Hofstra basketball teams well regarded in poll
Both of Hofstra's basketball teams emerged with promising preseason rankings in the Colonial Athletic Association poll. The Pride women were selected fourth, the men fifth.
"I think we will surprise a lot of people,'' Hofstra senior guard Charles Jenkins said Thursday. "I think we have a lot to prove.''
Defending CAA champion Old Dominion was selected first in the poll, followed by George Mason, VCU and James Madison.
Hofstra finished 19-15 last season, 10-8 in the CAA. Tom Pecora left for Fordham after nine seasons as coach and initially was replaced by former Providence coach Tim Welsh. Welsh resigned a month later after being arrested on a charge of driving while intoxicated. Mo Cassara, who was an assistant at Boston College under Al Skinner, then took over.
Jenkins, the CAA's 2009-10 player of the year, is a preseason selection to repeat that honor. He also is a two-time winner of the Haggerty Award as the top player in the metropolitan area.
"I still have to play,'' said Jenkins, who averaged 20.6 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.9 assists. "When I'm on the court, I don't think of any one's opinion. It's great, but I know I definitely have to come out playing my best. I'd prefer winning more games.''
Hofstra will have a new look this season. Forward Halil Kanacevic and guard Chaz Williams, both of whom were would-be starters, transferred to St. Joseph's and Massachusetts, respectively. Jenkins will be joined in the projected starting lineup by center Greg Washington and forward David Imes, a reserve last year. Junior college transfer Dwan McMillan and Fordham transfer Mike Moore, both guards, are expected to start.
Guards Brad Kelleher (who becomes eligible Dec. 11) and Yves Jules will come off the bench and Paul Bilbo will be a reserve forward. A significant loss is forward Nathaniel Lester, who could be out for the season with a torn quadriceps muscle in his left leg.
On the women's side, the Pride (20-14, 11-7) could have its best team since the 2006-07 season, when it went 26-8 and made the quarterfinals of the WNIT. Last season's team beat Penn State in the first round of the WNIT.
Defending champion James Madison topped the poll. Old Dominion and Delaware also placed ahead of Hofstra.
"I definitely think we're in the conversation to be one of the best teams in the conference,'' guard Candace Bellocchio said. "A lot of people have high expectations for us.''
Hofstra returns power forward Shante Evans, a preseason selection for first-team all-conference, along with the veteran backcourt of Bellocchio and Nicole Capurso. Marie Malone will replace the graduated Jess Fuller at center.
