Colonial Athletic Association 2005-06 Season Recap
The 2005-06 season won’t soon be forgotten as far as the Colonial Athletic Association is concerned. It was arguably the best season in the conference’s history after the conference tournament in early March, and then the CAA made waves in both the NCAA Tournament and the NIT. Some of the conference’s accomplishments include:
- Six CAA teams ranked in the top 100 of the RPI.
- Four teams won 20 or more games, and six won 19 or more.
- For the first time in CAA history, four teams won at least 24 games.
- George Mason became the first CAA team since 1986 to get an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament.
- Old Dominion became the first CAA team to reach the NIT Final Four.
- Four CAA teams reached postseason play, tying a record set in 2005.
All of this was highlighted by George Mason’s memorable run to the Final Four, which will be talked about for a long time. They knocked off three recent national champions in that run and were finally knocked off by this year’s eventual national champion, Florida.
Even with the snubs of Hofstra from the NCAA Tournament and Northeastern and VCU from the NIT, the CAA had a year to remember. Also of note is that Hofstra made a run to the quarterfinals in the NIT, losing to Old Dominion.
Two teams were in their first season of play in 2005-06, with mixed results. Northeastern went 12-6 in CAA play and finished fifth, while Georgia State went 3-15 and finished tenth. The Huskies also made a splash with the conference’s Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year.
The off-season shaped up favorably at first, with coaches like Tom Pecora (Hofstra) and Jeff Capel (VCU) getting new contracts to stay, but Capel then joined the ranks of the departed as he became Oklahoma’s new head coach. On the plus side, promising new head coaches like Bill Coen (Northeastern), Anthony Grant (VCU) and Monte Ross (Delaware) are among those replacing the departed coaches. A couple of teams that finished near the bottom of the standings showed some promise for future seasons as well.
Colonial Athletic Association Tournament
First Round
No. 9 Delaware 52, No. 8 Drexel 49
No. 5 Northeastern 74, No. 12 James Madison 56
No. 10 Georgia State 72, No. 7 Towson 64
No. 6 VCU 62, No. 11 William & Mary 59
Quarterfinals
No. 1 UNC-Wilmington 69, No. 9 Delaware 56
No. 5 Northeastern 71, No. 4 Old Dominion 63
No. 2 George Mason 61, No. 10 Georgia State 56
No. 3 Hofstra 72, No. 6 VCU 66
Semifinals
No. 1 UNC-Wilmington 69, No. 5 Northeastern 54
No. 3 Hofstra 58, No. 2 George Mason 49
Championship
No. 1 UNC-Wilmington 78, No. 3 Hofstra 67
Perhaps the best season in the conference’s history saw a terrific tournament, with just four games being decided by double-digit margins. Three of them were wins by champion UNC-Wilmington, including the championship game.
With the close games, it should come as no surprise that at times in the quarterfinals, it looked getting a first round bye might prove meaningless as the underdogs had chances to win. Northeastern was the only one to pull it off, as the Huskies avenged their regular season defeat at Old Dominion (a game where they blew a 13-point halftime lead).
In the semifinals, UNC-Wilmington had the clear edge on Northeastern for most of the game and constantly responded to runs made by the Huskies. Hofstra won its semifinal over George Mason with a big defensive effort in the second half, as they held the Patriots to 17 percent shooting. It was the second time they beat the Patriots.
The championship game looked like it could be a blowout for a while, as UNC-Wilmington looked ready to run away with it. Hofstra made runs to get back in it, but as they did before, T.J. Carter and the Seahawks had answers and put the game away for their fourth CAA title in seven years. Carter took over the game in the final minutes en route to being named the tournament’s MVP.
NCAA/NIT
UNC-Wilmington – NCAA Tournament, No. 9 seed in the Atlanta Regional
The Seahawks gave No. 8 George Washington all they could handle, leading 64-46 at one point before a furious rally sent the game to overtime. In the extra session, they couldn’t hold an 85-81 lead as the Colonials scored the game’s final seven points for the win. T.J. Carter led the Seahawks with 25 points, while John Goldsberry closed out his college career with 14 points and nine rebounds.
