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| 25. CHARLOTTE |
LAST YEAR: 17-16 |
'99-00 RANK: NR
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 Why No. 25? To be fair, a host of teams could have slid into this spot. But we chose Charlotte because we believe the hype on freshman forward Rodney White. White was a stud all summer and lived up to his billing of being an all-everything scorer. White, the highest-rated signee ever at Charlotte, gives the 49ers a closer inside. Cincinnati's attrition in its frontcourt opens the door for the 49ers to close the gap to challenge the Bearcats and DePaul for the top spot in Conference USA. White is the missing piece to a team that returns four starters, who will have essentially a sixth starter in freshman point Demon Brown once he challenges incumbent Diego Guevara.
Will Climb If: White's presence forces double teams, creating more scoring chances for wings Jobey Thomas and James Zimmerman. But the 49ers must take care of business in their non-conference schedule. Beating Miami (Fla.), South Carolina and GW at home are a must. Getting three wins in road games, possibly against N.C. State in the CoSIDA Classic, at Indiana, at UTEP, at Davidson, and possibly against Arizona State in the AZCentral.com tournament might end up being a necessity for them to ensure a tournament berth.
Will Fall If: Guevara and Brown can't coexist, the 49ers wilt on the road, and can't distance themselves from teams like South Florida, Marquette and Memphis in Conference USA.
Bilas Breakdown | HTV's Take | Team Page
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"I know the California Golden Bears did not make your Top 25. But as Dickey V would say, pay attention to Ben Braun and his troops. They have always played well against the top echolon of the Pac-10 and have an impressive out of conference record."
Rey Debeejay, Emeryville, Calif.
"I doubt the Univeristy of Dayton made your top 25, but watch out for the Flyers this year. Oliver Purnell has completly turned this program around, and with several starters returning it wouldn't surprise me to see them go far in the tournament this year."
Tim Reardon, Cincinnati
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