 HS F Aldie, VA (John Champe)
Fr. Jordan Tyler G 5-11 170 HS G Fredericksburg, VA (Episcopal)


GUARDS:
6-0 185 Sr. QJ Peterson ; 33.7 min., 19.8 ppg on .361 from 3 (83 makes), 6.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 2.7 t.o.’s, 1.4 steals
6-3 190 Sr. Julian Eleby ; 33.4 min., 13.7 ppg on .396 from 3 (63 makes), 4.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 2.6 t.o’s, 1.1 steals
6-2 170 So. Adrian Rich ; 19.5 min., 3.3 ppg on .200 from 3 (5 makes), 1.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.5 t.o.’s, 0.7 steals
6-4 190 So. Austin Vereen ; 15.9 min., 3.2 ppg on .304 from 3 (14 makes) 1.6 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 0.9 t.o.’s
Fr. Garrett Gilkeson 6’4” 200 HS SG 2* VC Mineral Wells WV; only offer
Fr. Marcus Larsson 6-4 195 HS G Fremont CA, Fork Union
Fr. Jordan Tyler 5-11 170 HS G Fredericksburg, VA (Episcopal)
Fr. Keith Smith 6-0 170 G Danville CA (Monteverde Academy)

FRONT COURT:
6-6 205 Sr. Trey Chapman; 25.8 min., 8.0 points on .333 from 3 (17 makes), 4.7 rebounds
6-6 205 Jr. Fred Iruafemi; 11.4 min., 2.3 ppg on 0 3’s, 2.2 rebounds
6-6 205 Jr. Armani Branch; 17 games, 7.5 min., 1.8 ppg on 2 3’s, 1.4 rebounds
6-6 190 So. Will Weethee; 6 games, 2.2 min., 0.3 ppg, 0.3 rebounds
6-6 195 So. D’Andre Mahaffey; 10 games, 4.5 min., 0.2 ppg, 0.5 rebounds
Fr. Tyler Creammer 6’10” 245 HS C 2* LOI Parkton NC; other offers: Dartmouth, Columbia, Yale, Army, Tulsa, Citadel, UMBC
Fr. Will Miller 6’8” 210 HS SF 2* LOI South Boston VA; only offer
Fr. Chuchu Enechionyia 6’7” 200 HS SG 2* VC Lorton VA; only offer
Fr. Kuony Deng 6-6 190 HS F Aldie, VA (John Champe)


Citadel (3-15; 10-22):
2016-2017 Roster: http://www.citadelsports.com/roster.aspx?path=mbball
2015-2016 Stats: http://www.citadelsports.com/cumestats.a...year=2015&

Duggar Baucom in his first year at the helm brought in a lot of enthusiasm and several new transfers. Charging along in his trademark racehorse style, they went 7-7 in the preconference schedule and were turning some heads. Unfortunately they crashed and burned with a worst-in-conference 3-15, sinking even below Duggar’s former school, VMI at 4-14.

Hope springs eternal, though as Baucom brings in 10 new players this year, including 6-6 190 Leandro Allende, with some experience on Puerto Rico age-group national squads. It remains to be seen how they will adjust to life at the Citadel and to D1.

Returnees with some significant experience are Guards 6-3 180 Senior Warren Sledge 28.3 min., 10.3 ppg on .380 from 3 with 65 makes and 2.3 rebounds; 5-11 170 Sophomore Quayson Williams, 18.9 min., 9.2 ppg on .357 from 3 with 65 makes; and Front Court: 6-8 205 Senior Brian White (16.7 min., 9.0 ppg on .305 from 3 with 25 makes and 3.4 rebounds) and 6-7 205 Sophomore Zane Najdawi (18.4 min., 7.2 ppg on .321 from 3 with 9 makes and 4.4 rebounds).