George Mason – NCAA Tournament, No. 11 seed in the Washington, D.C. Regional
The Patriots, a surprise selection in light of having a suspended starter for the first game, were the story of the NCAA Tournament as they were giant-killers en route to reaching the Final Four. They became the first CAA team since Richmond in 1988 to advance to the Sweet 16, getting a 75-65 win over Michigan State (a Final Four team last season) and a 65-60 win over defending national champion North Carolina.
But the Patriots didn’t stop there. Playing close to home in the Washington, D.C. Regional, they proceeded to dominate Wichita State before holding on for a 63-55 win, then won a thriller in overtime over Connecticut by a score of 86-84. The Patriots became the first mid-major to reach the Final Four since 1979, when Penn and Indiana State both made it.
The Patriots’ run would end in the national semifinal, as Florida handed them a 73-58 loss. The Patriots kept it close in the first half, but the Gators took it over in the second half by shutting down the Patriots’ offense.
Hofstra – NIT
After being snubbed from the NCAA Tournament, the Hawks had some success in the NIT as they made a run to the quarterfinals. They started with a 73-62 win over Nebraska behind 23 points from Loren Stokes and 21 from Antoine Agudio. The dynamic duo was at it again in the next game, as Agudio had 24 and Stokes had 22 in a 77-75 overtime win at Saint Joseph’s. In the quarterfinals, they ran up against fellow CAA team Old Dominion, which held the Pride below 32 percent shooting and held Stokes and Agudio to a combined 10-37 from the field in a 61-51 win.
Old Dominion – NIT
The Monarchs, thought to have had a down year, showed they had plenty left come postseason play as they made it to the NIT Final Four in New York. They first went on the road and beat Colorado 79-61 behind 28 points from Isaiah Hunter and a 31-41 performance from the free throw line. Then a 70-66 home win over Manhattan – also won at the foul line, this time with a 27-36 showing and 20 points and nine rebounds from Alex Loughton – set up the quarterfinal game at Hofstra. Hunter’s career-high 29 points and great defense led the Monarchs to a 61-51 win. The run ended with a 66-43 blowout loss to Michigan in the semifinals, where the Monarchs shot below 28 percent from the floor.
Colonial Athletic Association Postseason Awards
Player of the Year: Jose Juan Barea, Northeastern
Rookie of the Year: Juwann James, James Madison
Coach of the Year: Brad Brownell, UNC-Wilmington
Defensive Player of the Year: Shawn James, Northeastern
All-CAA Team
Jose Juan Barea, Sr. G, Northeastern
Nick George, Sr. F, VCU
Jai Lewis, Sr. F, George Mason
Harding Nana, Sr. F, Delaware
Loren Stokes, Jr. G, Hofstra
UNC-Wilmington (25-8, 15-3 Colonial)
Season Recap: The Seahawks remained a consistently good team in claiming their fourth CAA title in seven years. They started the season by winning the BCA Invitational and were 9-2 before a three-game losing streak. After their loss to Old Dominion on January 3, the Seahawks got it in gear and never lost consecutive games the rest of the way, putting together two five-game winning streaks before the conference tournament. The well-coached Seahawks had an underrated backcourt in John Goldsberry and T.J. Carter, and the frontcourt was solid and unspectacular all around. They matched up well with NCAA Tournament first round opponent George Washington and held a good lead, but wound up losing in overtime.
Team MVP: John Goldsberry (11.2 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 5.2 apg, 2.0 spg)
Top scorer: T.J. Carter (13.6 ppg)
Top rebounder: Beckham Wyrick (5.4 rpg)
Assists leader: John Goldsberry (5.2 apg)
Starters leaving: G John Goldsberry (11.2 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 5.2 apg, 2.0 spg), F Beckham Wyrick (6.7 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 1.6 apg), F Mitch Laue (7.8 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 1.3 apg)
Key players returning: Sr. G T.J. Carter (13.6 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.3 spg), Jr. F Todd Hendley (10.5 ppg, 4.0 rpg), Sr. G Temi Soyebo (3.2 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.8 apg), Jr. C Vladimir Kuljanin (6.1 ppg, 3.4 rpg), Sr. F Dejan Grkovic (3.1 ppg, 2.1 rpg)
News: Shortly after the season ended, assistant coach Byron Jones resigned to become Director of Basketball Operations with Premiere Basketball, Inc., a non-profit company that works in conjunction with Mid-America Youth Basketball.
