| D.J. Woodmore, last year's D3hoops.com rookie of the year, is one of five returning starters for Va. Wesleyan. | |
| # | School Click for full poll |
| 1 | Virginia Wesleyan |
| 2 | Augustana |
| 3 | Williams |
| 4 | Amherst |
| 5 | Middlebury |
| 6 | Marietta |
| 7 | Rochester |
| 8 | St. Thomas |
| 9 | Wooster |
| 10 | MIT |
| 11 | Wittenberg |
| 12 | Whitworth |
| 13 | Emory |
| 14 | Cabrini |
| 15 | St. Mary's (Md.) |
| 16 | Mary Hardin-Baylor |
| 17 | Franklin and Marshall |
| 18 | Oswego State |
| 19 | Buffalo State |
| 20 | Centre |
| 21 | UW-River Falls |
| 22 | Birmingham-Southern |
| 23 | Hampden-Sydney |
| 24 | UW-Stevens Point |
| 25 | Wheaton (Ill.) |
By Pat Coleman
The preseason D3hoops.com men's basketball Top 25 features eight new teams from last year's final poll, two Final Four teams hanging into the top 10 perhaps more on past performance than immediate future prospects and three NESCAC teams in the top five.
Let's take a look at what's coming back for each of these teams and where the key games are:
No. 1 Virginia Wesleyan
Record in 2010-11: 25-5
2011-12 schedule
2010-11 results
Returning starters: Five
The Marlins literally lost one player, total, from the team that went to the Sweet 16 last year and lost by six points to Williams on the Ephs' home floor. Virginia Wesleyan started last season 16-0 before struggling with tough opponents away from home in a tough Old Dominion Athletic Conference. (And for those new to D3hoops.com, when you see one of us throw around "tough" or "rugged" in reference to a conference, we mean it. It's not like when a coach or school release uses it in reference to their own league.)
D.J. Woodmore, the 2011 D3hoops.com Rookie of the Year, is back at guard, with Tre Ford running point and Chris Astorga, Chris Teasley and Donald Vaughn in the frontcourt. Cameron Owens could also have an impact as a freshman at forward.
When we'll know they're for real: Jan. 4 at Hampden-Sydney.
Other key games: Nov. 25 vs. Trinity (Texas), Dec. 4 at N.C. Wesleyan, Feb. 11 vs. Hampden-Sydney.
No. 2 Augustana
Record in 2010-11: 27-4
2011-12 schedule
2010-11 results
A balanced team last year, Augustana lost just one starter, but it was All-American Kyle Nelson. They return four starters and six players who averaged 15-plus minutes per game, including Brian DeSimone at the point, 6-9 wing Bryant Voiles (12.4 points per game), Chris Anderson and George Dexter.
When we'll know they're for real: It's a schedule lacking in early road tests. The Dec. 10 home game against UW-Stevens Point might tell us more about the Pointers than the Vikings. So it could take a while.
Other key games: Nov. 22 at UW-Oshkosh, Dec. 3 at Wash U (or vs. Whittier), Jan. 7 vs. North Central (Ill.), Jan. 24 vs. Wheaton (Ill.), Feb. 4 at North Central, Feb. 21 at Wheaton (Ill.)
No. 3 Williams
Record in 2010-11: 29-3
2011-12
schedule
2010-11
results
All-American big man Troy Whittington is gone, as is Harlan Dodson, but James Wang returns at point guard, along with Nate Robertson in the backcourt and three-point shooter James Klemm. Hayden Rooke-Ley and Taylor Epley return after combining for 37 minutes per game off the bench.
When we'll know they're for real: Jan. 25 vs. Amherst and Jan. 28 at Middlebury, back-to-back games against teams in the preseason top five.
Other key games: Dec. 28 vs. Ohio Northern (at Thomas More), Feb. 10 at Amherst
No. 4 Amherst
Record in 2010-11: 25-4
2011-12
schedule
2010-11
results
Four starters return for Amherst, with Conor Meehan the lone exception. He was the leading scorer on a very balanced team, with Taylor Barrise (11 points per game), Willy Workman (10.6), Pete Kaasila (10.0) and David Waller (8.1) returning. And those returning starters don't even count Aaron Toomey, who was a scoring machine off the bench as a freshman for Dave Hixon's team and will take over point guard duties. He averaged 12.5 points per game despite playing just 24 minutes, shooting 40 percent from three-point range.
