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CAA Tournament Preview

March Madness is almost here and Richmond is once again playing host to the Colonial Athletic Association men's basketball championship. Twelve teams from up and down the East Coast will vie for the coveted CAA trophy and a chance to make their way up the NCAA tournament ladder to the Final Four.

In recent years, thanks to the success of past CAA champions in the national tournament, the CAA has garnered a lot of attention as a rising mid-major conference. This year, expect similar if not increased attention by the national media.

To help get you in the March Madness spirit for the tournament, we are taking an in depth look at each of the twelve teams in the CAA.

This time, we take a glance at the Drexel University Dragons and the University of Delaware Blue Hens.

Drexel University

Record through March 3: 12-19 overall (5-13 in conference)



Coach: Bruiser Flint



 

Players to watch: Big 6-9 Frank Elegar (No. 15) is an imposing figure in the paint and has the numbers to prove it. Averaging 14.9 points per game, he is Drexel's leading scorer. He also leads the team this season in blocks (53) and rebounds (8.1 per game). Also keep an eye on No. 00 Tramayne Hawthorne who is averaging 11.4 points per game and leads the Dragons in steals (54) this year.



Season summary: The Dragons started off the season breathing fire by going 5-1 in non-conference games. Unfortunately, they quickly regressed with a few losing streaks, including an all-conference five-game losing streak late in the season.

How they'll win: Draw the defense off Big Frank and give him the ball. If they shut him down, take it out to the three-point line and give the rock to either Hawthorne (.351 average) or No. 11 Gerald Colds, who has a .322 average from long distance.

Reality check: It doesn't look good, especially if they face off against Northeastern in the first round. In their two meetings with NE this season, Drexel was blown out by 34 and 23 points, respectively. It's going to be a long ride back to Philly.

 

The inside scoop: Mike Mazzeo, assistant sports editor for The Drexel Triangle, says : "The way we have been playing lately, I think I am a little skeptical. We have been pretty lousy in conference play with 4-12. Any time you lose Dominick Mejia, Chaz Crawford and Bashir Mason, three veterans, and the defense of Mejia and Crawford, we have definitely missed those players not only on the defensive side of the ball but regarding leadership as well. We are probably going to have to live and die with Frank Elegar and we will probably go as far as he goes." 

 

 

University of Delaware

Record through March 3: 13-16 overall (9-9 in conference)



Coach: Monte Ross



 

Player to watch: 6-7 senior forward Herb Courtney is once again the go-to guy for Delaware this year. He was UD's leading scorer this year as well as last year. Career-wise, he's one of only 12 Blue Hens to have recorded at least 1,000 points and 500 rebounds. Currently, he's 14th in the CAA with 13.6 ppg, and 10th in rebounds with a 5.9 average.



Season summary: They have really stepped it up from last year's dismal season (5-26, 3-15 CAA in 2007). The Hens started this season on fire with five straight conference wins but gradually cooled off to a near .500 season. Hopefully, they have saved some of that eary season fire for the tourney.

How they'll win: If they keep it close, the Blue Hens have a chance. Their season has been peppered with near wins, one point losses and buzzer beaters. Early on in January, they took out both George Mason and Old Dominion on their home court, but Courtney is going to have to be on fire to get the Hens past the first round. They played six games this season that were decided by three or fewer points so they know how to keep it close. The big question – sure they can keep it close, but can they push it over the top for the win?

Reality check: They came in to the tournament last year already dragging their tail feathers and quickly left the court with the same demeanor. However, they are a completely different team this year, which is reflected by their season record. If coach Ross can harness the team's boosted morale from this season, Delaware may be a first round (and maybe second round) upset waiting to happen.

 

The inside scoop: Mike Covey, the official voice of the Delaware Blue Hens, says: "Early on they got a great start at 5-0 in the conference and everyone's expectations got thrown out of the window a little bit. Then they got brought down to life a little. But I think they are right where they should be right now considering what happened last year. They definitely have a chance [to make it to the second round of the CAA tournament.] They probably are not going to be in the top four spots to get a bye in the first round but they will definitely compete. But every match up in this tournament will be fun to watch because everybody is beating everybody this year. But Delaware should be able to get to the quarterfinals and I think they have a good chance there, too."

 

2008 CAA Tournament Reading Room: