James Madison Dukes (11-20 overall, 6-10 conference)
Projected starting five:
Jr. G Andre Nation
Jr. G Ron Curry
So. G-F Jackson Kent
So. F Paulius Satkus
S0. F Yohanny Dalembert
Important departures:
The Dukes lost three starters, two of whom they didn’t initially expect to lose: F Taylor Bessick (transferred to Iona), F Andrey Semenov and G Charles Cooke (transferred to Dayton)
Returning:
52.2 percent of scoring and 48.9 percent of rebounding
Additions:
Jr. G Winston Grays (transfer from Cincinnati State)
Fr. F Hari Hall
Fr. G Joey McLean
Fr. G Matt Risse
Fr. G Dante Sterling
So. G Shawn Wilborne
Schedule Highlights:
A year after playing just two non-conference home games, the Dukes will play ten at home, including the first five of the season. They open with a visit from Virginia, then host Big South contender Radford and later host Richmond, MEAC contender Norfolk State and Valparaiso. Three of the home games are in the Buckeye Classic, an event where they will travel to Columbus to play Ohio State as well. About halfway through CAA play, the Dukes play three straight at home before going on the road for the next three games.
Projected finish and outlook:
At first glance, it doesn’t look promising for head coach Matt Brady. He’s in the second year of a two-year contract, and transfers and disciplinary matters are not helping from a personnel standpoint. The Dukes lost their exhibition game, which could be a sign of major growing pains ahead. Nation and Tom Vodanovich have each been suspended for early games, and Nation is on thin ice as this is not his first suspension. The Dukes have a lot of room for growth, and they don’t have much time, especially since the non-conference slate, while home-heavy, has some land mines. Curry has become one of the conference’s best guards, and when Nation is with him they are a solid combination, especially defensively. Kent showed promise, but now must turn that into some production, as must Dalembert. Satkus might be the most ready for a bigger role among the sophomores. The Dukes were a reasonably good defensive team last season, though they weren’t as good in the latter part of the season. They can’t afford a slip like that this time around.
