Two weeks ago, I posted an article that took a look at the top ten returning players in the Atlantic Ten. Here is a quick recap:
-Chris Lowe (Massachusetts)
-David Gonzalvez (Richmond)
-C.J. Anderson (Xavier)
-Tommy Liddell (St. Louis)
-Chris Wright (Dayton)
-Jimmy Baron Jr. (Rhode Island)
-Derrick Brown (Xavier)
-Ricky Harris (Massachusetts)
-Ahmad Nivins (Saint Joseph?s)
-Dionte Christmas (Temple)
This week, I will be taking a deeper look at ten players who you may not know yet, but may by season?s end.
An?Juan Wilderness 6-foot-6 forward, Charlotte
The highly touted recruit is entering into his sophomore year under Bobby Lutz. Wilderness put up big numbers in high school (20.4 points per game, 11.0 rebounds per game in 2005) and made an immediate impact in his freshman season as a 49er. He averaged 8.1 points per game and averaged nearly five rebounds. With Leemire Goldwire gone, Bobby Lutz is looking for other options and Wilderness will be one of his go-to men. Look for the athletic forward to continue to have impressive numbers and help guide Charlotte to the postseason.
Many people will tell you that star sophomore Chris Wright is going to make the Flyers tick in the ?08-?09 season. While Wright will continue to shine (#6 returning A-10 player), Marcus Johnson is what will really make the Flyers go. You may not know him yet for two reasons: the previously mentioned Chris Wright, as well as former Flyer great, Brian Roberts. But with Roberts gone, this is now Johnson?s team to run. He?s steadily increased his production since his freshman year (over 6 points per game), averaging 10+ points per game last year, including 18 points per game in the Flyers final four Atlantic Ten match ups. If he has a big season as the end of last season indicated, then the Flyers will have a big season.
Brenton Butler 6-foot-2 guard, Fordham
On paper, this upcoming season looks to be a transition year at Fordham. But Brenton Butler is the one man that could keep the Rams competitive. After the departures of Bryant Dunston and Marcus Stout, Butler takes his turn as the Rams star. Even with Dunston and Stout on the team, Butler averaged 11 points per game in his sophomore season. However, Butler will have to find consistency this year to keep the Rams relevant. Twice last season Butler scored zero points in a game and two points in three other games. On the other hand, he scored 15+ points in 11 different games. If he can find the touch on a nightly basis, the Rams could pull off some upsets this season.
Wynton Witherspoon 6-foot-7 forward, George Washington
Rob Diggs is going to carry the load this year in Washington D.C. Coaches in the Atlantic Ten know that, having voted Diggs onto the preseason all Atlantic Ten 2nd team. However, Diggs is going to need some help, and senior forward Wynton Witherspoon should be able to provide it. Witherspoon averaged 11 points and 4 rebounds per game a year ago, slightly behind Diggs? 13.9 and 7.7. Witherspoon fits the mold of the typical Karl Hobbs forward, long and athletic. Combining Witherspoon?s athleticism and positive production from a season ago with Rob Diggs will give most Atlantic Ten teams fits on any night and make Karl Hobbs? season a little less stressful than last.
Jerrell Williams 6-foot-8 forward, LaSalle
LaSalle is one of those teams that will get overlooked this season in the Atlantic Ten, but they will have the ability to provide a trap game for any team in the league. Junior guard Rodney Green will provide the majority of the scoring output, while Williams will provide the majority of the rebounding. He pulled in 6.4 boards per game in his freshman year. He also gives Coach John Gianinni the added benefit of being the team?s second returning leading scorer. If he improves upon his 9 points per game, he could help the Explorers shock several teams in the league. A postseason bid isn?t out of the question, either.
Keith Cothran 6-foot-4 guard, Rhode Island
As I have previously written, Rhode Island had an extremely disappointing finish to a promising season last year. At one point, they had been ranked in the top 25 and an NCAA appearance seemed certain. Then things started to drop off, including Keith Cothran?s output. He averaged nearly 10 points per game in the Rams? first 10 games a year ago. His last 10 games, however, were a different story, as he averaged less than 7 points. The positive here, though, is that Cothran has all the talent in the world to be one of the better guards in the league. If the Rams can find the Cothran from the beginning of last year, coupled with sharp shooting Jimmy Baron, the Rams could finally get that elusive NCAA bid.
Kevin Anderson 6-foot guard, Richmond
Richmond had an extremely surprising season last year. They finished fourth in the league and were invited to the College Basketball Invitational. Kevin Anderson was a huge part of the Spider?s success. Now, Kevin Anderson may not be a secret in this league anymore. The coaches have taken notice of his ability, voting him onto the preseason Atlantic 10 3rd team. The Spiders highest rated recruit from 2007 put up impressive numbers for any freshman with 10.7 points per game and 3 assists per game. The Spiders high expectations took a slight hit over the summer with the loss of big-man Dan Geriot for the season, but Anderson will pick up the slack. He should improve his numbers in all categories, and coupled with fellow preseason 3rd team selection, David Gonzalvez, could lead the Spiders to a better season that last.
Tasheed Carr 6-foot-4 guard, Saint Joseph?s
It?s hard to be a senior guard with starting experience and still be relatively unknown. That?s the case with Tasheed Carr, but only because in his four years as a Hawk, Pat Calthes, Rob Ferguson and Ahmad Nivins have garnered all of the attention. Calathes and Ferguson are gone, while Nivins remains. That fact gives the Hawks one of the most dangerous inside-out combinations in basketball. Carr averaged nearly 11 points per game a year ago, as well as 5.6 assists. With the aid of Nivins, his assist and point numbers should both increase this year, easily putting Phil Martelli back into the postseason, and potentially a second straight NCAA Tournament appearance.
Lavoy Allen 6-foot-9 guard, Temple
Allen put up an impressive 52 blocks a season ago, landing him on the preseason Atlantic Ten all-defensive team. Even more impressive is that he managed 8.1 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. The sophomore should have a breakout season this year, and is next in line behind Dionte Christmas as Temple?s star. While the loss of Mark Tyndale will be greatly felt, the emergence of Allen will help take some of the load off of Christmas. The former Rivals.com Top 150 recruit will be a defensive force in the league, while still being able to score (he put up double digits ten times a year ago). With Allen?s help, Temple should challenge for a league title and should make its way back to the NCAA Tournament.
Dante Jackson 6-foot-5 guard, Xavier
Everyone in the Atlantic Ten knew about Stanley Burrell and Drew Lavender. They were both 1000+ point scorers and led Xavier to the Elite 8 last year. Both are gone and sophomore Dante Jackson is primed and ready to step into the guard position. While only a sophomore, Jackson will be Xavier?s most experienced returning guard (along with Indiana transfer Jordan Crawford, whose eligibility for this season is still in question). While he didn?t put up eye-popping numbers a year ago (only 2.4 points per game), his size and quickness make him a tough match up. The former Rivals.com Top 100 recruit earned valuable minutes and experience in the Musketeers run to the Elite 8 a year ago, and with the grooming of head coach and Big East all-time assist leader Sean Miller, Jackson should emerge as a solid guard this season, and a great guard in the future.