During the Final Four, head coach Brad Brownell resigned to take the head coaching job at Wright State.
In April, former Charlotte assistant Benny Moss was hired to replace him. Moss’ staff consists of assistants Chuck Benson (who previously worked with him as Charlotte’s director of basketball operations) and Joe Redmond, with Jimmy Garrity being retained as director of basketball operations.
2006-07 outlook: If there’s a program that has been on opposite ends of the spectrum in a short time, it is this one. UNCW went from being on a real high with their fourth CAA title in 7 years to having numerous questions swirl about its future. Brownell left to make a lateral move, with reports that he and athletic director Mike Capaccio were at odds, and following that was a coaching search with questions about the future of the athletic department. There has been speculation that the athletics program could be downgraded. All of this will follow the team next year, a team that returns a good backcourt as Soyebo steps in for Goldsberry after backing him up this year and Carter should be one of the top players in the conference. Hendley and Kuljanin are solid frontcourt holdovers, and Grkovic becomes a key figure. What style Moss goes with and how it meshes with the holdovers is the big factor, and that remains to be seen.
George Mason (27-8, 15-3 Colonial)
Season Recap: The Patriots’ run to the Final Four will be talked about for a long time, but it didn’t come from nowhere. In fact, their non-conference slate had some talking about them as the CAA’s best hope for an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament in January. The Patriots played like a team that knew how to win all along, pulling out their fair share of close games and riding excellent defense to a 15-3 CAA record. They also had plenty of balance at the offensive end, as all five starters averaged in double figures. They looked beatable in the CAA Tournament, surviving a close one against Georgia State before losing to Hofstra in the semifinals before making their legendary run to the Final Four.
Team MVP: Jai Lewis (13.7 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.4 spg)
Top scorer: Jai Lewis (13.7 ppg)
Top rebounder: Jai Lewis (7.8 rpg)
Assists leader: Folarin Campbell (3.4 apg)
Starters leaving: F Jai Lewis (13.7 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.4 spg), G Lamar Butler (11.9 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 2.2 apg), G Tony Skinn (12.6 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 2.7 apg, 1.6 spg)
Key players returning: Jr. F Will Thomas (11.8 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 1.1 apg), Jr. G Folarin Campbell (11.0 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 3.4 apg), Sr. G Gabe Norwood (3.4 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 1.9 apg), So. F Sammy Hernandez (2.8 ppg, 3.1 rpg), So. G John Vaughan (redshirt), Jr. F Jesus Urbina (redshirt)
News: In April, head coach Jim Larranaga signed a contract extension that will keep him at the school through 2012.
2006-07 outlook: Will the Patriots be a one-hit wonder? No one can expect them to make another Final Four run, but they do have two starters returning and also gain two players who had to redshirt this year. Thomas showed just how good he can be during the postseason, as did Campbell, and both return. Larranaga is not going anywhere after his name was mentioned for a few high-profile job openings in the off-season, and as long as he’s around the Patriots will be a contender in the CAA.
Hofstra (26-7, 14-4 Colonial)
Season Recap: Although the Pride was known mainly for its star-studded perimeter unit, they were a well-balanced team as four of five starters averaged in double digits and the fifth led the team in rebounding and blocked shots. Their perimeter unit had three different players as well: Loren Stokes was the do-everything player, Antoine Agudio was the lights-out shooter and Carlos Rivera was the assist man who would bury shots if left open. After a 94-91 loss to Towson in January, the Pride turned into one of the hottest teams in the country, losing just two road games the rest of the way before losing in the CAA championship game.
