Ah, winter, when the crisp, fresh feeling of fall begrudgingly gives way to the shorter and colder days we all curse under our breath. Thankfully, that transitional phase means one thing–basketball is right around the corner. With the undeniable promise of a fresh start, a bevy of local schools are hoping that the 2011 season is the year they make an NCAA tournament run. River City Magazine set our sights on the teams, coaches and players that might just make it happen.

VCU
Returning four starters from the team that captured the 2010 CBI championship, the VCU Rams hope that the momentum from last season carries on into the 2011 season. Shaka Smart’s offense should be formidable, with returning starters Joey Rodriguez and Bradford Burgess as the key playmakers. However, the defense may struggle to replace the departed presence of Larry Sanders, who left for the greener pastures of the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks. The Rams should play a mix of old and new, as the incoming group of freshmen are regarded as the Colonial Athletic Association’s top recruiting class. Of the freshmen, expect Reco McCarter, the crown jewel of the incoming class, as well as Juvonte Reddic and D.J. Haley to make their presence felt early on.
Prediction: 2nd in the CAA

U of R
Despite making the 2010 NCAA Tournament, Richmond coach Chris Mooney is still only three years removed from an eight-win season and knows the pressure is on to keep his program going in the right direction. Luckily, Mooney has the luxury of leaning on Kevin Anderson, the reigning A-10 Player of the Year, to carry the Spiders. However, that luxury was momentarily in doubt after last season when Anderson contemplated testing the NBA waters before ultimately deciding to return to Richmond for his senior campaign. In addition to Anderson, expect fellow seniors Justin Harper, Dan Geriot and Darrius Garrett to be key fixtures for the Spiders. and don’t be surprised to see freshmen Derrick Williams, Cedrick Lindsay and Wayne Sparrow get significant playing time this year, as Mooney prepares for the future while aiming to bring home an A-10 title to the Robins Center.
Prediction: 1st in the A-10

Virginia Tech
Hokies coach Seth Greenberg is in a unique position heading into the 2010-11 season. On one hand, he is the envy of every coach in America as Virginia Tech returns all five starters and its top 11 scorers from a year ago. On the other hand, with an embarrassment of riches at his disposal, Greenberg is faced with the pressure of capitalizing after once again missing the NCAA tournament last season. On the heels of a season in which the Hokies’ strength of schedule ultimately sealed their fate, Greenberg has improved Virginia Tech’s out-of-conference schedule for 2011 in a direct effort to appease the NCAA selection committee. Once again, expect senior G. Malcolm Delaney to spearhead the Hokies’ attack, although fellow seniors Jeff Allen and Dorenzo Hudson will see to it that Delaney has help. Look for freshman G/F Jarell Eddie - arguably the biggest recruit of the Greenberg era – to play early and often, provided he shows Greenberg the development and intensity he expects from his players. Despite being one of the most talented and experienced teams to play under Greenberg, the Hokies will have to show consistency if they hope to compete in the ACC and make a tournament run in 2011.
Prediction: 3rd in the ACC

University of Virginia
The Good: Under first year coach Tony Bennett, the Cavaliers opened ACC play with an unexpected four game winning streak that had Virginia fans looking at the ACC standings with childish excitement in their eyes. The Bad: After losing three key players over the course of the season, the Cavaliers came stumbling back to earth as they lost their last nine conference games. For Bennett, those late season struggles made one thing clear - the Cavaliers needed help, and they needed it badly. So Bennett and his coaching staff got to work on their first recruiting class, pulling in a highly regarded six man haul that should pay immediate dividends. With only five scholarship players returning, expect Bennett to give ample opportunities to the freshmen, especially top 100 recruits K.T Harrell and James Johnson. However, for the Cavaliers to compete in the rugged ACC, Bennett will need veterans Mike Scott and Sammy Zeglinski to step up and replace departed leading scorer Sylven Landesberg. The key may be Scott, a senior from Chesapeake, who will finally have his chance to carry the offense as the primary scoring option. That said, while Bennett certainly has the Cavaliers on the right track, patience will be a virtue during the 2010-2011 season. With a young and inexperienced team in the throes of a rebuilding effort, the results may still be a year away.
Prediction: 10th in the ACC

Old Dominion University
With four starters returning from a team that gave Taylor a run for its money in the second round of the 2010 NCAA Tournament, coach Blaine Taylor’s ODU squad should be strong once again. Per usual, the Monarchs will boast a big-bodied team that should be among the CAA’s best when it comes to rebounding and defense. Three seniors, forwards Ben Finney and Frank Hassell and guard Darius James, will be joined by junior guard Kent Bazemore to form the nucleus of what should be the best team in the conference. Despite the departure of Gerald Lee, a 2010 First Team All-CAA selection, there should be little to no drop off for the Monarchs and Taylor, whose teams have won a remarkable 24 games in five of the past six seasons. With an intoxicating blend of experience, leadership and size, Old Dominion should once again be dancing come March.
Prediction: 1st in the CAA

William & Mary
The Tribe startled the CAA with a surprising 3rd place finish in 2010, making Tony Shaver’s club the quintessential feel good story. But after losing three starters including star shooter David Schneider, the Tribe are in the precarious position of trying to repeat past success with new parts. Look for junior Quinn McDowell to continue his emergence as Shaver’s new go-to playmaker while the rest of the team finds its way.
Prediction: 7th in the CAA

Hampton University
The Pirates barged their way into the MEAC semifinals last season after catching fire late and reeling off an impressive six game winning streak. Unfortunately, Hampton coach Edward Joyner must replace his top two scorers from last season, Vincent Simpson and Michael Freeman. Luckily for Joyner, junior G Darrion Pellum, a preseason All-MEAC First Team selection, is back after an impressive sophomore campaign.
Prediction: 4th in the MEAC

Radford University
The Highlanders could be in for a significant rebuilding process as they transition away from the powerful team led by two time Big South Player of the Year, Art Parakhouski. With only one returning starter, sophomore guard Blake Smith, Cach Brad Greenberg will have to rely on some of his newer players like freshman PG Jareal Smith and French import Masse Doumbe.
Prediction: 6th in the Big South

James Madison University
Although it would be foolish to characterize the injuries sustained last season by JMU as fortuitous, there is one positive side effect - sleeper status. Heading into his third year at the helm of the JMU program, Coach Matt Brady’s team is rife with experience and depth. The question is can the Dukes stay healthy? Denzel Bowles, the CAA’s top returning scorer and rebounder. should once again be the hub of the JMU attack with additional help expected to come from veterans Devon Moore, Andrey Semenov and Julius Wells.
Prediction: 4th in the CAA

VMI
The Keydets have accomplished a feat never before seen at the NCAA level – lead the NCAA in scoring for four consecutive seasons. VMI fans may be looking at a fifth straight year as the Keydets welcome back high scoring guards Keith Gabriel (17.6 ppg) and Austin Kenon (18.4 ppg), along with forward Stan Okoye. As usual, expect the run-and-gun Keydets to keep the points coming, even if the wins don’t follow.
Prediction: 8th in the Big South