FRONT COURT:
Brian White F 6-8 205 Sr. 16.7 min., 9.0 ppg on .305 from 3 with 25 makes and 3.4 rebounds
Zane Najdawi F 6-7 205 So. 18.5 min., 7.2 ppg on .321 from 3 with 9 makes and 4.4 rebounds
Tom Koopman C 6-8 210 Sr. 8.0 min., 2.2 ppg, 1.7 rebounds
Bobby Duncan F 6-4 210 Sr. walk-on who finally made the team this year
Fr. Ezekiel Balogun 6’6” 235 HS SF LOI 2* Lagos, Nigeria; Hamilton Heights TN
Fr. Tyler Burgess 6’7” 195 HS SF VC 2* Liberty SC interest but no offers, Denver, Navy, USCU
Fr. Griffin Peevey 6’7” 220 HS F, Waco Texas, Vanguard Prep

GUARDS:
Warren Sledge G 6-3 180 Sr. 28.3 min., 10.3 ppg on .380 from 3 with 65 makes and 2.3 rebounds
Quayson Williams G 5-11 170 So. 18.9 min., 9.2 ppg on .357 from 3 with 65 makes
Matt Frierson G 6-1 150 So. 9.9 min., 4.7 ppg and 0.7 rebounds
Fr. Aaron Washington 6’4” 190 HS SG VC 2* Baltimore MD
Fr. Kaelon Harris 6’4” 225 HS SG VC 2* Jonesboro GA
Fr. Chris Ross 6’2” 170 HS SG VC 2* Goose Creek SC
Fr. Preston Parks 6’1” 175 HS 2* offers from Gardner Webb, Liberty and Presbyterian
Fr. Frankie Johnson 5’9” 150 HS PG LOI 2* Darlington SC offers Newberry, Coker; interest Winthrop, Cof Charleston,Coastal Carolina
Fr. Leandro Allende G 6-6 190 HS SF VC 2* no offers noted

Nice write-up! I expect Mercer to make noise behind the ever-ruthless Bob Hoffman. He continues to build that team and refuses to simply accept a down year, despite the breakdown last season. I'm not impressed yet with McCall; no disrespect but anyone with good training can perpetuate the last man's work. If McCall gets it done this year, that's another story, but UTC will have to deal with Mercer and a dynamic ETSU, as we all hope. Speaking of which, when can we expect your analysis of the Bucs?

(09-08-2016 05:14 PM)shampoo Wrote:  Nice write-up! I expect Mercer to make noise behind the ever-ruthless Bob Hoffman. He continues to build that team and refuses to simply accept a down year, despite the breakdown last season. I'm not impressed yet with McCall; no disrespect but anyone with good training can perpetuate the last man's work. If McCall gets it done this year, that's another story, but UTC will have to deal with Mercer and a dynamic ETSU, as we all hope. Speaking of which, when can we expect your analysis of the Bucs?

So much uncertainty in my mind. So many possibilities about how to use this team, and I don't know how Forbes will use them.

I don't know that I can guess too well which way it will go.

I do like how, for instance, JUCO guys like Walters, Payne and Long compare with, say, the JUCO's that Mercer is relying on (Holland and Lewis) or the freshmen that Chattanooga is looking for (Foreman, Jean-Baptiste and Chatman). But how the Bucs guard rotation will shake out? I'd have to guess Walters at point, Cromer at shooting guard and Bradford and Payne in the rotation, but who knows, really?

And that's just part of the question. There are Hanner and Jurkin in the middle and a passel of forwards. Lots of moving parts!

What do you think shampoo??

Enjoyed that write up. It sounds as Samford might be a significant SoCon player in the coming years.

Will put more effort into another response, but right now I'm calling/hoping for these two lineups, just to admire the court presence!

DUNKTROPOLIS (no affiliation with Dunk City)
Bradford
Merriweather
Glass
Mosqueira-Perea
Jurkin

On the opposite end of the spectrum...

SCARED YET? (AKA Lights Out)
Walters
Cromer
Payne
Bradford
Burrell

^Bartow would have loved this last undersized crew of guards and a SF.

And of course everything between, as this team has more depth than I've ever seen, tested or not. As much as I loved Guyn, there won't be time to miss him.

So many options...

PG: Walters, Bradford
SG: Cromer, Bradford, Payne, Long, Merriweather
SF: Merriweather, Burrell, Glass, Bradford
PF: Glass, Banks, HMP, Burrell
C: HMP, Jurkin, Banks depending on who's at PF

Excellent conversation swvabucsfan & shampoo...Enjoyed reading your thoughts.

Don't wanna get deep into it yet, but:

1. Very good work, swvabucs.

2. We *will* miss Guyn, at least for the first part(s) of the season. Impossible to tell how much so by January, with all the incoming new guards.

3a. We *will* have trouble defensively from time-to-time, again especially early in the season.
3b. We thus, early, will lose more than 1 game we should otherwise have won.