Team MVP: Loren Stokes (17.4 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 2.8 apg, 1.6 spg)
Top scorer: Loren Stokes (17.4 ppg)
Top rebounder: Adrian Uter (7.8 rpg)
Assists leader: Carlos Rivera (3.5 apg)
Starters leaving: F Aurimas Kieza (11.1 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1.1 bpg), C Adrian Uter (9.3 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 2.3 bpg)
Key players returning: Sr. G Loren Stokes (17.4 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 2.8 apg, 1.6 spg), Sr. G Carlos Rivera (11.7 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 3.5 apg, 1.5 spg), Jr. G Antoine Agudio (17.2 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 2.7 apg), So. G Greg Johnson (2.4 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 1.6 apg), So. F Chris Gadley (1.5 ppg, 2.7 rpg)
News: During the week of the Final Four, head coach Tom Pecora signed a new five-year contract that will keep him at the school through 2011.
In April, associate head coach Tom Parotta resigned to become the head coach at Canisius.
2006-07 outlook: Despite the loss of two frontcourt starters, the Pride should be among the contenders for the top again next season. They return their entire star-studded backcourt and have promising young frontcourt players who will get more minutes next season, led by Gadley. Pecora will be around a little longer and has this program in a very good state, and look for next year to continue that.
Old Dominion (24-10, 13-5 Colonial)
Season Recap: With almost everyone back from a team that won 29 games, expectations were sky-high for the Monarchs entering the season. It’s because of those expectations that there was talk that this was a down year, and if that’s the case, we all should have down years all the time. The Monarchs still won 24 games, reaching the NIT Final Four in a season that posed its share of obstacles. Not only were there nagging injuries, like the foot injury that sidelined Isaiah Hunter for two games, but backup guard Brandon Johnson was shot in late January. Despite all of that, the Monarchs finished fourth and had the kind of season many teams would like to have at the end of the day.
Team MVP: Isaiah Hunter (14.3 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2.7 apg)
Top scorer: Isaiah Hunter (14.3 ppg)
Top rebounder: Alex Loughton (7.7 rpg)
Assists leader: Drew Williamson (4.8 rpg)
Starters leaving: G Isaiah Hunter (14.3 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2.7 apg), F Alex Loughton (13.5 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 1.4 apg)
Key players returning: Sr. F Arnaud Dahi (11.9 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 1.0 bpg), Sr. G Drew Williamson (7.3 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 4.8 apg, 1.7 spg), Jr. G Brian Henderson (6.0 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 1.9 apg), Sr. F Valdas Vasylius (8.8 ppg, 4.5 rpg), Jr. G Brandon Johnson (3.5 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 1.9 apg), Jr. G Abdi Lidonde (3.0 ppg, 1.9 rpg)
News: In April, head coach Blaine Taylor signed a two-year contract extension that will keep him at the school through 2011.
Also in April, forward Arnaud Dahi had successful surgery on his right anterior cruciate ligament. He is expected to be ready for the start of next season.
2006-07 outlook: Hunter and Loughton are key losses, but the Monarchs will be in good shape with floor leader Drew Williamson returning as well as Dahi and Henderson. They probably won’t be projected to win the conference like they were this year, but they should be in the upper division.
Northeastern (19-11, 12-6 Colonial)
Season Recap: It was a bumpy ride at times for the Huskies in their first season in the CAA, but the end result was a nice season. They hit a bump in the road late in non-conference play and once during conference play, but they had some nice runs en route to reaching the semifinals of the CAA Tournament and being a notable NIT snub. Jose Juan Barea was one of the nation’s most dynamic guards, while Shawn James led the nation in blocked shots. Good role players surrounded both, with Bobby Kelly emerging as a deadly shooter from long range.
Team MVP: G Jose Juan Barea (21.0 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 8.4 apg, 1.3 spg)
Top scorer: Jose Juan Barea (21.0 ppg)
Top rebounder: Shawn James (7.9 rpg)
Assists leader: Jose Juan Barea (8.4 apg)
Starters leaving: G Jose Juan Barea (21.0 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 8.4 apg, 1.3 spg), G Aaron Davis (9.7 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 1.3 spg), C Shawn James (12.4 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 1.5 apg, 6.5 bpg) (transferred to Duquesne)
Key players returning: Sr. F Bennet Davis (8.3 ppg, 6.8 rpg), Sr. G Bobby Kelly (8.6 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 1.7 apg), Sr. G Adrian Martinez (5.3 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 1.5 apg)
News: In late March, head coach Ron Everhart resigned to take the head coaching position at Duquesne. Everhart took his entire staff with him.