When we'll know they're for real: As soon as Dec. 10 at Brandeis. The Lord Jeffs' last trip there ended in a loss, although that wasn't a particularly good Amherst team. But it's the biggest test on the non-conference schedule.
Other key games: Jan. 25 at Williams, Feb. 10 vs. Williams, Feb. 10 vs. Middlebury.
No. 5 Middlebury
Record in 2010-11: 28-2
2011-12 schedule
2010-11 results
Last year's breakout team loses two key starters from its Final Four team in Andrew Locke and Ryan Wholey but returns three starters and five players who averaged 15 or more minutes per game. Ryan Sharry, who averaged a double-double as well as 2.4 blocks, returns to help the Panthers challenge more shots this season, as does junior Jake Wolfin and sophomore Nolan Thompson.
When we'll know they're for real: Jan. 28 vs. Williams
Other key games: Nov. 19 potentially vs. Ramapo (at Ramapo's tournament), Dec. 30 at Salem State, Feb. 11 at Amherst.
No. 6 Marietta
Record in 2010-11: 27-4
2011-12
schedule
2010-11
results
This is another everyone-is-back team and since Marietta got to the Sweet 16 last year with a freshman point guard, it's easy to believe the sky is the limit. They're led by preseason All-America selection Trevor Halter, who shot 53 percent from the floor en route to 15.1 points per game and was the Pioneers' leading three-point shooter at 6-6. Kevin Knab, also a preseason All-American selection, averaged 14.8 points and was the team's leading rebounder and shot-blocker. Tyler Hammond is back at point as a sophomore after averaging 11.1 points per game and should improve on his 95-to-64 assist-to-turnover ratio.
When we'll know they're for real: Nov. 29 vs. Wittenberg
Other key games: Dec. 29 at Hope, any of a number of road games in the OAC depending on who emerges.
No. 7 Rochester
Record in 2010-11: 22-6
2011-12 schedule
2010-11 results
Three starters are back, with shooting guard Mike Labanowski the biggest loss. John DiBartolomeo (17.7 points, 4.6 assists) returns for his junior season at point guard, with Nate Novosel (13.5 points, 5.4 rebounds) and Rob Reid (7.8, 6.2) back in the post. Freshman Tyler Seidman, who scored nearly 1,300 career points in high school, could contribute at guard.
How their season ended: A 61-52 home loss to Middlebury in the Sweet 16.
Key games: Jan. 7 at Emory, Jan. 13 at Brandeis, Jan. 27 at Wash U., Feb. 10 vs. Brandeis, Feb. 25 vs. Emory.
No. 8 St. Thomas
Record in 2010-11: 30-3
2011-12 schedule
2010-11 results
The defending national champions had four senior starters last season and also saw the retirement of Steve Fritz, at least as head coach. He remains athletic director and his right-hand man, John Tauer, takes over the reins. Center Tommy Hannon (12.2 points, 6.7 rebounds) is the lone returning starter. Expect John Nance to step into a key backcourt role immediately, with three-point shooting senior Peter Leslie as well.
How their season ended: Holding Walnut and Bronze in Salem after crushing Wooster in the title game.
Key games: Nov. 22 at UW-River Falls, Dec. 22 at UW-Stevens Point, Jan. 11 at Carleton.
No. 9 Wooster
Record in 2010-11: 31-3
2011-12
schedule
2010-11
results
This is the area of the poll where we find the title game participants who lost a lot of players. Ian Franks, Nathan Balch and Bryan Wickliffe are all gone for the Scots. Coach Steve Moore will be counting on Justin Hallowell (11.9 points, 6.1 rebounds) to lead a number of lesser-experienced players, such as juniors Josh Claytor and Jake Mays, who will likely split time at center, and senior defensive specialist Justin Warnes, sophomore Ryan Snyder, and freshman Xavier Brown, who will be key in the backcourt.
How their season ended: Lost in the national championship game to St. Thomas.
Key games: Dec. 7 vs. Wittenberg, Dec. 19 vs. St. Mary's (Md.) in Puerto Rico, Feb. 11 at Wittenberg.
No. 10 MIT
Record in 2010-11: 20-9
2011-12
schedule
2010-11
results
The Engineers get a big boost from the return of Noel Hollingsworth, as well as Jimmy Burke, who combined for nearly 30 points per game two years ago but played just 143 minutes last season, all Hollingsworth's. Last year's healthy Engineers all return as well, led by Mitchell Kates at 15.6 points and 5.0 assists per game, with Will Tashman and Jamie Karraker also averaging double figures.
