Here's the Davidson portion:
(Thanks to wildcat12546 on davidsoncats.com for posting this article.)Davidson loses seven seniors and 76 percent of its scoring from last season -- this after two consecutive 20-win campaigns (including a perfect conference record in 2004-05) and a valiant effort as a 15-seed in an eight-point loss to Ohio State in the NCAAs. So, it's fair to assume it's a rebuilding year.
"We lose leadership, chemistry, incredible work ethic, superb basketball IQs," coach Bob McKillop said. "We lose a lot, no doubt about it. I'm sure a lot of people are going to suspect that we're in a process of rebuilding ... when you look at us on paper, that's certainly the sense. But I think the mantle has been passed, and it's up to our returning players to carry it forward, to keep up the winning ways that have been part of the program since 1994."
Three players who averaged more than 15 minutes per game as sophomores in 2005-06 will step to the forefront: 6-1 Jason Richards (4.5 ppg/3.0 apg), Boris Meno and Thomas Sander.
"Richards will pick up the point guard position quite well," McKillop said. "He's ready to step into a leadership role, and I'm confident that he will. Meno can make plays with his size, length and athleticism. Thomas Sander is the the heart and soul of this team with his great work ethic. We'll build our team around those three juniors."
Given McKillop's run of success, it's within the realm of possibility that the large incoming class could jell and contribute quickly, but the real safe bet is that Davidson will re-emerge as a conference favorite in 2007-08.Davidson: The most recognizable name in coach McKillop's large incoming class is 6-1 guard Stephen Curry, son of former Charlotte Hornets sharpshooter Dell, whose 40 percent mark from 3 range ranks him in the NBA's all-time top 10. But you know what they say about apples not falling far from the 3-point line. Curry the younger averaged better than 48 percent shooting from behind the arc in his senior season for Charlotte Christian.
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In the realm of the ridiculous, Joe Lunardi has already put together his 2007 NCAA Bracketology:
(Surely this is a joke!!)
Bracketology: Can Cremins be the difference? Joe Lunardi thinks so. In his very early look at the 2007 NCAA Tournament, our resident Bracketologist has the College of Charleston winning the SoCon's auto bid and landing a 14-seed.
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