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June 21st,
2006
By Joel
Welser
Broadcast Basketball
Coppin
State Eagles
Overall Rank:
#140
Conference
Rank: #1 MEAC
2005-06:
12-18, 12-6, 2nd
2005-06
postseason: none
 After
winning the regular season title in 2004,
Coppin State has
remained towards the top of the MEAC standings, despite setbacks
caused by transfers. After a solid 12-6 season (don’t bother
looking at the brutal non-conference schedule) things looked
promising for the Eagles to return to the NCAA Tournament for
the first time since 1997. However, the departure of key big
man Darryl Proctor leaves less certainty in the upcoming season.
Who’s Out:
Proctor didn’t just average 7.8 boards per game, he nearly
tripled the rebounding production of any other forward on the
roster. That will cause a huge problem for the Eagles as they
struggle to find somebody to replace Proctor’s numbers. Proctor
wasn’t flawed in the scoring department either, averaging 13.5
points per game. Chuckie Ivey and Michael Creppy have also
transferred, but they weren’t expected to make much of a
contribution this season in an already crowded backcourt.
Who’s In:
Julian
Conyers and Ethan Kennedy will add some depth to the
frontcourt. Conyers has the potential to make an immediate
impact after spending some time at San Jose City College. The
6-6, 185 pounder isn’t noted for his post game, but has a solid
jumper and is athletic enough to get to the glass. Kennedy, who
battled a knee injury during his prep career at Highland High
School in New Mexico, could end up to be a nice pickup for the
Eagles. Don’t expect a huge impression early in his career
though. Ruben Britt, a 6-2 guard, falls into the same
category. The perimeter is stacked and Britt will find tough
goings in his search for playing time.
Who to Watch:
Tywain McKee is the leader of the backcourt averaging 15.4
points per game last season, but he has some help with Darryl
Roberts, Talmadge Bell, Antwan Harrison, Augustine Woodlin, West
Otis and Mike Miller. Out of necessity, don’t be surprised if
Coach Ron Mitchell has four of those guards on the floor at the
same time when plausible, with Harrison sliding over to the
four.
Final
Projection:
The frontcourt
does have some options. Robert Pressey started 14 games last
season averaging 3.7 points and 2.8 rebounds. Brian Chesnut
showed promise as a freshman, and at 6-7, has the height to
compete in the MEAC. Michael Norwood is ideally a wing, but
will get minutes as a power forward. Height isn’t as much of a
concern as rebounding. Proctor was only 6-4 and his forward
replacements will be taller. Height or not, once given the
chance, somebody has to pick up the slack on the glass.
Projected
Post-season Tournament:
NCAA
Projected
Starting Five:
Darryl Roberts,
Junior, Guard, 10.3 points per game
Tywain McKee,
Junior, Guard, 15.4 points per game
Talmadge Bell,
Sophomore, Forward, 6.8 points per game
Brian Chesnut,
Sophomore, Forward, 2.7 points per game
Robert Pressey,
Junior, Forward, 3.7 points per game
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