Fans of
Winthrop haven’t seen a loss at the Winthrop Coliseum in
quite some time and it may last another season. If 15-1 wasn’t
dominating enough in Big South play, imagine what the Eagles can
do with their top nine scorers returning. Coach Gregg Marshall’s
squad held in there against Gonzaga in the first round of the
NCAAs last year eventually losing 74-64. This year the goal is
to win a game, or two, in the big dance.
Who’s Out:
Guard Brandon Key is the only player who will not return to Rock
Hill, South Carolina. Key, averaged 8.8 minutes per game in 29
outings, scoring 1.8 points per game.
Who’s In:
Newcomers DeAndre Adams and Tony Gray will have a tough time
finding minutes in the backcourt behind returnees Torrell
Martin, James Shuler, Chris Gaynor and Mike Jenkins. Adams, a
5-8, 153 pound point guard, averaged 12.0 points, 8.0 assists
and 2.5 steals per game as a senior last year at South Cobb High
School in Austell, Georgia. He’s obviously small, but is very
quick and tough. Adams will provide a spark off the bench this
year and be more of a contributor in the near future. Gray, a
Columbia, South Carolina native, redshirted last season and will
see his first minutes for the Eagles in 2005-2006. Mantoris
Robinson averaged ten points and six rebounds last year at Fork
Union Military Academy last year. The 6-5 wing player is
versatile and will fill in for Winthrop anywhere between the two
guard and the four spot.
Who to Watch:
The whole team will be a joy to watch this
year, but if you’re looking for the clutch scorer, look no
further than Torrell Martin. The 6-5 guard led the team in
scoring last year with 13.1 points per game. Martin also added a
team high 4.5 rebounds. He’s the Eagles long range threat,
making 2.3 shots from behind the arc last season. As an
upperclassman, he’ll become more of a floor leader and propel
the Eagles back to the NCAA Tournament.
Projected Conference Rank:
Anything but a 1st place finish
and a return trip to the NCAA Tournament would be a huge
disappointment for Winthrop. Chris Gaynor proved to be a solid
point guard last year as a freshman. With a year of experience
under his belt, he’ll only be better. The frontcourt is deep
with Craig Bradshaw and Phillip Williams returning to their
starting roles. Otis Daniels and Billy Houston have plenty of
experience coming off the bench.
Projected Post-season Tournament:
NCAA
Projected Starting Five:
Chris Gaynor, Sophomore, Guard, 6.4 points per game
Torrell Martin, Junior, Guard, 13.1 points per game
James Shuler, Senior, Guard, 12.1 points per game
Phillip Williams, Junior, Forward, 7.4 points per game
Craig Bradshaw, Junior, Center, 8.0 points per game
