2008 Independents Hoops Preview

In coach Benjy Taylor’s first season at the helm, the Cougars took a small step forward — improving from 9–20 in 2006-07 to 11–17 in ’07-08. This year, Taylor has the luxury of a senior backcourt featuring 5'8" floor general David Holston (23.1 ppg, 5.1 apg) and John Cantrell (15.5 ppg). The frontcourt returns sophomore Carl Montgomery (7.2 ppg, 5.8 rpg) and senior Tawrence Walton (6.9 ppg, 5.5 rpg). Chicago State could be a .500 or better team this year.

Longwood (9–22)

The Lancers tipped off last season with a 2–1 record, then capped the season with a 5–2 run; but coach Mike Gillian’s team went 2–19 in between, with only five home games during that stretch. This year, forward Kirk Williams (16.9 ppg, 6.5 rpg), guard Ryan Bogan (11.7 ppg, 4.8 rpg) and injury-prone slasher Dana Smith (10.4 ppg in 10 games) return to lead the Lancers.

Savannah State (13–18)

Last year’s 13-win season was Savannah State’s most successful campaign since 1995-96. Horace Broadnax’s team must replace its leading scorer, rebounder and assist man — with Joseph Flegler and Lazarius Coleman having graduated. Senior forward Chris Linton, sophomore shooting guard Anthony Jones and senior point guard Raye Bailey will lead a group that has won 25 games over the past two seasons, after going 2–28 in 2005-06.

Texas-Pan American (18–13)

Tom Schuberth was named Independent Coach of the Year following his second season at UTPA, after guiding the Broncs to their first winning season since 2001-02 — including a 7–1 record against Independent opponents. Senior forward Nathan Hawkins (10.6 ppg, 3.9 rpg) is the only returning starter, however.

Provisionals (Year of full-fledged membership)

Bryant (18–13) (2012-13)

New coach Tim O’Shea went 120–95 over seven seasons as the head coach at Ohio. Now, O’Shea is charged with leading the Bulldogs in their first year against D-I competition. Jon Ezeokoli (14.1 ppg, 5.4 rpg) is gone, but Bryant returns juniors Cecil Gresham (12.1 ppg) and Chris Birrell (11.2 ppg).

Houston Baptist (13–15) (TBA)

The Huskies started last season by losing 13 of their first 15 games. But HBU ended the year on a tear, winning 11 of its final 13 contests. Ron Cottrell enters his 18th season with a talented roster led by former Purdue transfer Gordon Watt (16.4 ppg, 8.0 rpg), who withdrew his name from the NBA Draft.

New Haven (11–16) (2012-13)

Coach Al Seibert must replace leading scorer Tetrick Stonar (19.1 ppg), but the Chargers do return forward Cassius Chaney (14.8 ppg, 8.2 rpg). The junior known as “Cash” averaged 18.5 points as the ECC Rookie of the Year in 2006-07. The sub-six-foot backcourt of Darryl Greene (11.1 ppg) and D.J. Sackmann (6.5 ppg) is back, along with forward Kelvin Jackson.

NJIT (0–29) (2009-10)

The Highlanders hit rock bottom last year, going winless in 29 games. First-year coach Jim Engles replaces Jim Casciano at the helm and has a major rebuilding project. The 39-year-old first-time head coach has been a D-I assistant for 18 years, most recently at Columbia. NJIT does return four of its top five scorers, led by senior forward Nesho Milosevic (12.5 ppg, 8.1 rpg).

North Carolina Central (4–26) (2011-12)

Eagle Pride took a hit last year, as coach Henry Dickerson’s team went from 13 wins in 2006-07 to only four victories in ’07-08. Although NCCU loses leading scorer and rebounder Charles Futrell (16.7 ppg, 7.3 rpg), the Eagles return a trio of senior guards in Bryan Ayala, Philip Branch and Ashton Sauls.

North Dakota (15–15) (2012-13)

Making the jump to Division I is never easy, but the Fighting Sioux must replace their top two players — power forward Emmanuel Little (15.4 ppg, 8.1 rpg) and guard Ervin Youmans (15.1 ppg) — while stepping up in competition. Brian Jones enters his third year relying on junior guard Travis Bledsoe (9.7 ppg), senior forward O.J. Harrison and senior guard Darius Joseph (3.5 apg).

Seattle (18–9) (2012-13)

The NBA may have left the Emerald City, but college basketball continues to grow in King County. Coach Joe Callero must replace 6'8", 235-pound forward Ryan Coldren (12.5 ppg, 5.2 rpg), but the Redhawks return six players who started at least 12 games last season. Junior guards Chris Gweth (10.5 ppg, 4.3 rpg) and Ricky Berry (9.5 ppg) lead an undersized club.

SIU-Edwardsville (17–11) (2012-13)

It could be a long season for the Cougars, who lose five of their top six scorers from last year’s 17-win team. Senior guard John Edmison (7.7 ppg, 3.9 rpg) is the only returning starter. Lennox Forrester must incorporate four freshmen and two transfers. But SIU-Edwardsville does have some intriguing frontcourt size in sophomores Terrance Williams (7'0") and Nikola Bundalo (6'10").

South Dakota (22–7) (2012-13)

The Coyotes started their final year in Division II with a 19–1 record, before closing out the season with a 3–6 slide. This year, coach Dave Boots — who has led USD to six North Central Conference titles and been named NCC Coach of the Year five times during his 20 years in Sioux Falls — will face his toughest challenge yet. Seniors Dylan Grimsley (14.8 ppg, 5.6 rpg) and Jesse Becker (10.9 ppg), along with junior Tyler Cain (9.3 ppg, 8.1 rpg), lead a proud program into D-I.

Utah Valley State (15–14) (2009-10)

Coach Dick Hunsaker was the Mountain West Coach of the Year in 2001 after serving as interim head coach at Utah during Rick Majerus’ leave of absence. Since taking over at Utah Valley, Hunsaker has a 119–57 record over six seasons in Orem. This year, senior sharpshooter Ryan Toolson (23.4 ppg, 43.6 percent from three) leads another talented Wolverines roster.

Winston-Salem State (12–18) (2010-11)

The Rams more than doubled their win total (five) from 2006-07, enjoying a 12-win season in ’07-08. But coach Bobby Collins has higher aspirations for WSSU, a school that won 10 CIAA Tournaments over 61 years before transitioning to Division I in ’06-07. Senior forward Jamal Durham (12.2 ppg, 5.6 rpg) leads a talented roster.