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Beware Of The Mighty...CAA? By Ron Jumper The 2008-09 season will continue to display the changing of the college basketball landscape. We all remember George Mason making a Final Four run and making everyone aware of the Colonial Athletic Association as a legitimate conference. However, since then, the CAA has had a couple of “down” years and didn't make the leap that some envisioned. Some that follow the CAA closely would argue it wasn't all their fault the last 3 seasons though. In 2006, when George Mason made the Final Four run, Hofstra was snubbed despite an RPI of 31. In 2007, Drexel was controversially left out despite a very impressive resume both in and out of the conference. In 2008, VCU won the regular season title and had been great all season until losing in the conference tournament but were not awarded an at-large bid. If those three had gotten into the Dance, you never know what might have happened. All mid-majors can ask for is an opportunity because, without that, what do these players work towards all season long? Back to the present, I wouldn't say the last couple of years was a total loss. The CAA has had the most success on the recruiting trails that it ever has. George Mason is still reaping the benefits of that Final Four run. VCU head coach Anthony Grant has been able to get into Florida and snag some top playmakers. Former Ole Miss head coach Rod Barnes, now the Georgia State head coach, has five high major D-I transfers that are now eligible to reak havoc on the CAA this season. So, with a few years of good recruits, the conference is ripe for a return to prominence. However, the difference this year isn't “If?” but “Who?” This conference has never been more wide open going into a season and it isn't because of parity either. There is a level of depth in this conference it hasn't ever seen before. However, the media has yet to take notice and make much fuss over it. Don't worry, that is what I'm here for. Remember, I'm the guy that raved about George Mason and the CAA months BEFORE George Mason made the Final Four. I just might have struck gold again. Here are the CAA teams that just might surprise you: VCU: I thought I would start with the obvious. The Rams are still very athletic and led by superb PG Eric Maynor. With head coach Anthony Grant running the show, this program is in very good hands. Grant has been able to go into Florida and grab 7 players in the last 3 years. That isn't to say they don't get local talent, as Virginia and DC are great basketball areas as well. They may not have familiar names outside of Maynor, but there is plenty of talent. George Mason: The only name you recognize is head coach Jim Larranaga, which Patriots fans are ecstatic about because Providence came after him hard this off-season. The cupboard isn't bare though, as they have brought in seven 3-star recruits according to Scout.com in the last three seasons. Dre Smith and John Vaughan headline another solid squad. Georgia State: Here is where we dive into unknown territory. Head coach Rod Barnes brought over two players from when he was at Ole Miss, Trey Hampton and Xavier Hansbro, but that isn't all. In fact, they are just getting warmed up. PG Joe Dukes sat out last season after transferring from Wake Forest, Bernard Rimmer came over from Mississippi State, and Dante Curry will be eligible after this semester due to transferring from South Florida. Barnes spoke of how this five beat up on the actual players last season all year long so this is an obvious upgrade in talent. They do return Leonard Mendez, who averaged 16 points and shot over 40% from 3. This is the best team the Panthers have had in some time. Expect Barnes to make some noise. Northeastern: While they don't have a sexy story like some of the other CAA teams, they are a good basketball team. They were 9-9 in the CAA last season and return all 5 starters, namely Matt Janning and Manny Adako. Head coach Bill Coen has quietly built a solid team ready to challenge for conference supremacy. Don't expect a flashy highlight reel, just quality basketball every night. Old Dominion: The Monarchs are not deep, but they have arguably the best big man in the conference in Gerald Lee. With Lee inside and youth around him, they should be fun to watch. Three of the freshman from last season worked their way into the starting lineup so it isn't all inexperienced youth around Lee. ODU was 18-16 with 3 freshman starting, so with 4 starters back for this season you can only assume they will be up in the 20-win range at least. November 13, 2008 |
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Be Careful What You Wish For
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| NCAA Basketball | |
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Jumpology: My Bracket Jumpology: Scouting The Heavyweights Jumpology: Reviewing The Bracket
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