STF Super-Awesome Team Previews: #23 Davidson

Team: Davidson Wildcats

Conference: SoCon

2006 Record and Ending: 29-5 (17-1) The Wildcats lost to Maryland in the first round of the NCAA tournament The game was an up-and-down endurance contest which was tilting Davidson's way in the first half, before the Terps wore them down.

Key Players Returning: Everybody. The Wildcats used only nine players in the NCAA tournament, and every single one is back. The highlights are Stephen Curry, Jason Richards, Boris Meno, and Thomas Sander.

What's to Love: Stephon Curry's shot is absolutely frickin' beautiful to see. This crew is battle-tested and hungry to build on their success. They may very well have cornered the market on Quebecois talent with Mark Paul Gosselaar, er, Max Paulhus Gosselin and William Archambault. Regardless, this is a complete team, not Curry and some dead wood.

What's not to Love: Not much. This team is full of confidence and hungry for respect. So much so that they've agreed to go on the road for three marquee big-conference matchups, starting the season at UNC, then going to Duke a few days later, then UCLA. And throw in NC State just before Christmas. They can and probably will lose these games, but that's a great schedule for a team like this - they could shock at least one of these big-name schools.

Also of note is the fact that the rest of the SoCon will not lie down for Davidson. Their only conference loss last season was to Appalachian State, who will challenge them again. And don't forget that former Georgia Tech coach Bobby Cremins now heads up College of Charleston.

Key Player: I try not to be obvious about these things, but in this case, it's Curry, of course. Will he be able to deal with the extra attention that comes his way? Will he show UNC and Duke why they should have signed him? Everyone else knows their role and how to play it, so excellence is in Curry's slender hands.

Best Case: A repeat of last year, along with an upset of one major player on the road. My vote goes for Duke.

Worst Case: Sadly, the improved SoCon is still likely to be a one-bid conference, so a stumble in the conference tourney, coupled with no wins at the big boys, would leave the Wildcats sitting needlessly at home come March.

STF Prediction: Curse me for a fool, but I think they will beat Duke. Wishful thinking? Perhaps, but Duke is the most vulnerable of the three big blue beasts the Wildcats will see this year. NC State is also a doable win, so this could be just what the doctor ordered for at-large consideration (nobody asked you, Bruiser).

21-6 overall, with a win at NC State. A national ranking to defend. Three losses in conference to Charleston, UNCG, and App State. Make the championship game in the SoCon tourney, and Davidson goes back to the show.