91.3 FM 2008-2009 Schedule
Subject to Change

WVUD SPORTS VERY OWN EMILY NASSI HAS LOGGED HER FIRST BLUE HEN BLOG ON THE UPCOMING DELAWARE MEN'S AND WOMEN'S HOOPS SEASON. EMILY WILL BE REPORTING THROUGHOUT THE SEASON ON THE SPORTS PAGE AND YOU CAN CATCH HER LIVE ON-AIR STARTING IN NOVEMBER.

It's finally the winter, (although it doesn't feel like it) which means it's time for basketball once again. The CAA as a whole looks to be a conference with a number of exciting teams and games to watch, while Delaware will try to improve on last year's record and prove to be a force in the conference. Here's my picks for the season.

CAA MEN'S PRE-SEASON PREVIEW

1. VCU
VCU finished 24-8 overall (15-3 CAA) last year, and returns the CAA player of the year, Eric Maynor, who averaged 17.9 ppg and led the CAA in assists (5.47 ppg). Sophomore Larry Sanders, who led the CAA in blocking (3.0 ppg) also returns. Maynor should help lift VCU to a CAA championship.

2. George Mason
George Mason won the CAA tournament last year, and advanced to the NCAA tournament, but suffers the loss of Will Thomas (1st Team All CAA) and Folarin Campbell (2nd Team All CAA). George Mason returns seniors John Vaughan, who led in scoring last season at 12.3 ppg, and Dre Smith, who set an NCAA record after going 10 for 10 in 3 point field goals against JMU last season. Both will lead George Mason substantially, but it may not be enough to stay on top.

3. Old Dominion
Despite having only one senior, ODU returns sophomores Darius James, Ben Finney and Frank Hassell who all started at least 16 games last season, as well as junior Gerald Lee (2nd Team All CAA). ODU looks to have another promising season after winning 94 games in the last four.

4. Delaware
Delaware returns a number of key figures, including junior guard Brian Johnson, senior Guard Marc Egerson, and sophomore guard Alphonso Dawson. Johnson was second in the CAA in assists last season (5.2 apg), while Egerson, the Georgetown transfer, shows a great deal of promise after averaging 13.4 ppg and 6.9 rpg last season, as well as earning a spot on the All CAA 3rd team. Dawson, a CAA Rookie Team selection should also help with scoring, after contributing 11.0 ppg. Delaware is certainly capable of turning their overall 14-17 (9-9 CAA) record last season into a winning record this season, and being a presence in the CAA.

5. Northeastern
Northeastern has the advantage of returning all 5 starters and 11 out of 12 letterwinners from the previous season. Junior Guard Matt Janning, (2nd Team All CAA) who lead the Huskies in scoring, and was third in CAA at 16.1 ppg will look to lead his team to a winning season.

6. William and Mary
After reaching the CAA championship for the first time last season, William and Mary looks once again to be a contender. The Tribe returns guard David Schneider who led in assists and steals, and was second in scoring, but faces a key loss in Laimis Kisielius, a 3rd team all CAA selection.

7. Hofstra
Hofstra will also get to keep a number of key players, returning 9 of 10 top scorers from the previous season, including sophomore guard Charles Jenkins, the CAA and Metropolitan New York Rookie of the Year last year. He averaged 15.0 ppg. The Pride may struggle to adequately replace Antoine Agudio, the teams all time leading scorer.

8. UNC Wilmington
UNC Wilmington faces the difficult task of replacing four of its seniors that made up 75% of its scoring in the 07-08 season. UNCW returns point guard Chad Tomko, who made his way on to the CAA All-Rookie team and averaged 8.6 ppg. However, it will be a challenge for the Seahawks to keep their place at the top of the rankings with such a new starting lineup.

9. Towson
Towson will look to repeat its success at home once again, after recording at 11-4 record. Junior guard Josh Thornton and senior forward Junior Hairston will look to keep the Tigers in the running this season.

10. Drexel
Drexel returns senior guards Tramayne Hawthorne, who excelled both offensively and defensively, and Scott Rodgers, who was second for the Dragons in scoring last season. Drexel has moved on numerous times to post- season play, but may struggle in advancing once they get there.

11. JMU
JMU will return the versatile, senior guard Abdulai Jalloh, who made CAA top 15 lists in scoring, rebounding, assists, and steals. Basketball is a team sport however, and JMU needs the rest of the team to step up in order to improve from last year. Senior forward Juwann James will help with scoring, while junior guard Pierre Curtis will help with assists.

12. Georgia State
After finishing 9-21 overall (5-13 CAA) last season, Georgia State may find some relief after gaining 5 new transfers from a number of prominent Division 1 teams. The Panthers also returns guard Leonard Menendez (3rd Team All CAA) but the inexperience of Georgia State as a team this season may hurt them in their record and the rankings.

