2008 Southern Hoops Preview

1. Chattanooga (18–13, 13–7)

The Mocs were the surprise winners of the North Division last season, essentially winning a year ahead of schedule, with a roster largely dependent on juniors. Now those juniors are seniors, five of whom should make up the Chattanooga starting lineup. The Mocs will again rely on guard Stephen McDowell and forward Nicchaeus Doaks for scoring punch. The biggest problem to be corrected is ball-handling. Chattanooga committed 80 more turnovers than it forced last season.

2. Appalachian State (18–13, 13–7)

After a season in which the Mountaineers relied on their frontcourt and had to cope with inexperience among their guards, expect a reversal in Boone this year. Donald Sims and Kellen Brand played major minutes in the backcourt last season and flourished despite their youth. They’ll have to become the focal point for Appalachian State now that Jeremy Clayton and Donte Minter are no longer around in the frontcourt. Isaac Butts, a 6'10" sophomore, will need to step up.

3. UNC Greensboro (19–12, 12–8)

The Kyle Hines era is finally over in Greensboro. Unfortunately for the Spartans it produced over 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds, but no league titles. Ben Stywall will likely become UNCG’s top option down low, but there’s no way he’ll be able to match Hines’ production inside. To compensate, the Spartans need guard Mikko Koivisto (45.5 percent 3-pointers) to take on more of the scoring load and streak shooter Kendall Toney to add some consistency to his game.

4. Elon (14–19, 9–11)

The Phoenix are a trendy pick to climb up the North Division standings after a surprising run to the Southern Conference Tournament title game last season. But it’s important to remember that Elon was only 11–18 before its postseason success. The Phoenix must improve on a stagnant offense (62.8 ppg, 42.7 percent shooting). The biggest issue is outside shooting. Even all-conference guard Brett James, the team’s leading scorer, made only 39.7 percent of his shots, including a dreadful 27.4 percent from 3-point range.

5. Samford (14–16, 10–10 OVC)

Samford may be a newcomer to the SoCon, but it comes in tested, having played its previous five seasons in the underrated Ohio Valley Conference. The Bulldogs managed a .500 conference record last season despite a roster that included 10 freshmen and sophomores. However, they must replace their top two scorers, big man Travis Peterson and guard Joe Ross Merritt.

6. Western Carolina (10–21, 6–14)

Larry Hunter’s third season in Cullowhee was a nightmare, as three players, including the Catamounts’ top two scorers, left the program in midseason. Not surprisingly, the Catamounts limped home with a 10–21 record. Hunter will have to hope that one of his whopping seven newcomers is ready to make an immediate impact. One of the few positives is the return of all-league swingman Brandon Giles.

SOUTH DIVISION

1. Davidson (29–7, 20–0); Postseason Prediction: Two and out

Click here for the complete Davidson preview.

2. College of Charleston (16–17, 9–11)

The inexperienced Cougars straggled their way to a 16–17 record last season, including a 9–11 league mark. But taking those lumps then should set up the Cougars well now, with all five starters returning. Charleston’s strength will lie in its backcourt with Tony White Jr. and Andrew Goudelock, who made second-team all-conference last season as a freshman. Another second-team all-conference pick, forward Jermaine Johnson, is the Cougars’ top player in the frontcourt.

3. Georgia Southern (20–12, 13–7)

Once again the Eagles came up just short of the postseason, winning 20 games but losing three straight to end the regular season and dropping the opener of the SoCon Tournament. Jeff Price’s squad will likely take a step back this season after losing five seniors, including three of its top four scorers. The Eagles will have to offset their frontcourt losses with strong play from the guards. Sophomore Willie Powers showed promise as a freshman, averaging 11.5 points.

4. Furman (7–23, 6–14)

The growing pains for the Paladins hit in Jeff Jackson’s second season. Playing a lineup that was woefully short on experience, Furman struggled through a 7–23 season. Fortunately, eight members of the Paladins’ nine-man rotation return, and Furman did manage to finish 7–12 after an 0–11 start. There are still many improvements to be made before Furman can turn itself into a conference contender, beginning with scoring;  the Paladins managed only 61.2 points per game.

5. Wofford (16–16, 8–12)

The Terriers will finally have to do without star guards Drew Gibson and Shane Nichols, who combined to score 25.6 points per game last season. The best bets to offset those losses are guard Junior Salters and forward Noah Dahlman. Still, the Terriers will need to play team defense at a high level and take better care of the basketball (-37 in turnovers) if they want to keep pace in the rapidly improving South Division.

6. The Citadel (6–24, 1–19)

The Bulldogs won only one league game last season, but that’s not too much of a surprise considering they played a mind-boggling 11 freshmen. The Citadel should get a boost with the return of senior forward Demetrius Nelson, who missed most of last season with a stress fracture in his foot and took a medical redshirt. If Nelson comes back at full speed, he will form a nice inside complement to the scoring of guard Cameron Wells.