In April, former Boston College assistant Bill Coen was hired to replace Everhart. Coen’s assistants include former Yale assistant Jim McCarthy and former Boston College player Uka Agbai.
In May, Shawn James followed Everhart, transferring to Duquesne for his final two seasons of eligibility. Also, guard Chris Brickley transferred to a non-Division I school close to his New Hampshire home.
2006-07 outlook: Personnel-wise, the Huskies look to be in serious rebuilding mode next season, as they already lost a tremendous amount with Barea, Aaron Davis and key reserve Janon Cole departing. Then James transferred, which means the Huskies return only three players who played significant minutes this season. Coen was a terrific hire for the program and should be able to keep them competitive, as he has an excellent track record of evaluating talent, but it might take a season or two to really hit the ground as he brings in his own players. Nonetheless, the Huskies won’t be easy wins for anyone, as Coen knows how to coach and inherits a team of good role players led by talented Bennet Davis and Bobby Kelly.
VCU (19-10, 11-7 Colonial)
Season Recap: VCU put together another solid season, one highlighted by a five-game winning streak around mid-season as the Rams were a deadly team from long range. They also protected their homecourt well, with the only home losses coming against George Mason and UNC-Wilmington. Senior Nick George spearheaded the offensive attack, with B.A. Walker and Alexander Harper being key players and Jesse Pellot-Rosa chipping in at both ends of the floor. Freshman guard Eric Maynor got better as the season went along and started at the end of the season, adding more depth to an already deep perimeter unit. After their five-game winning streak, the Rams slowed up, as they lost three of four and went 3-4 the remainder of the regular season.
Team MVP: Nick George (16.9 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.3 spg)
Top scorer: Nick George (16.9 ppg)
Top rebounder: Nick George, Jesse Pellot-Rosa (5.1 rpg)
Assists leader: Alexander Harper (2.4 apg)
Starters leaving: G-F Nick George (16.9 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.3 spg), G Alexander Harper (6.8 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.4 apg, 1.1 spg)
Key players returning: Sr. G-F Jesse Pellot-Rosa (9.2 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.6 spg), Sr. G B.A. Walker (11.7 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.1 spg), So. G Eric Maynor (4.7 ppg, 1.3 rpg, 2.2 apg), Jr. G Jamal Shuler (5.8 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 1.1 apg), Sr. F Eric Davis (6.0 ppg, 2.8 rpg), Jr. F Michael Anderson (3.3 ppg, 2.9 rpg)
News: After the season, head coach Jeff Capel signed a two-year contract extension that was to keep him at the school through 2012. In April, Capel left the school to become the head coach at Oklahoma.
Former Florida assistant coach Anthony Grant was hired to replace Capel. Grant’s initial staff will consist of assistants Tony Pujol, John Brannen and Allen Edwards.
2006-07 outlook: It was a given that George, one of the conference’s best players, and Harper would be gone after this season, but Capel’s departure for Oklahoma caught just about everyone off-guard. Grant is a fast-rising star, but as with any coaching change, it means things will be different. He inherits a team that has some capable veterans and a sophomore in Maynor who has a lot of potential. Anderson played well in their CAA Tournament games and looks ready to assume a larger role, and more will be needed from players like Walker, Shuler and Pellot-Rosa.
Towson (12-16, 8-10 Colonial)
Season Recap: It was a season that showed promise for the future as the Tigers went. Early on, the team had its share of struggles, including rebounding and playing on the road. Once the first semester ended, the Tigers took off as La Salle transfer Gary Neal became eligible and gave them a huge boost. He instantly became their go-to guy, and besides putting up huge numbers, he clearly made the team better as he teamed with Lawrence Hamm to form a terrific inside-outside duo. Meanwhile, Tim Crossin was one of the top freshmen in the conference and Dennard Abraham got better as the season went along, and the Tigers were the most dangerous team not vying for the regular season crown.