How their season ended: Lost in the second round of the NCAA Tournament to Rochester at Ithaca.
Key games: Dec. 8 vs. Salem State, Jan. 21 vs. WPI, Feb. 15 at WPI.
No. 11 Wittenberg
Record in 2010-11: 20-9
2011-12 schedule
2010-11 results
Three-point shooter Chris Sullivan and team assists and steals leader Seth Hill are gone, with Clayton Black (15.2 points per game) returning. Josh McKee, when he joins the team after the end of the football season, could provide a boost, as well as University of Toledo transfer Zack Leahy. He started nine games for the 4-28 Zips last season, averaging 4.8 points per game.
How their season ended: Lost by one in the second round of the NCAA Tournament at Marietta.
Key games: Nov. 29 at Marietta, Dec. 7 at Wooster, Jan. 4 at Maryville, Feb. 11 vs. Wooster.
No. 12 Whitworth
Record in 2010-11: 28-2
2011-12 schedule
2010-11 results
Another team with big losses, though they didn't have many on the floor last year. Coach Jim Hayford got the call from Division I Eastern Washington, D3hoops.com player of the year Michael Taylor graduated and David Riley and Clay Gebbers joined him from a prominent senior class. The Pirates have another transfer from Montana, but he's a redshirt freshman, Taylor Farnsworth. Jack Loofburrow, perhaps the only key piece off the bench last season, moves into the starting lineup, joining returnees Wade Gebbers and Felix Friedt.
How their season ended: Lost 76-66 at Wooster in the Elite Eight.
Key games: Dec. 21 vs. UW-Whitewater in San Antonio, Dec. 29 vs. Calvin, Jan. 17 vs. Whitman, Feb. 14 at Whitman.
No. 13 Emory
Record in 2010-11: 20-5
2011-12
schedule
2010-11
results
Four starters are back from a team that beat Rochester on the final day but did not get the call to continue. It was the first 20-win season for the Eagles since 1991 and only Julien Williams (8.2 points) is not returning. All-region guard Austin Claunch (16.5 points, 7.4 assists) is back at point, with sixth man Jake Davis (UAA rookie of the year, 13.3 points, 6.5 rebounds) ready to move into the lineup. Alex Greven and Alex Gulotta each averaged double-figure scoring as well.
How their season ended: Sitting in front of a screen hoping for an at-large bid that didn't come.
Key games: Nov. 27 at Maryville, Jan. 7 vs. Rochester, Jan. 15 at Brandeis, Jan. 29 at Wash U, Feb. 12 vs. Brandeis, Feb. 25 vs. Rochester.
No. 14 Cabrini
Record in 2010-11: 24-6
2011-12
schedule
2010-11
results
Leading scorer Dom Farrello graduated but Cory Lemons was just behind him at 17.3 points per game and had 6.5 assists per contest last year as a sophomore. A.J. Williams is expected to step into the starting lineup full-time after starting 10 games last year. John Boyd (12.4 points per game) returns to the backcourt, while Fran Raffery (8.6 points) and Goran Dulac (7.4) are back as well.
How their season ended: A 93-77 loss at Wooster in the Sweet 16.
Key games: A potential matchup with Centre at the Colonels' tournament Dec. 30. Other than that, they play only one other team receiving votes, or vote: Gwynedd-Mercy, at the end of the others receiving votes.
No. 15 St. Mary's (Md.)
Record in 2010-11: 25-6
2011-12 schedule
2010-11 results
This is where we find out how much of the Seahawks' surge is the overall level of the program rising and how much was Alex Franz (and later Sam Burum). St. Mary's was 91-27 since Franz came to campus, 71-15 his last three years. Christian MacAuley is the leading returning scorer (8.9 points) and rebounder (6.4) and blocked 88 shots last year as a freshman. Wing Mikey Fitzpatrick averaged 7.6 points and shot 45 percent from beyond the arc, while guard James Davenport scored 6.1 per game.
How their season ended: A 65-50 loss to Middlebury on a neutral floor in the Elite Eight.
Key games: Nov. 26 at Franklin and Marshall, Dec. 19 at Wooster.
