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

As civic pride-restoration projects go, it would be tough to top what the Saint Louis Billikens pulled off last year: In just four days at the Conference USA Tournament, they transformed their season from one of frustration into an NCAA Tournament berth.

Folks around Billiken country called Saint Louis' giddy run through the C-USA Tourney last March the "Miracle in Memphis," but if Lorenzo Romar's crew repeats last year's postseason run, it will indeed be a phenomenon. In a league filled with mystery teams, Saint Louis may be the most mysterious.

The biggest question is how the Billikens will replace guard Justin Love, who racked up 18 points per game. Love was Saint Louis' lone double-digit scorer, but if losing him is Saint Louis' despair, senior swingman Maurice Jeffers is its hope. Jeffers could double his scoring output from a year ago (6.6 ppg) with his ability to drive to the basket.

Sophomore point guard Marque Perry, who missed the last eight games of the season with a dislocated ankle, will be asked to increase his scoring duties as well. Sophomores Josh Fisher, a transfer from Pepperdine, and Drew Diener, who played only 24 minutes as a freshman, are expected to compete at shooting guard, along with the freshmen trio of Jason Edwin, Floyd McClain and Chris Sloan.

Seniors Chris Heinrich, Matt Baniak and Justin Tatum were lacking in consistency last season, although Romar believes the 6-7 Tatum has the potential to be a double-double player. Chris Braun, a 6-10 sophomore forward, was playing well until suffering a back injury.

Four times St. Louis built double-digit leads in the second half and allowed them to evaporate. Had the Billikens won those four games, they would have gone into the league tournament with 19 wins and would not have needed the Miracle to advance into the NCAA Tournament.

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

Just don't expect a repeat.

Honors candidates

Maurice Jeffers and Marque Perry. Jeffers' production will increase because he's a good offensive rebounder, while Perry is fully recovered from a dislocated ankle.

Keep an eye on

Justin Tatum. Has the potential to be a double-double guy but he needs to get in shape. Ranked among C-USA's top 20 rebounders at 6.0 rpg, and was Saint Louis' second-leading scorer at 8.3 ppg.

Key players

(*Returning starter; 1999-2000 avg.)

• PF Matt Baniak, 6-9, 235, Sr. - Brings experience to the table (5.5 ppg, 3.6 rpg)
• PF Chris Braun, 6-10, 235 So. - Led team in rebounds during the league tournament (3.1 ppg, 2.9 rpg)
• C Chris Heinrich*, 6-11, 255, Sr. - Excellent low-post defender (5.8 ppg, 4.5 rpg)
• G-F Maurice Jeffers, 6-4, 195, Sr. - Goes to the rack hard off the dribble (6.6 ppg)
• F Andrew Latimer, 6-9, 220, So. - Put on 15 pounds from last season (2.1 ppg)
• G Marque Perry, 6-1, So. - Freshman season interrupted by dislocated ankle (6.0 ppg, 50 assists)
• F Justin Tatum, 6-7, 225, Jr. - Rugged, physical athlete (8.3 ppg, 6.0 rpg)
• SG Josh Fisher, 6-2, 185, So. - Should get minutes right away at shooting guard
• G Jason Edwin, 6-5, 205, Fr. - Sat out senior year of high school

Key losses

• Torrey Ward, SF, 6-3, 210, (9.4 ppg; 5.8 rpg.)
• Dave Fergerson, PG, 6-0, 175 (6.7 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 2.2 apg)
• Justin Love, SG, 6-2, 210, Sr. (18.5 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 2.6 apg)

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