Coming off an historic season for the Colonial that saw three of its teams reach the NCAA Tournament and VCU make an improbable run to the Final Four, many of the league's top players from a year ago have graduated. In fact, only three players from last season's first and second all-conference teams remain. But some talented underclassmen are ready to step up and lead their teams in what looks like a wide open conference race. Here are a few players poised for big season in the Colonial:
Devon Saddler, guard, Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens
Could a sophomore be the CAA Player of the Year this season? Delaware fans certainly think so, and they have a good case. Saddler was a revelation as a freshman last year for the Fightin' Blue Hens and was rewarded by being named the CAA's Freshman of the Year. The point guard averaged 13.3 points and 2.8 assists per game last season, and with Jawan Carter's 16 points per game gone to graduation look for Saddler to put up some big numbers. Delaware is a young team that is unlikely to challenge for the CAA title this year, but Saddler will have the ball in his hands a lot and the Fightin' Blue Hens will go as far as he's able to carry them.
Ryan Pearson, forward, George Mason Patriots
Based on the numbers that Pearson put up last year this pick seems like a no-brainer. Pearson had a stellar junior season for the Patriots, averaging 14.4 points and leading the team in rebounds at 6.7. However, there have been some big changes in Fairfax. New head coach Paul Hewitt takes over for Jim Larranaga and has traditionally run an offense focused on guard play. Luke Hancock, a slick passer who was poised to take over at point guard for All-CAA performer Cam Long, decided to transfer to Rick Pitino's Louisville squad. These factors don't matter much to Pearson, and despite changes Hewitt may make, much of the offense is likely to go through the versatile big man. With his ability to play inside-out and be active on the glass, he will find a way to be productive.
Chris Fouch, guard, Drexel Dragons
If there is a clear cut favorite in the Colonial this season it is likely Drexel, who lost only one impact senior from last year's regular rotation. Now a junior, Fouch is one of the best pure shooters in the Colonial, leading the Dragons in scoring last season at 14.9 points. Despite having some huge games - pouring in 30 vs. Binghamton and 27 against both Northeastern and Rider, Fouch had some terrible shooting night against the likes of VCU, JMU and Georgia State. If Fouch can be more consistent this year and be as productive in conference play as he was against non-CAA teams, he could have a monster year for Bruiser Flint's squad.
Bradford Burgess, guard/forward, VCU Rams
Burgess is the one major carry over from last year's VCU team that made their magical march to the Final Four. Despite being one of the Rams best players in the NCAA tournament - dropping 23 against Purdue in the Round of 32 and scoring 26 against Florida State in the Sweet Sixteen - and averaging 14.3 and 6.3 rebounds last season, Burgess was not named to any of the three All-CAA teams. Coaches and scouts are starting to notice his talent. Burgess was invited to train with the team for the USA Men's World University games and would have made the team if not for spraining his ankle in training. He's also listed on the early 2012 NBA Draft Boards as a second rounder. Having lost Jamie Skeen, Brandon Rozzell and Joey Rodriguez to graduation, Burgess will find the ball in his hands often and Shaka Smart will be counting on him to score and rebound. Could this be the year that a player that has never been an All-CAA performer becomes the Colonial Player of the Year? Burgess certainly has that kind of potential.
Kent Bazemore, guard, Old Dominion Monarchs
After losing Ben Finney, floor general Darius James and top scorer Frank Hassell to graduation, the two-time defending CAA Champion Monarchs are counting on Bazemore to lead them to another title run. That's why it was unnerving for fans and coach Blaine Taylor to learn that Bazemore had broken a bone in his foot during a summer league game that could keep him out through some of ODU's early season non-conference matchups. But as long as he fully heals, expect a big year for the reigning CAA Defensive Player of the Year. Although not a consistently strong outside shooter or the Monarch's first option on offense in the past, Bazemore averaged a solid 12.5 points last season, along with 5.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists. If he can add more consistency to his perimeter game to go along with his solid defense, athleticism and slashing ability, he'll be leading ODU in quite a few statistical categories by season's end.