Team MVP: Gary Neal (26.1 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2.9 apg, 1.8 spg)
Top scorer: Gary Neal (26.1 ppg)
Top rebounder: Lawrence Hamm (9.1 rpg)
Assists leader: Tim Crossin (5.0 apg)
Starters leaving: F Lawrence Hamm (15.6 ppg, 9.1 rpg, 1.7 apg)
Key players returning: Sr. G Gary Neal (26.1 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2.9 apg, 1.8 spg), Sr. F Dennard Abraham (12.0 ppg, 6.3 rpg), So. G Tim Crossin (8.9 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 5.0 apg, 1.9 spg), So. G Velmar Coleman (6.1 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 3.8 apg), Sr. F Marc Pratt (4.2 ppg, 2.6 rpg), Sr. F Winstonn Tubbs (4.1 ppg, 3.8 rpg)
News: none
2006-07 outlook: Although Hamm is not a small loss, the Tigers return enough to contend for the top of the conference next season as four starters are back. Neal, the nation’s top returning scorer, and Crossin will form one of the top backcourts in the conference, with Coleman also getting a lot of minutes. Abraham should be an excellent frontcourt anchor, and if a couple of the frontcourt role players come through, the Tigers will make a jump in the standings.
Drexel (15-16, 8-10 Colonial)
Season Recap: The Dragons began the season with a lot of youth and a lot of promise, as they garnered national attention by reaching the NIT Season Tip-Off Final Four and played Duke and UCLA right down to the wire. After that, however, the Dragons looked like they were: youthful and promising. They looked youthful in losing a number of close games (they were 5-14 in games decided by ten points or less), while looking promising when they won six straight games in December and early January, as well as in games like their 83-47 shellacking of Northeastern in February. They got senior leadership from Kenell Sanchez, while Bashir Mason competed and drove the team to some of their early wins. Dominick Mejia had instant success, as the North Carolina State transfer led the team in scoring, while Frank Elegar showed that he will be one of the conference’s best post players in the next couple of seasons. Defense kept the Dragons in games, but they struggled offensively as they were last in the CAA in scoring.
Team MVP: Bashir Mason (11.3 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 4.3 apg, 1.6 spg)
Top scorer: Dominick Mejia (15.3 ppg)
Top rebounder: Chaz Crawford (7.6 rpg)
Assists leader: Bashir Mason (4.3 apg)
Starters leaving: G Kenell Sanchez (9.7 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 1.8 apg)
Key players returning: Sr. G Dominick Mejia (15.3 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.1 spg), Sr. G Bashir Mason (11.3 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 4.3 apg, 1.6 spg), Jr. F Frank Elegar (11.1 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 1.3 bpg), Sr. C Chaz Crawford (6.4 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 2.8 bpg), Jr. F Randy Oveneke (2.5 ppg, 2.8 rpg), So. G Scott Rodgers (2.7 ppg, 1.2 rpg), Jr. G Randy Hampton (2.1 ppg, 1.8 rpg)
News: none
2006-07 outlook: With only Sanchez gone from this season’s team, the Dragons will have a veteran bunch led by a senior backcourt. That’s a good start, and Elegar and Crawford could be two of the conference’s better post players. Put that together, and if the Dragons can shoot better and win a few more close games as a more mature team, they should be in the mix for the conference title and some postseason play.
Delaware (9-21, 4-14 Colonial)
Season Recap: Delaware started the season with two straight wins, but it was right after the second one that the wheels came off. They lost six in a row, all on the road, and that would be a trend for the season. The schedule makers didn’t help, as four of their first five CAA games were on the road and they started CAA play with five straight losses. From there, they could never get untracked, and it didn’t help that Andrew Washington missed the final month of the season due to academic issues. Harding Nana finished his career with a fine season, but he didn’t have consistent help and the Blue Hens had another 20-loss season.
