Conference preview: Patriot League

Eight months ago, the entire Patriot League cheered on Bucknell in the NCAA Tournament and took pride when the Bison shocked Kansas to earn the conference's first-ever win in the Big Dance.

But now comes the bad news for the rest of the loyal Patriots -- all five starters, and 12 of 13 players, return from that 23-10 Bucknell team. That's why the Bison enter the new season as the clear favorite.

Coach Pat Flannery welcomes back a starting unit that includes center Chris McNaughton, the Patriot League preseason player of the year. There's also point guard Abe Badmus, a three-year starter; guard Kevin Bettencourt; and forward Charles Lee.

Despite Bucknell's Cinderella finish in 2004-05, the Bison did not win the Patriot League regular-season title. That honor went to Holy Cross, which posted a 13-1 conference record.

Ralph Willard's Crusaders lost three starters but return their top two scorers and six of the nine players in the regular rotation. Last year's conference player of the year Kevin Hamilton, who ranked in the top 10 in the league in six different statistical categories, led the league in scoring (15.7 points) and steals (2.9). Fellow guard Keith Simmons (12.1 ppg.) will be at the other wing.

Lehigh, the Patriot League champ two years ago, tries to rebound from a sub-.500 under fourth-year coach Billy Taylor. The Mountain Hawks return three starters -- guards Jose Olivero (13.0 ppg) and Joe Knight, who led the league in assists (116) last season; and center Jason Mgebroff (8.7 ppg).

Besides talented guard Andre Ingram, American will welcome 6-11 South Carolina transfer Paulius Joneliunas after the first semester.

Team to beat

Bucknell. The Bison not only beat Kansas in the NCAA tourney last year, they also defeated Pittsburgh (Big East) and St. Joseph's (Atlantic 10) during the season. This year's non-league opponents include Duke, Villanova and Syracuse. McNaughton and Bettencourt each averaged 12.6 points last season, and Lee was right behind them at 12.5. Badmus averaged 3.5 assists and McNaughton added 4.7 rebounds.

Watch out for

Colgate. Patriot League fans know about senior guard Alvin Reed, who led the 12-16 Red Raiders with 12.8 ppg and 91 assists last year. But people might have forgotten about the Chones brothers, forward Kendall and swingman Kyle, who sat out last season. Senior center Marc Daniels has recovered from a broken foot that prevented him from playing in all but six games last season.

Player of the year

Chris McNaughton, Bucknell. Besides his scoring and rebounding, the 6-foot-11 McNaughton led the league in shooting (59.6 percent). He also hit the game-winning shot with 10.5 seconds left in Bucknell's 64-63 victory over Kansas in the NCAA Tournament.