Make-or-break issues for season ahead

Published Oct. 16, 2009 at 6:39 a.m.
The college basketball season tips off with practice today. Davidson will usher in a new season with "A Night With the 'Cats" at Belk Arena tonight. Admission is free and doors open at 7:30. The Charlotte 49ers' men's and women's teams will host "Basketball Madness" at Halton Arena on Thursday at 9 p.m.

Following are burning questions about the upcoming seasons for Charlotte and Davidson:

CHARLOTTE

Will Charlotte coach Bobby Lutz have the 3-point shooter his offense craves?

He should have several 3-point weapons, including a pair of freshmen, Shamarr Bowden and Gokhan (pronounced GO-kan) Sirin, who have been lighting it up from long-range.

How badly do the 49ers need a solid inside game?

Desperately, as Charlotte's one-dimensional nature last season left them easy to defend. With an improved Phil Jones at center, Boston College transfer Shamari Spears eligible and the addition of two solid freshman forwards in Chris Braswell and K.J. Sherrill, the 49ers should have much better offensive balance.

How soon will we know if the 49ers are improved?

Assuming the 49ers can beat their first-round opponent, Elon, in the NIT Pre-Season Tip-Off, Charlotte will face ACC power Duke in their third game of the season.

Will point guard DiJuan Harris have help?

Harris averaged nearly 40 minutes a game the last half of the season as the 49ers' only healthy scholarship point guard last season. Sophomore transfer Derrio Green has been solid in workouts and should be a reliable backup.

Can the 49ers remain healthy?

No way to tell, but with a large supporting cast this season Charlotte will be in better position to handle injuries if they occur.

DAVIDSON

How will Davidson account for the loss of scoring and rebounding provided by Stephen Curry and Andrew Lovedale?

Davidson played six games while on a foreign tour in August. The Wildcats became acclimated to their new roles and learned what they need to do to be successful.

How will the Wildcats negotiate their tough early schedule with competition such as nationally ranked Butler?

Their philosophy is to play teams that will test them and help them get better. The goal is for Davidson to be playing its best basketball in March.

What can fans expect from Davidson's freshmen?

J.P. Kuhlman, Jake Cohen and Nik Cochran are capable of having an immediate impact on the program and have the ability to challenge for playing time immediately. Another newcomer, Clint Mann, will sit out because of NCAA transfer rules but will be available next season.

How will Davidson maintain the level of success it has enjoyed the past few seasons?

The seniors - Steve Rossiter, Bryant Barr, Dan Nelms and Will Archambault - have won 85 games. They know how to win.

Who will be Davidson's go-to guy when the shot clock is running down and the Wildcats need a basket?

Look for an even distribution of points from a variety of sources. Expect all five players on the court at any time to have the ability to take and make a big shot.

Compiled by Jim Utter and from Observer News Services

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