No. 16 Mary Hardin-Baylor
Record in 2010-11: 23-8
2011-12 schedule
2010-11 results
UMHB loses three seniors and 28 percent of its scoring to graduation but gains two key players coming back from injury: Theo Ard, an all-conference pick in 2009-10, and Dorian Purnell, who started two games last season before being hurt. Injuries and roster shuffling led Ken DeWeese to pencil 15 different names into his starting lineup over the course of last season and Greg Wiernas (4.6 points per game, 22 starts) was the most frequently used starter returning. Marlon Miller led the team with 14.2 points per game and returns, as does Sterling Phillips (10.4 points per game).
How their season ended: A 70-57 loss at Augustana in the Sweet 16.
Key games: Dec. 29 vs. UW-Stout at Concordia (Texas), Jan. 7 at Texas-Dallas.
No. 17 Franklin and Marshall
Record in 2010-11: 23-6
2011-12 schedule
2010-11 results
The Diplomats return just two starters from last year, losing No. 2 (James McNally), No. 3 (Mike Baker) and No. 5 scorers (Steve Tolliver). Hank Gyokchyan, who started 11 games for the Diplomats down the stretch, returns to the frontcourt, while Georgio Milligan (17.2 points, 5.3 assists, 4.8 rebounds) is back at point and Brandon Beckford (9.6 points) returns at another guard position.
How their season ended: Lost 79-71 at Virginia Wesleyan in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Key games: Nov. 26 vs. St. Mary's (Md.). A potential home tournament matchup Jan. 3 with Hobart (four votes, all likely because of Mike Neer) is the only other game against a team receiving preseason votes.
No. 18 Oswego State
Record in 2010-11: 24-5
2011-12 schedule
2010-11 results
Jason Leone, former Keystone head coach, takes over a program with four starters returning, including four-year starter Chad Burridge (18.5 points) and three-year starters Ryan Sheridan and Sean Michele. Hayden Ward returns at a forward position as well after averaging double figures and shooting 41 percent from three-point range.
How their season ended: Home loss to Rhode Island College, 71-63, in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Key games: Dec. 10 at Buffalo State, Jan. 3 at D-I Texas-Pan American, Feb. 17 vs. Buffalo State.
No. 19 Buffalo State
Record in 2010-11: 23-7
2011-12 schedule
2010-11 results
Four starters return and three averaged in double figures, including guard Jake Simmons (19.5 points per game, 92-for-260 from three-point range). Chris Cartwright was the only other three-point shooter on the roster last year, hitting 70 of 212 as a junior. Leading rebounder and shot blocker Justin Mitchell solidifies the Bengals' frontcourt.
How their season ended: An 85-74 loss to St. Mary's (Md.) at Rochester in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.
Key games: Dec. 10 vs. Oswego State, Feb. 17 at Oswego State. Other than that the only game of note is a possible Dec. 17 home matchup with Capital if each wins the night before.
No. 20 Centre
Record in 2010-11: 21-6
2011-12
schedule
2010-11
results
Senior forward Greg Ross (15.6 points per game) leads four returning starters, along with senior guard Jeff Mullaney (10.5). Donovan Whiteside and Bryon Ellis round out the returners in the backcourt.
How their season ended: 67-62 loss at Marietta in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Key games: Nov. 15 vs. Maryville, Nov. 18 vs. John Carroll at Mount St. Joseph, Dec. 16 vs. Birmingham-Southern, Feb. 10 at Birmingham-Southern.
No. 21 UW-River Falls
Record in 2010-11: 20-8
2011-12 schedule
2010-11 results
The Falcons really struggled at the end and lose two key pieces in Jake Voeltz and Jontae Koonkaew but pick up a key transfer in Chris Palmer, who was a two-year starter at point guard for St. Mary's (Minn.). He averaged 17.5 points and 8.8 rebounds for the Cardinals last season. Shane Manor, a 6-6 swing man, returns for his senior season after scoring 14.9 points per game last season, joining Aaron Anderson (50 percent from three-point range), Brian Kimble (19 starts) and Ollie White (26 starts but just 19 minutes per game).
How their season ended: On a bad stretch, with losses in six of its final seven games, including an 83-76 loss to Illinois Wesleyan in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at St. Thomas.
Key games: Nov. 22 vs. St. Thomas, Jan. 4 vs. UW-Stevens Point, Jan. 7 at UW-Whitewater, Jan. 21 at UW-Stevens Point, Feb. 18 vs. UW-Whitewater.