Team MVP: Harding Nana (19.0 ppg, 10.9 rpg, 1.7 apg, 1.3 bpg)
Top scorer: Harding Nana (19.0 ppg)
Top rebounder: Harding Nana (10.9 rpg)
Assists leader: Zaire Taylor (3.7 apg)
Starters leaving: F Harding Nana (19.0 ppg, 10.9 rpg, 1.7 apg, 1.3 bpg), G Rulon Washington (8.9 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 1.7 apg), G Andrew Washington (12.6 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.3 apg, 2.2 spg)
Key players returning: Jr. F Herb Courtney (6.3 ppg, 4.8 rpg), So. G Zaire Taylor (6.8 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 3.7 apg, 2.3 spg), Sr. G Calvin Cannon (9.0 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 1.4 apg), Sr. C Raphael Madera (4.0 ppg, 3.2 rpg), Jr. G Sam McMahon (3.3 ppg, 2.0 rpg), Jr. F Henry Olawoye (2.6 ppg, 2.0 rpg), So. C Matt Hewson (1.4 ppg, 1.3 rpg)
News: On March 13, the school fired David Henderson after six seasons as head coach. Henderson was 85-93 in six seasons.
On March 31, the school hired former Saint Joseph’s assistant coach Monte Ross to replace Henderson. For his staff, Ross retained Ryan Iversen and hired R.C. Kehoe and Stephen Stewart as his assistants.
2006-07 outlook: While there is work to be done, Ross doesn’t inherit a bare cupboard entirely. Nana is a huge loss, and the Washington guards aren’t small ones, but Herb Courtney and Zaire Taylor give him a starting point, while Cannon is a capable guard and Madera can be a good role player on the post. Ross knows how to recruit between Philadelphia and Baltimore, so he should raise the talent level before long and improve the program in the direction of where it was before joining the CAA.
Georgia State (7-22, 3-15 Colonial)
Season Recap: It wasn’t an easy first season in the Colonial for the Panthers, but they weren’t an easy out for opponents, either. With four senior guards, the Panthers couldn’t be underestimated, but they never really got untracked. While the frontcourt didn’t have as much experience, it was a place where some good young players were present. Deven Dickerson made nice strides this season as a post presence, while Justin Billingslea and Rashad Chase were good in supporting roles as well. Though the Panthers won consecutive games just once all season and had a seven-game losing streak to end the regular season, they won their first ever CAA game and first CAA Tournament game.
Team MVP: Herman Favors (12.5 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 3.2 apg, 1.6 spg)
Top scorer: Herman Favors (12.5 ppg)
Top rebounder: Deven Dickerson (5.1 rpg)
Assists leader: Boyd Copeland (3.6 apg)
Starters leaving: G Herman Favors (12.5 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 3.2 apg, 1.6 spg), G Malcolm Manier (11.8 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 1.6 apg), G Boyd Copeland (8.8 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 3.6 apg, 1.2 spg), G-F D’Andre McGrew (7.9 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 1.4 apg in 18 games)
Key players returning: Jr. F Justin Billingslea (7.6 ppg, 2.9 rpg), Jr. C Deven Dickerson (6.3 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 1.6 bpg), So. F Rashad Chase (6.1 ppg, 4.3 rpg), Sr. F Lance Perique (4.3 ppg, 2.7 rpg), So. G Leonard Mendez (3.0 ppg)
News: none
2006-07 outlook: Next season, the personnel will shift entirely, as the riches will be in the frontcourt while Mendez is the only returning guard with any real experience. Mendez started late in the season, so he should be ready to become a key player next season. Chase has plenty of potential after being a conference All-Rookie selection, while Billingslea should get better and Dickerson should become one of the conference’s better post defenders and rebounders. They aren’t going to be contenders next season, but the Panthers are on their way and shouldn’t be an easy out
William & Mary (8-20, 3-15 Colonial)
Season Recap: With a young roster, the Tribe figured to be in rebuilding mode this season, and that prediction held up as they struggled to an 8-20 season. It wasn’t because of a slow start, as they won four of their first five games including two on the road. From that point on, they never won consecutive games the rest of the way. They struggled to score, but that wasn’t the only area. Still, they showed some promise with a team of largely underclassmen.
