Davidson in MSNBC.com Top 25; Curry makes preseason All-American

Click here to see the Top 25.

#25 Davidson
2005-06 record: 29-5 (17-1)
First in Southern Conference
Lost to Maryland in Midwest Regional first round
Coach: Bob McKillop, 311-218, 18 years
Last NCAA miss: 2005
Last regular-season league title: 2007

Key players (*returning starter)
G—*Stephen Curry, 6-2, So. (21.5 ppg, 4.6 rpg))
G—*Jason Richards, 6-2, Sr. (13.5 ppg, 7.3 rpg)
F—Andrew Lovedale, 6-8, Jr. (4.9 ppg, 5.9 rpg)
F—*Thomas Sander, 6-8, Sr. (13.2 ppg, 6.4 rpg)
F—*Boris Meno, 6-8, Sr. (11.0 ppg, 8.2 rpg)

Strengths: Coach Bob McKillop deserves credit for building a terrific program at Davidson. The Wildcats have been trained to win consistently and with 11 scholarship players back from last season they should dominate the Southern Conference again. Sophomore Stephen Curry is legitimate All-America candidate and enjoyed a fine summer playing for the U.S. in the U-19 World Championships. Point guard Jason Richards gives McKillop a senior floor general.

Weaknesses: McKillop is still waiting for big man Andrew Lovedale to be more aggressive, increase his scoring and battle for more rebounds. If Lovedale elevates his game, he will add to a solid frontcourt combo of Thomas Sander and Boris Meno.

X-Factor: Curry and the Wildcats aren’t going to sneak up on anybody this season. That shouldn’t bother this Davidson team. The goal for the Wildcats is make more noise in the postseason.

Don’t Miss: The Wildcats don’t seem to mind hitting the road to play good teams. Davidson’s schedule includes North Carolina (Nov. 14), Duke (Dec. 1), UCLA in the Wooden Classic (Dec. 8) and North Carolina State (Dec. 21) – all away from home.

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Click here for article about Curry as 3rd-team preseason All-American.
Stephen Curry
School: Davidson
Position: Guard
Year Sophomore; Height: 6-2
2006-07 stats
PPG: 21.5
RPG: 4.6
3-point FG percentage 40.8

Curry nearly shot Davidson to an NCAA Tournament win over Maryland, then followed that by playing a key role for the U.S. in the U-19 World Championships. His stellar shooting ability will be tested in early games against North Carolina, Duke and UCLA, but Curry could shoot into the public eye with strong showings.