No. 22 Birmingham-Southern
Record in 2010-11: 23-4
2011-12 schedule
2010-11 results
Eligible for the first time, the Panthers are in the D3hoops.com Top 25, returning three starters from last season. Birmingham-Southern was 14-2 in SCAC play last year. Chris Graves takes over as head coach as Mitch Cole, who rebuilt the program after its transition from Division I, went to Texas A&M as an assistant. Senior Jasen Jonus led the team in scoring last year at 13.7 points and shot 48 percent from three-point range, and will be joined by junior point guard Blaise White, junior forward Zac Richards and junior guard Kevin Kegarise.
How their season ended: Celebrating the Panthers' last season as a provisional member of Division III, meaning they were ineligible for the NCAA Tournament.
Key games: Dec. 16 at Centre, Feb. 10 vs. Centre.
No. 23 Hampden-Sydney
Record in 2010-11: 17-10
2011-12 schedule
2010-11 results
A young Tigers squad struggled last season, including getting swept by Lynchburg, but has four starters returning including preseason All-American Harrison George. His 20 points per game go along with Ru White's 12.8 and Ben Jessee's 10.6 points and 36 percent three-point shooting.
How their season ended: A 76-75 loss to Eastern Mennonite in the quarterfinals of the ODAC tournament. Hampden-Sydney was the sixth seed.
Key games: Nov. 27 at North Carolina Wesleyan, Jan. 4 vs. Virginia Wesleyan, Jan. 21 at Randolph-Macon, Feb. 11 at Virginia Wesleyan, Feb. 18 vs. Randolph-Macon.
No. 24 UW-Stevens Point
Record in 2010-11: 26-4
2011-12 schedule
2010-11 results
Graduation hurt the Pointers this offseason, as Nick Krull, Scott Hoelzel and Louis Hurd were all seniors. But a defection might be the biggest blow, as point guard Jerrel Harris transferred to Division II St. Leo, following assistant coach Lance Randall, who took over the top job there. Dan and Tyler Tillema, who didn't play at the same time until later in the season, will both be expected to start after combining for 19 points in 44 minutes per game. Jordan Giordana averaged 15 minutes a game as a shooting guard and will likely start, while Jordan Brezinski will get a lot more than 13 minutes a contest at center. Kurt Kincaid, who transferred from UW-La Crosse and sat out last season, had 8.2 points and 4.9 rebounds per game for the Eagles in 12 games in 2009-10. Trevor Hass also transfers in after averaging 5.7 points as a freshman at Division II Augustana (S.D.).
How their season ended: A 66-64 loss to eventual national champion St. Thomas in the Sweet 16 at Augustana. That's the Illinois one.
Key games: Dec. 10 at Augustana, Dec. 14 vs. UW-Whitewater, Dec. 22 vs. St. Thomas, Jan. 4 at UW-River Falls, Jan. 21 vs. UW-River Falls, Jan. 25 at UW-Whitewater.
No. 25 Wheaton (Ill.)
Record in 2010-11: 18-8
2011-12 schedule
2010-11 results
Four starters return for the Thunder: All-American Tim McCrary, Spencer Schultze, Jeremy Pflederer and Jon DeMoss and returning players accounted for 76 percent of the scoring and 87 percent of the rebounding from last season. Tyler Peters, who started seven games ast season, returns as well. The big loss will be Andrew Jahns, who was the team's top three-point shooter.
How their season ended: A 73-58 loss in the CCIW semifinals to Augustana at North Central (Ill.).
Key games: Dec. 2 vs. Hope at Calvin, Dec. 21 vs. Whitman in San Antonio, Jan. 14 vs. North Central (Ill.), Jan. 24 at Augustana, Feb. 11 at North Central (Ill.), Feb. 21 vs. Augustana.
Sleepers
Keep an eye on North Central (Ill.) with the last two regional rookies of the year, sophomore Landon Gamble and junior Derek Raridon. They combined for 27.7 points per game for a team that snuck away with the CCIW top seed last February. ... Whitman is a year older and more experienced after handing Whitworth its only regular season loss last season. Four starters are back and the team is led by seniors Brandon Shaw, David Michaels and sophomore Josh Duckworth. ... Four senior starters return for North Carolina Wesleyan, including All-Region guard Matt Dougherty and forward Domarius Thomas. ... Garret Thiel returns from injury for Ramapo, to go along with returners LaQuan Peterkin and Elgin Brown, Will Sanborn and Stephon Treadwell. ... Hope didn't have a roster settled enough to even provide the basic Top 25 voter info we request but if Peter Bunn is back from the injury to go along with Nate Snuggerud and David Krombeen, they will be the clear favorites in the MIAA.