The Braves are 0-6 with losses at Texas A&M, at Houston, at Purdue, at Colorado, at Denver and at Southern Mississippi. The Braves return 2 starters from last season (a squad that posted a 2-29 overall record, including a 2-16 mark in SWAC play). The Braves are projected to finish 8th in the conference this season.
The Braves are lead by G Marquis Baker. Baker is averaging 15 points/game (leads the team), 3 rebounds/game and 1 assist/game. Of Baker, head coach Larry Smith, says: "He can put it in the bucket," Smith said. "He has a good work ethic and can make shots. He has great size, and he's a gym rat."
F's Michael Starks and Michael Martin are the team's leading rebounders averaging 4 rebounds/game. Starks had knee surgery during his senior year of high school and was never really healthy last year. He has bulked up to about 225 pounds and should use his long frame to his advantage this year. Coach Smith went into the season saying that Martin needed to commit to playing defense or "he probably won't find his way onto the court too often."
G Kendrick McDonald leads the team in assists with 2 assists/game. Coach Smith on McDonald: "He brings a lot to the table," Smith said. "He can take control of a game. He's tough, defensive-minded and can score. I love a guy like that."
This program has had alot of frustration to deal with over the last few years. They've won 2, 6, 7, 11 ('06-'07), 8, 7, 11 ('03-'04), 14 and 20 games in the past 9 seasons. This is the year that the team hopes to break the double digit mark in wins again. The Cats will roll in this game.