4. Yes, Mercer successfully reloads. Beware of Holland.

5. UNCG will make some noise, but will have at least one tough patch that keeps them out of the top echelon.

6. Samford *may* also make some noise, but don't have the depth of options to ultimately challenge the top.

7. Furman scares me a bit, but only if the freshmen can step right in and their chemistry jells. Acox is first- or second-team all-conference, and continues to give ETSU problems - moreso than almost any other player in the league.

8. Going out on a limb, but.......Chattanooga, despite challenges, reigns champion again. Just too many tough, ornery, hard-nosed competitors that also have plenty of talent. ETSU fails at ultimately stopping the McLean/Jones duopoly. (Which is not to say we don't beat them at least once, however.)

[All that is just conjecture, of course, and almost certainly some of it will be wrong. And I'm ignoring the almost-certain injuries and/or academic issues which will afflict multiple teams, as always.]

In our bevy of stud JUCO guards don't forget about swingman David Burrell. He's said to be a more offensively versatile, taller, equally-athletic version of Deuce.

I knew I was forgetting someone. I edited my last post to say Burrell in place of Long on most counts. Burrell is the SF I reckoned Bartow would love at the 5.

I see 3 very strong teams in UTC, ETSU, and Mercer. UTC loaded with that many quality seniors is impressive. That alone should make them regular season favorites. I don't think anyone could objectively argue against that after what they did last year. ETSU and Mercer are going to bring real challenges though, and either of these 3 seem capable of winning it all in the SoCon Tournament.

A fourth team is likely to emerge as well to challenge. Maybe UNC-G. Maybe Wofford. It's gonna be a fun year.

Good pre-season rundown.

Chattanooga is the obvious favorite but they really have to address the loss of three point shooters and the lack of depth inside. McLean and Woods and the freshmen guards may cover for the shooting but the inside depth problem could be tougher.

ETSU has a lot of good pieces and could be the best team if they can mesh. Replacing Guyn is job #1.

Furman should be right in the battle for the conference despite the loss of Croone. This should be Niko Medved's deepest team and I expect significant improvement in three point shooting this year, which was a big weakness last year.

Wofford dropped a little last year and I think they may dip a little more this year. They lost a lot of scoring and there are questions inside. McGee had a great freshman year but he was only the third or fourth scoring option most of last year and will be the number one focus of opposing defenses this year.

UNCG should be a strong contender this year. White, Baldwin, and Alonso are a great trio to build around. They need to find help for White inside.

Mercer will also be right back in the running. Jelks and Rivers are a great pair to build around. Guards are solid. Ringer could be the key.

Samford is the wild card to me. They have lost some good players but have a good group coming in. The Auburn transfer Thompson could be a key. They need him to step up right away.

Western Carolina lost too much to be a threat this year.

VMI will rely on QJ a lot. Maybe too much.

The Citadel may beat some people with their style of play. Like Samford last year, though, it is easier to surprise teams outside the conference with a pressing style than the teams that have prepared for it. Unless you have superior athletes or veterans. Citadel lacks both.

--------------------------

A player to watch for Furman who wasn't mentioned is Jalen Williams, a 6'8" 240 redshirt freshman. He had a pre-season health issue last year but could have played if needed. People who watched practice said Williams was easily the best rebounder on the team. That is while going up against two of the best in the conference in Acox and Rafferty. He has great hands, strength, and nimble footwork at the low post. The knock is that he lacked stamina and conditioning - part of the reason he was redshirted.

Another second year player to watch is guard Andrew Brown. He played well in the pre-conference part of the schedule and was coming on strong late in the season in practice according to the coaches. He is a good shooter and had good rebounding, assist, and defensive numbers on a per minute basis.

Insiders have said freshman guard Willie "Tre" Clark is highly touted by the coaching staff. They think he is a real steal.

(09-15-2016 10:21 PM)FUATT Wrote:  A player to watch for Furman who wasn't mentioned is Jalen Williams, a 6'8" 240 redshirt freshman. He had a pre-season health issue last year but could have played if needed. People who watched practice said Williams was easily the best rebounder on the team. That is while going up against two of the best in the conference in Acox and Rafferty. He has great hands, strength, and nimble footwork at the low post. The knock is that he lacked stamina and conditioning - part of the reason he was redshirted.

Another second year player to watch is guard Andrew Brown. He played well in the pre-conference part of the schedule and was coming on strong late in the season in practice according to the coaches. He is a good shooter and had good rebounding, assist, and defensive numbers on a per minute basis.

Insiders have said freshman guard Willie "Tre" Clark is highly touted by the coaching staff. They think he is a real steal.

