Ohio Valley Conference report

SportsLine Report
March 12, 2000

In the Paint

It was supposed to be a breakout season for Tech, and the Golden Eagles almost pulled it off. They went 16-12, the program's first winning season since 1996-97, and finished in a three-way tie for third in the OVC with an 11-7 record.

Seeded third in the OVC Tournament, the Golden Eagles suffered an 87-70 loss to their old nemesis, Middle Tennessee State, which was one of the league's hottest teams at the end of the season.

Despite the early exit in the tournament, the Golden Eagles' second season under coach Jeff Lebo was a success. They twice battled Murray State before losing by a point, and played Southeast Missouri State close a couple of times. It was a good try by the Golden Eagles. Just not quite good enough for a great season.

A Glance at 2001

A senior-laden roster means the Golden Eagles will have a tough time repeating their upper-level finish in the OVC race. Three starters are gone, including the league's best backcourt duo, senior point guard Corey Hemphill and senior shooting guard Josh Heard. Their combined 30.5-point average won't be easily replaced, nor will their perimeter shooting.

Still, the Golden Eagles have some good talent coming back, and Lebo is one of the nation's bright young coaches. It's not the easiest task recruiting players to Cookeville, Tenn., but if anybody can do it, Lebo can. Look for him to get some guys who can give the Golden Eagles some immediate help next season.

The Coach

As a player, Jeff Lebo learned the game from a master, legendary coach Dean Smith at North Carolina. For eight years, Lebo paid his dues as an assistant at ETSU, Vanderbilt and South Carolina. Lebo, chosen the OVC coach of the year in his first season, will get the job done at the Cookeville, Tenn. school. He's 28-27 in two seasons at Tech. The victories will continue piling up until another program snatches Lebo.

Who'll Be Back

Larrie Smith, a 6-5 junior forward and the OVC newcomer of the year, returns for his senior season. Smith, who was 10th in the league in scoring (15.6) and tied as the top rebounder (8.5), will be the centerpiece of the returning cast. Adonis Hart, a 6-8 sophomore center, is an imposing force in the middle, but he suffered a season-ending knee injury in mid-January. If Hart comes back healthy, the Golden Eagles will be strong in the frontcourt.

In the backcourt, freshman Brent Jolly should emerge as a starter after seeing significant action. Joey Westmoreland returns as the starter at small forward. Leigh Gayden, a freshman guard, should also be a factor, along with freshman center Rusty Strange and sophomore forward Brad Walker.

Who's Gone

It won't be easy for Lebo to replace senior point guard Corey Hemphill and senior shooting guard Josh Heard, who combined to give the Golden Eagles one of the most-feared backcourts in the OVC. Eric Akins, a senior center, was a part-time starter who's also gone.