CAA WOMEN'S PRE-SEASON PREVIEW

1. Old Dominion
After winning their 17th consecutive CAA tournament last season, ODU certainly has the potential to win their 18th. They return eight letterwinners, as well as senior forward Tiffany Green (2nd Team All CAA), who averaged 11.4 ppg and lead the CAA in rebounds at 7.6 rpg. It will no doubt be a challenge, especially with only two starters returning, but the Monarchs have ridden that momentum for 17 years, and don't show any sign of slowing down now.

2. Drexel
Drexel has a number of factors going for them that allows to sit so far up on the preseason picks. First, the Dragons return eight letterwinners and 3 starters, including junior forward Gabriela Marginean (1st Team All CAA), who averaged 19.0 ppg last season, while also averaging 7.1 rpg, and 1.8 spg. Drexel also finished 13-5 in the CAA last year, its best ever record. Of course, Marginean can't play the game all on her own, and how much the team steps up collectively will determine if they can stay where they are now.

3. VCU
VCU has the possibility to succeed greatly this year, after finishing its best season ever in 2007-2008. The Rams return 3 starters, including senior center Quanitra Hollingsworth (2nd Team All CAA), who is back after suffering an injury last year. Hollingsworth was first ranked on the rebounds list at 9.5 rpg. La'Tavia Rorie and D'Andra Moss should will also be a presence for the Rams. VCU's biggest test will be living up to the expectations they set last year.

4. James Madison
JMU faces the loss of Tamera Young (1st Team All CAA), the CAA player of the year, and it may take some adjustments to play at the same level they did in the previous season. Two starters return, including sophomore guard Dawn Evans, a CAA All-Rookie honoree, as well as the conference's top 3 point shooter. She is also ranked in scoring and assists.

5. Towson
Towson is another CAA team returning from its best season in the school's history. The Tigers are in a comfortable position, returning four starters and eleven letterwinners. Junior guard Shanae Baker-Brice is Towson's top returner. The fact that Towson has experience on their side should allow them to progress again this season.

6. Delaware
Delaware faced a disappointing season last year, but has generally has been a strong team and will look to continue that long standing tradition this season. Delaware returns four starters, including Junior Corinthia Benison who was second in assists and steal for the team in 2007-2008. Sophomore starters Ariene Jenkins, Tesia Harris and Vanessa Kabongo will also return in the effort to get the Blue Hens back on their feet. Delaware should use its underdog status to climb back on the radar and make their presence known in the CAA.

7. UNC Wilmington
CAA Rookie of the Year and 2nd Team All-CAA honoree Brittany Blackwell returns to help lead UNCW to another successful season. Sahsha Taylor, (3rd Team All CAA) and Greta Luksyte, who played on the Lithuanian Women's Senior Basketball team this summer, also return.

8. William and Mary
The Tribe has been progressing slowly but surely the last few seasons. Junior forward Tiffany Benson, an All-CAA Defensive team member, and senior guard Courtney Portell should help that progression along.

9. Northeastern
Northeastern returns starters Ashlee Feldman and Kim Carr, but faces a key loss in Shaleyse Smallwood. Northeastern will look to achieve a winning season after finishing 14-16 overall last year. Northeastern should needs some surprise upsets in order to stick out in the conference.

10. Georgia State
Georgia State may be able to turn themselves around this season, returning all five starters. The Panthers will look for leadership from senior Brittany Hollins, who led her team in scoring, assists, and steals. Juniors Danyiell McKeller, and Shay Rawls should also make an impact. However, Georgia State struggled last year with these starters, and it's hard to tell if they've improved until this first games are played.

11. George Mason
George Mason will look to rebuild its program with new coach Jeri Porter who achieved great success at her previous position. George Mason returns four starters, which is beneficial to them as they are used to playing together as a team. Junior Rashauna Hobbs is the top returner with 5.7 ppg, but the Patriots as a whole will need to improve their numbers in all areas of the game in order to improve their record.

12. Hofstra
Hofstra finished at a disappointing 5-25 last year, but should improve their record, having all five starters return, including Britné Rodgers, an All-CAA Rookie selection. Junior Jess Fuller, another player who was able to put up some impressive numbers at 11.2 ppg and 6.4 rpg. The Pride has the advantage of having no where to go but up in the rankings, and being able to play without the pressure that teams at the top may face.

Of course, until the first games are played, it could be anyone's season. The CAA, as seen in last year's tournament, is full of surprises and doesn't like to stick to the numbers. Whatever the case, the CAA will feature plenty of interesting matchups and plenty of surprises. Whoever your team may be, make sure you get out there and show your support.