Interesting thoughts, especially on the coaching staff view of these 3 Furman players. When they haven't played much (or at all) yet, they are essentially invisible to fans, and pretty hard to evaluate.

Sometimes coaches talk up a player to try to boost their confidence and increase performance. But players don't always raise their games to meet the praise. Niko Medved has done a fine job assembling this team. It will be interesting to see if these guys live up to the good words.

By the way, it appears that the only other offer that RS-FR Jalen Williams got was from Presbyterian. Apparently Jacksonville looked at him but did not offer.
http://www.verbalcommits.com/players/jalen-williams That doesn't mean he might not develop into a player, as for example Torrion Brummitt did. He's apparently a late bloomer who had to work hard on weight control and conditioning. http://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/sp.../12433023/

I found UNCG to be the cockiest, most obnoxious team that entered Freedom Hall last year. And yes, I've seen Bob Hoffman too. That aside, I could see some serious talent emerging from them. I almost wonder if they are hindered by coaching though. Wes isn't exactly a mastermind.

(09-16-2016 07:57 AM)ekxixis1984 Wrote:  I found UNCG to be the cockiest, most obnoxious team that entered Freedom Hall last year. And yes, I've seen Bob Hoffman too. That aside, I could see some serious talent emerging from them. I almost wonder if they are hindered by coaching though. Wes isn't exactly a mastermind.

There is no one worse then Wofford... Wofford makes my blood boil.

(09-16-2016 06:09 AM)swvabucsfan Wrote:  By the way, it appears that the only other offer that RS-FR Jalen Williams got was from Presbyterian. Apparently Jacksonville looked at him but did not offer.
http://www.verbalcommits.com/players/jalen-williams That doesn't mean he might not develop into a player, as for example Torrion Brummitt did. He's apparently a late bloomer who had to work hard on weight control and conditioning. http://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/sp.../12433023/

Williams committed fairly early. He probably would have had more offers if he had decided to wait.

One thing Furman fans have learned about Medved and his staff is that they have an excellent eye for talent. Four of the nine recruits Medved signed have made the all-freshman team and Sibley was FOY. Sibley only had an offer from Furman when he committed early; Fowler's first offer was from Furman - in January of his senior year in HS; part-time starter and capable back-up John Davis III only had a Furman offer.

Welcome FUATT...Thanks for the reports on your squad.

(09-15-2016 10:21 PM)FUATT Wrote:  Insiders have said freshman guard Willie "Tre" Clark is highly touted by the coaching staff. They think he is a real steal.

If genes matter, this guy has an edge - his father, also Willie Clark, is a Notre Dame grad who had a 5 year career as an NFL cornerback. And was also his son's high school principal. http://www.bradenton.com/sports/high-sch...16617.html

By the way, Furman's 2016-2017 roster just came out today, listing Jalen Williams as a sophomore??? I assume that's a misprint since he got no playing time last year, and last year's roster listed him as a freshman? Did he not get a redshirt?

(09-21-2016 04:44 PM)swvabucsfan Wrote:  

(09-15-2016 10:21 PM)FUATT Wrote:  Insiders have said freshman guard Willie "Tre" Clark is highly touted by the coaching staff. They think he is a real steal.

If genes matter, this guy has an edge - his father, also Willie Clark, is a Notre Dame grad who had a 5 year career as an NFL cornerback. And was also his son's high school principal. http://www.bradenton.com/sports/high-sch...16617.html

By the way, Furman's 2016-2017 roster just came out today, listing Jalen Williams as a sophomore??? I assume that's a misprint since he got no playing time last year, and last year's roster listed him as a freshman? Did he not get a redshirt?

Williams is definitely a redshirt. The football roster normally lists redshirts, I don't know if the basketball roster was a misprint or they just don't mention it for some reason.

Per Jeff Goodman on twitter "HUGE news for Chattanooga -- one of best mid-majors. Xavier transfer Makinde London got waiver from NCAA, eligible immediately, per source."

How is this possible?

https://twitter.com/GoodmanESPN/status/7...2364324865

(11-11-2016 05:19 PM)Buced_Up Wrote:  Per Jeff Goodman on twitter "HUGE news for Chattanooga -- one of best mid-majors. Xavier transfer Makinde London got waiver from NCAA, eligible immediately, per source."

How is this possible?

https://twitter.com/GoodmanESPN/status/7...2364324865

Good grief how did that happen?