The Wildcats of
Davidson picked a horrible
time to lose their only game to a conference foe…in the Southern
Conference Tournament. And if we needed any more examples for
not liking money hungry conference tournaments, Davidson proves
the point extremely well. This was a team last year that would
have had major upset potential in the NCAA Tournament and
deserved to be there without a doubt. But 2004-2005 is over, and
looking ahead to 2005-2006, the Wildcats have the talent to make
another go of it.
Who’s Out:
The frontcourt loses both of its starters in Logan Kosmalski and
Conor Grace. Kosmalski averaged 11.2 points and a team high 8.5
rebounds per contest. Grace added 4.0 points and 5.0 rebounds.
Returning forward Ian Johnson has starting experience, but some
others like sophomores Thomas Sander and Boris Meno will need to
be ready to see a drastic increase in minutes.
Who’s In:
None of the eclectic mix of newcomers will have to perform much
this year, but by 2006-2007 they will need to do a lot. Signs of
some potential, development of skills and a few minutes off the
bench will suffice. Big men Andrew Lovedale and Stephen Rossiter
could see some minutes if last year’s freshmen don’t step up
under the basket. Lovedale, a native of Nigeria who played club
ball in Manchester, England, has plenty of experience playing on
the Nigerian U-18 and U-20 teams. Rossiter averaged 19 points
and 12 rebounds as a senior at Monsignor Farrell High School in
Staten Island, New York. Small forward Max Gosselin comes to
Davidson from Champlain St-Lambert High School in Canada which
has recently brought in many quality college players. Can Civi
averaged 11 points, seven assists and six rebounds for his
junior club team in Istanbul, Turkey. It is hopeful that the
point guard can replace returnee Kenny Grant in 2006-2007.
Who to Watch:
Brendan Winters has it all. The 6-5 wing is
tough, hardworking, can shoot from downtown and drive the lane.
As a junior last year, Winters averaged 16.7 points, 5.1
rebounds and 1.8 assists. He is the biggest long range threat on
the team, averaging nearly three buckets a game from behind the
arc. Winters will once again have to carry the Wildcats if
another trip to the postseason is in store for the school from
Davidson, North Carolina.
Projected Conference Rank:
Nobody came close to catching the Wildcats
last year and they probably won’t this time around either. The
frontcourt has questions but with Jason Morton, Matt McKillop
and Kenny Grant in the backcourt, this group won’t lose too many
conference games. Anything but a 1st place finish in
the conference for Bob McKillop’s squad will be disappointing,
although they were in first last year and were still
disappointed.
Projected Post-season Tournament:
NCAA
Projected Starting Five:
Kenny Grant, Senior, Guard, 7.2 points per game
Matt McKillop, Senior, Guard, 7.7 points per game
Brendan Winters, Senior, Guard, 16.7 points per game
Thomas Sander, Sophomore, Forward, 2.1 points per game
Ian Johnson, Senior, Forward, 11.1 points per game
