It may be summer but college basketball programs never truly hit an 'offseason.' There's almost always some kind of action for each of the 24 D2 basketball conferences, and something to discuss, including a 2015-16 review, BennettRank and how each program performed versus the pre-season polls. There have been coaching changes key losses. There are players to watch for once the season gets underway.
We now shift our focus to the Atlantic Region as we take a look at the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association.
2015-2016 CIAA Standings | BennettRank (BR) Recap
|
COLLEGE |
PRESEASON BR |
POLL |
OVERALL RECORD |
CONF. RECORD |
FINISH |
FINAL BR |
|
NORTH DIVISION |
||||||
|
165 |
2 |
24-6 |
8-2 |
1 |
67 |
|
|
255 |
5 |
16-14 |
7-3 |
2 |
194 |
|
|
161 |
1 |
9-7 |
5-5 |
3 |
139 |
|
|
228 |
4 |
19-9 |
5-5 |
4 |
181 |
|
|
210 |
3 |
9-20 |
3-7 |
5 |
265 |
|
|
256 |
6 |
9-15 |
2-8 |
6 |
275 |
|
|
SOUTH DIVISION |
||||||
|
182 |
3 |
14-12 |
7-3 |
1 |
200 |
|
|
241 |
4 |
11-16 |
6-4 |
2 |
280 |
|
|
203 |
6 |
12-17 |
5-5 |
3 |
228 |
|
|
137 |
1 |
15-17 |
4-6 |
4 |
219 |
|
|
181 |
5 |
14-15 |
4-6 |
5 |
223 |
|
|
131 |
2 |
11-17 |
4-6 |
6 |
240 |
|
NCAA Tournament Recap
ATLANTIC REGIONAL QUARTERFINALS (First Round)
Virginia State 76, Fairmont State 66
ATLANTIC REGIONAL SEMIFINALS (Second Round)
West Liberty 84, Virginia State 74
Coaching Changes
Fayetteville State: A familiar face to CIAA hoops fans will man the sidelines at Fayetteville next season as former St. Augustine’s head coach and Winston-Salem State assistant Ken Spencer is named head coach. Spencer replaces Alphonza Kee, who went 91-105 in seven seasons at his alma mater.
“I fully understand what it means to be in this position as well as what it means to the community, city, and to Fayetteville State University alumni near and far. I plan to create an environment that energizes and empowers our student-athletes to represent Fayetteville State University with class and diligently pursue excellence academically, athletically, and socially, while consistently competing for championships.” – Spencer
Lincoln: A Philadelphia hoops legend will take the reins at The Lincoln University with the hiring of Doug Overton as head coach. Overton, who prepped at Phiadelphia Dobbins Tech High School and played at LaSalle before a 12 year NBA career, replaces John Hill (77-91 in six season), who was fired in March.
“The University is excited to have someone with Doug Overton's experience and passion for serving his community. We have someone who can teach and be the example and that is something to be excited about. We are looking forward to this new era in Lincoln Lions Athletics.” – Lincoln AD Darryl Pope
All-CIAA Team*
Key All-CIAA Losses
DeCarlos Anderson, G, Elizabeth City State: 15.9 ppg
Miykael Faulcon, G, Elizabeth City State: 15.8 ppg
Joell Hopkins, Jr., G, Shaw: 12.7 ppg, 6.6 rpg
Stedmon Lemon, F, Johnson C. Smith: 21.0 ppg
Ty Newman, F, Livingstone: 17.8 ppg
Kortez Smith, G, Chowan: 17.3 ppg
Key Projected All-CIAA Returnees
Ray Anderson, Sr. G, Virginia Union: 20.7 ppg
Joshua Dawson, Sr. G, Fayetteville State: 14.4 ppg
Quincy January, Jr. F, St. Augustine’s: 16.0 ppg
Elijah Moore, Sr. F, Virginia State: 14.3 ppg
Michael Tyson, Sr. G, Fayetteville State: 16.6 ppg
* – The CIAA does not differentiate between first-team, second-team, etc. for their all-conference selections.
Circle the Date
Jan. 7, Virginia State at Livingstone: A rematch of the CIAA championship game in Salisbury, N.C.