Quinn McDowell, guard, William & Mary Tribe
There is a lot of optimism in Williamsburg this season as Tony Shaver's Tribe has one of the strongest teams in school history. It still remains to be seen whether that will translate into Colonial success or the school's first ever NCAA Tourney bid, but much of that responsibility rests on McDowell's shoulders. McDowell is a leader on the floor and can contribute in many different ways as a guard - he averaged 15.5 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists during the 2010-11 campaign. With rising sophomores Julian Boatner and Brandon Britt, who now have a full year of collegiate experience, and incoming freshman Marcus Thornton ready to make an impact, McDowell is surrounded by better talent which should translate to better production. Don't be surprised to see a few more games from McDowell this season like his 35-point thrashing of James Madison in last year's CAA Tournament.
Samme Givens, forward, Drexel Dragons
If there is a player that most resembles coach Bruiser Flint's hard-nosed style it has to be Givens. At only 6-foot-5, the undersized forward is a beast on the glass. Givens averaged a double-double last season, scoring 12.2 points and pulling down 10.1 rebounds. Last season he had eight games in which he pulled down 13 or more rebounds, and he's developing into a formidable offensive weapon, too. Givens stepped up last season while Chris Fouch was mired in his shooting slump, scoring in double figures in 17 times. While his offensive game is still growing, there's no reason not to expect Givens to have a standout senior year and put up some big numbers.
Devon Moore, guard, James Madison Dukes
After sitting out the 2009-10 season with a torn ACL, Moore came back stronger than ever in 10-11. One of the most athletic players in the Colonial, Moore is one of the best at getting into the paint and dishing or finding his shot. With the graduation of All-CAA first teamer Denzel Bowles, Moore will certainly look to score more this season after averaging 11.2 point. He still has weapons like Julius Wells and Wyoming transfer A.J. Davis around him to finish his passes. Moore finished fifth in the CAA in assists last season at 4.2 per game, behind three players who graduated and one who transferred. Having a full season behind his injury, look for Moore to continue to blossom into one of the best point guards in the Colonial and contribute some assists for his fantasy owners.
Rob Brandenberg, guard, VCU Rams
Since I've basically spent the first eight picks on the non-controversial, established players who are expected to have big years, I had to pick a few who have the ability to make a huge jump and surprise some people this year. Brandenberg is one. The wiry sophomore saw limited time last season for the guard-heavy Rams, averaging just 13.7 minutes and 5.4 points. Three of the four players that VCU lost to graduation were guards, and a starting guard position seems to be Brandenberg's to lose. With more time on the floor, Brandenberg is going to make some noise. When sharp shooter Brandon Rozzell went down with a broken hand in early January, Brandenberg saw more court time and showed the league what he is capable of. He scored 22 points in 23 minutes in a victory over William and Mary, 23 points in 27 minutes in a win over Georgia State and reached double figures five times. His game is still developing, and like many young players he is going to have a learning curve. He is going to have some big games for Shaka Smart and the Rams this season.
Eric Copes, forward, George Mason Patriots
If you're looking for a freshman in the Colonial who will come in and make an immediate impact, Copes is a pretty safe bet. When Paul Hewitt took the job at Mason he tapped former George Washington assistant coach Roland Houston, who also happens to be Copes' uncle, to join him in Fairfax. Not long after, Copes was released from his LOI at GW and followed Houston to Mason, and he now joins the Patriots as the league's highest rated recruit. The 6-foot-8 220 pound Copes (four-star recruit who was 55th overall on ESPN) will provide some depth to Mason's front court and could compete for a starting role alongside Michael Morrison and Pearson. Even if he's not a starter, Copes should see plenty of action during his first season. He's developed a reputation as active rebounder and shot blocker, but don't expect consistent offensive production from Copes just yet. Regardless, he is a solid pick if you have to play a freshman in your fantasy league.
Also considered : Michael Morrison, forward, George Mason; Mike Moore, guard, Hofstra, Brandon Britt, guard, William & Mary
Other Potential CAA Impact Freshmen: Marcus Thornton, guard, William & Mary; Adam Smith, guard, UNC-Wilmington; Tony Kimbro Jr., guard, Georgia State