SportsLine.com/Lindy's Basketball
2000 Season Preview
Nov. 6, 2000

Without a doubt, this is Seth Greenberg's make-or-break year at South Florida.

After assembling perhaps the most talented and experienced team in school history, Greenberg, now in his fifth season, must prove he can lead the Bulls to the NCAA Tournament.

Some analysts figured 1999-2000 would be USF's breakthrough season, but the Bulls too often lacked consistency and maturity. They showed flashes of excellence but eventually were dumped in the first rounds of the Conference USA tournament (by Memphis, 60-58) and the NIT (by New Mexico, 64-58).

USF's claim to fame? An early-season 66-63 home victory over Wisconsin, which went on to reach the Final Four. That was one of many Bulls victories at the Sun Dome in Tampa, a place where they were nearly unbeatable (12-2).

Greenberg's critics, and there are a few, figure it's time for USF to own more than the Dome. The Bulls return five of their best six players, including the devastating frontcourt duo of B.B. Waldon and Altron Jackson, and boast loads of experience.

Waldon and Jackson, both juniors, lacked leadership at times but made up for it with dazzling ability. Three other starters return, including senior Cedric Smith -- who is 10 steals away from owning the conference's career record -- and sophomore guard Reggie Kohn, who started every game at the point.

Predicted finish

American Division 1. DePaul 2. Cincinnati 3. UNC-Charlotte 4. Marquette 5. Saint Louis 6. Louisville National Division 1. Memphis 2. South Florida 3. Southern Miss 4. UAB 5. Houston 6. Tulane

The Bulls need to improve from the free-throw line (64 percent last season) and get immediate help from 6-foot-11, 280-pound community college transfer Mike Bernard, who gives them a legitimate presence in the middle.

After flirting with the University of Miami -- he was a top candidate to replace Leonard Hamilton but announced his withdrawal a day before the Hurricanes hired Tulane's Perry Clark.

Greenberg said South Florida is where he belongs.

Whether fans will agree at season's end remains to be seen.

Honors candidates

Forwards B.B. Waldon and Altron Jackson, both juniors, easily are among the most talented players in USF history. Both were named to the All-C-USA second team, and together were the nation's sixth-best scoring frontcourt duo, averaging a combined 35.5 points a game.

Keep an eye on

Senior Cedric Smith, the Bulls' all-time steals leader, is nine shy of tying the C-USA career record of 180 held by UAB's Damon Cobb (1996-99).

Key players

(*Returning starter; 1999-2000 avg.)

• F B.B. Waldon* 6-8, 210, Jr. - Could be All-America material (17.3 ppg, 7.9 rpg)
• F Altron Jackson 6-6, 180 Jr. - Mostly sparkplug off the bench (18.2 ppg, 4.6 rpg)
• G Reggie Kohn* 6-1, 165, So. - First year rivaled that of alum Chucky Atkins (7.6 ppg, 3.9 apg)
• G Cedric Smith* 6-4, 220, Sr. - Has started every game of USF career (9.8 ppg, 6.6 rpg)
• F Chonsey Asbury* 6-6, 200, Sr. - Started 19 games (6.0 ppg, 3.7 rpg)
• C Mike Bernard 6-11, 280, Jr. - Beefy JC transfer
• F Artha Reeves 6-7, 210, Sr. - Solid role-player
• G Sam Sanders 6-4, 215, Sr. - Can be gritty defender
• G/F Jimmy Baxter 6-5, 185, Fr. - Might be top newcomer

Key losses

• Scott Johnson, C, 6-10, 250 (8.7 ppg, 4.1 rpg)

Lindy's College Basketball Annual is available at newsstands, or can be ordered at www.lindyssports.com, or by calling 1-205-871-1182.

Schedule