Editor's note: As the story editor isn't keeping my College of Charleston preview when I insert it into the main SoCon preview, here it is, along with my 2009 preseason All-SoCon team.
College of Charleston (last NCAA: 1999) Last season, the Cougars came very close to returning to the Dance for the first time in 10 years. Despite the loss of two key forwards--Jermaine Johnson and Dustin Scott--who combined to average 18.5 points and almost 15 boards a game, they could break down the door this season. Bobby Cremins has an abundance of backcourt talent returning, even for a league filled with good guard unit. 6-1 junior Andrew Goudelock (16.7 ppg) is a contender for conference Player of the Year, and he and PG Tony White (12 ppg, 2.7 apg) are both serious outside threats. 6-1 Donavan Monroe (8.7 ppg) can provide a spark off the bench. 6-7 junior Antwaine Wiggins (8.3 ppg, 3.9 rpg) and 6-8 reserve Jeremy Simmons (6.8 ppg, 5.1 rpg) will anchor the frontcourt, while 6-8 senior Florida State transfer Casaan Breeden and 6-6 frosh Willis Hall will see significant action alongside them immediately. The highlight of C of C's schedule is a trip to Hawai'i for the Diamond Head Classic, where they'll open with the hosts, then face either SMU or UNLV. Trips to Clemson and Tennessee are also on the slate.
The Cougars are my pick to take the overall SoCon crown, so they'll appear in my Final Preseason Bracket, which I'll release tomorrow evening. To close this post, here is my preseason All-SoCon Team.
Preseason All-SoCon Team
Player of the Year: Andrew Goudelock, 6-1 G, Jr. (College of Charleston)
Remainder of the Team
Kellen Brand, 6-1 G, Sr. (Appalachian State)
Noah Dahlman, 6-6 F, Jr. (Wofford)
Harouna Mutombo, 6-4 G, So. (Western Carolina)
Cameron Wells, 6-1 G, Jr. (The Citadel)