Team MVP: Calvin Baker (11.6 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 3.6 apg, 1.5 spg)
Top scorer: Calvin Baker (11.6 ppg)
Top rebounder: Corey Cofield (4.7 rpg)
Assists leader: Calvin Baker (3.6 apg)
Starters leaving: G Calvin Baker (11.6 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 3.6 apg, 1.5 spg) (transferred to Virginia), C Brian Hutt (4.9 ppg, 4.2 rpg), F Hawley Smith (2.8 ppg, 2.6 rpg)
Key players returning: Sr. F Corey Cofield (10.3 ppg, 4.7 rpg), Jr. G Nathan Mann (7.8 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 1.6 apg), Jr. F Laimis Kisielius (7.1 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 1.5 apg), Sr. G Adam Payton (7.0 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 1.8 apg, 1.6 spg), So. F-C Peter Stein (4.0 ppg, 2.0 rpg), So. F Chris Darnell (2.6 ppg, 2.2 rpg)
News: In May, guard Calvin Baker transferred to Virginia.
2006-07 outlook: The future looked very bright at the end of the season, as the young Tribe played well down the stretch and gave VCU all it could handle in the CAA Tournament. Then Calvin Baker, one of the conference’s top freshmen, transferred in May, which is a major loss. That means the Tribe loses three starters and will be without arguably the program’s most talented player. The rising junior class has a couple of good players in Mann and Kisielius, while the rising sophomore class has frontcourt players with good potential. There doesn’t appear to be a clear go-to guy, which means all of the complementary players need to make some real strides.
James Madison (5-23, 2-16 Colonial)
Season Recap: It was a season full of struggles for the Dukes, who were hit by injuries and disciplinary issues among their veterans in addition to having to rely on younger players. Although wins were at a premium, there were good stories, like David Cooper’s late-season rebound from injury, and freshmen like Juwann James and Kyle Swanston gave hope for the future as they showed promise. The Dukes got better as the season went along, which can only help going forward.
Team MVP: Juwann James (12.7 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 1.1 apg)
Top scorer: Juwann James (12.7 ppg)
Top rebounder: Juwann James (7.1 rpg)
Assists leader: Jomo Belfor (3.3 apg)
Starters leaving: F Cavell Johnson (13.4 ppg, 7.6 rpg in seven games) (left school), Daniel Freeman (10.4 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 1.2 apg), G Ray Barbosa (9.8 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 1.6 apg) (transferred), G Jomo Belfor (7.7 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 3.3 apg, 1.3 spg)
Key players returning: So. F Juwann James (12.7 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 1.1 apg), So. F Kyle Swanston (5.9 ppg, 2.4 rpg), So. G Joe Posey (3.0 ppg, 1.4 rpg), So. G Colbey Santos (2.9 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 1.3 apg), Sr. F Chris Cathlin (2.9 ppg, 2.7 rpg)
News: After the season, Ray Barbosa transferred.
2006-07 outlook: Head coach Dean Keener and his staff have some work to do, as this team has a couple of young talents in James and Swanston but also lost key players off this season’s team. Besides the seniors, Ray Barbosa transferred, which leaves a young team coming back next season. The youth and general lack of talent figures to put wins at a premium again next season, but if the young players continue to get better, there will be more hope for the future.
Colonial Athletic Association 2006-07 Outlook
Next season will be a real challenge for the Colonial. Its success this season has the critics thinking it won’t happen again, so the challenge is there to approach that success for that reason. That adds to things that are always challenges – replacing departed players and coaches, with several in the latter category moving on to new jobs in the off-season. There is some good talent returning, but four of the five first-team All-CAA players were seniors.
As far as potential favorites go, that discussion has to start with Hofstra since the Pride returns its entire perimeter unit. The Pride will have plenty of competition, as Drexel returns four starters, Old Dominion returns three starters, UNC-Wilmington has a new coach and questions surrounding the program but also has a good nucleus returning and Towson returns all but one player from a team that clearly got better as the season went along. We can’t leave out George Mason, which loses three key starters but also gets back two players who had to redshirt this season. If nothing else, 2006-07 should be another fiercely competitive one in the CAA.
