Area college basketball preview

AMERICAN

Coach: Jeff Jones (10th season)

2008-09 record: 24-8, 13-1 Patriot

Returning starters: None

Other notable players: G Nick Hendra (6.3 ppg), F Stephen Lumpkins (3.4 ppg)

Highlight game: Jan. 23 vs. Holy Cross. It’s a rematch of last year’s Patriot League title game, and it happens to match the Eagles against this year’s conference favorite. After playing seven of its previous eight on the road, American will be eager to return to Bender Arena.

Breakout player: F Vlad Moldoveanu. The junior transferred from George Mason in the middle of last season and will not be eligible for the first nine games. But at 6-foot-9 and 215 pounds, Moldoveanu has both the frame and the game to emerge as one of the Eagles’ best players immediately.

Outlook: After consecutive NCAA tournament appearances, AU probably isn’t going to dominate its league again this season. But in eight seasons in the Patriot under Jones, the Eagles always have finished in the top half of the league. Graduation created a lot of holes, and it will take some time to acclimate a seven-man freshman class. Nevertheless, the Eagles could contend in the balanced Patriot League once January arrives.

GEORGE MASON

Coach: Jim Larranaga (13th season)

2008-09 record: 22-11, 13-5 CAA

Returning starters: G Cam Long (11.7 ppg), F Louis Birdsong (6.4 ppg)

Other notable players: F Ryan Pearson (7.0 ppg), G Andre Cornelius (5.5 ppg), F Mike Morrison (4.0 ppg)

Highlight game: Jan. 2 vs. Old Dominion. It won’t be far into the conference schedule before the Patriots know where they stand. The Monarchs, led by forward Gerald Lee, were the preseason pick to win the Colonial Athletic Association. It’s also the first of four home dates in five games to open the new year.

Breakout players: Cornelius and Pearson. After some crucial losses to graduation, both sophomores will be asked for more after promising debuts. The 5-foot-10 Cornelius will complement Long in the backcourt, while the efficient Pearson has a chance to become the latest undersized forward to thrive in Fairfax.

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