Winthrop at Iona

Winthrop returns 5 of their top 6 scorers, and everything is in place to make another NCAA appearance after last years thriller, taking Tennessee to the buzzer before losing by one point. Coach Jeff Ruland has a lot to replace at Iona. Gone is arguably his best backcourt trio in school history. Steve Burtt's 25 points a game are gonna be impossible to replace, as well as Ricky Soliver's leadership and double digit scoring, and McCullough's infusion of energy. Ruland had a good recruiting year, but it may take some time, as the experience is lacking, and he must get scoring from his returning frontline, which didn't produce much last year. St. John's transfer Dexter Gray could add a punch, but he will not be eligible until the 2nd semester. Winthrop looks poised, talented, and experienced enough to not only make the tourney this year, but to perhaps win a game or two. It starts here!