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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 12 teams in the CAA.

This time, we take a glance at Old Dominion, Towson and William and Mary.

Old Dominion University

Record through March 3: 17-14 overall (11-7   in conference)



Coach: Blaine Taylor



Players to watch:   Sophomore No. 12 Gerald Lee for big points and No. 20 Brian Johnson for assists (he ranks fourth in the CAA.) Also look at senior Brian Henderson to put up decent numbers all around and to take a lot of shots from the outside the three-point line.



Season summary: It looked shaky in the beginning. In the conference, they were win one, lose one for the first two-thirds of the season but have pulled it together to win their last six. Not too shabby.

How they'll win: Keep their act up. Some of the key players have been pulling down 20-point games in the recent contests. What ever lit a fire under the team in the second part of the season is still burning. Let's hope the flame doesn't go out.

Reality check: Though they didn't win their last game at UNC-Wilmington, they are entering the tournament coming off a six-game winning streak. That is still serious momentum that will be tough for any CAA team to take down in the first round. They can at least make it to the quarterfinals if not deeper.

 

Towson University

Record through March 3: 12-17 overall (7-11 in conference)



Coach: Pat Kennedy



Players to watch: No. 24 Junior Hairston, No. 23 Josh Thornton and No. 21 Rodney Spruill. All three are averaging more than 12 points per game and Hairston is averaging almost 10 rebounds per game.



Season summary: They have been hit or miss this season. In their last 10 games, they are 4-6 heading into the tournament. Not a good way to start the first round.

How they'll win: With 133 so far this season, continue letting assist leader C.C. Williams set up the plays but split up the ball time between the three big shooters. They also somehow have to boost their rebound defense. They are currently the CAA's worst in that category.     

Reality check: Though they have plenty of guys to put points on the board, they have been so spotty this season Towson will be lucky to get past the first round. Sorry Tigers.

 

William and Mary

Record through March 3: 14-15 overall (10-8 in conference)



Coach: Tony Shaver



Players to watch:   Seniors Laimis Kisielius and Nathan Mann and sophomore David Schneider. All three are averaging 10 points per game and Schneider leads the team in assists, steals, rebounds and points.



Season summary: They have a winning record in the conference and pulled off an impressive six-game winning streak midseason. Unfortunately, the wheels fell off at the end of their schedule this year. They have lost six of their last seven games.

How they'll win: Keep it close in the first and take over in the second half. They typically are scoring more in the latter part of their games and put up quite a good effort until the buzzer.

Reality check: Closing out their season with two very tough losses to George Mason and VCU, they are entering the tournament on a low note. Though they will face off against a scrappy but easily beatable Georgia State in the first round, they would face ODU for the next game. It'll be tough.

 

2008 CAA Tournament Reading Room:

Feb. 26 -  A look at Delaware and Drexel

Feb. 27 -  A look at George Mason and Georgia State

Feb. 28 -  A look at Hofstra and James Madison

Feb. 29 - A look at UNC Wilmington and Northeastern

March 3 - A look at Old Dominion, Towson and William & Mary

March 4 - A look at Virginia Commonwealth University

The Bracket - Get the matchups and information on when the games get under way.