Conference USA report

SportsLine.com Report
April 10, 2000

A Glance at 2001

Picked to settle near the conference's basement, the Golden Eagles defied the preseason odds to post a winning record. They could play in a postseason tournament next season.

They could, but only if junior David Wall helps them get there.

After transferring from a community college in Oklahoma, the 6-5 forward led Southern Miss in scoring and ranked among its rebounding leaders. He is pretty good, but other Golden Eagles should help him out.

Junior point guard Mel Cauthen and junior forward Kilavorus Thompson both started alongside Wall last season, though coach James Green will need more than the 14.2 points they combined for last year. He will also need more from junior forward Carl Henderson and freshmen guards Tobias Brinkley and Marcus Terrell -- that is, if Terrell returns next season after being suspended for disciplinary reasons late last year.

Then there is this nugget of good news: The NCAA may pass an amendment to give non-qualifiers a chance to earn back the year of eligibility they lost, which would enable center Vandarel Jones to return. When healthy, the 6-9 senior is imposing inside.

With another year of experience, all of the aforementioned names and faces should make the Golden Eagles better. Or good enough to challenge for the National Division crown and a postseason bid.

The Coach

Entering his fifth season on the Southern Miss sideline, Green has compiled a record of 65-54. He did a commendable job of turning a sub-.500 team into a postseason squad and should be secure in Hattiesburg for a while longer.

Who'll Be Back

Three-fifths of the starting lineup returns in Cauthen, Thompson and Wall, not to mention key reserves such as Brinkley and Henderson. Terrell could start at point guard if he and Green settle the youngster's disciplinary case.

Who'll Be Gone

The biggest loss also happened to be the team's biggest player, as 6-10 center Carlos Booker has left the building. Booker tied for the team lead in rebounding with Jones, who may or may not return depending on whether the NCAA passes an eligibility amendment for those who were initially non-qualifiers.

Another key loss is point guard Earl Flowers, a good defensive player who did not provide much scoring.

Key Newcomers

Southern Miss landed a pair of JUCO players and a high school kid from in-state.

PF Quentin Christian (6-8, Fr.): A standout at Mendenhall (Miss.) High School, he signed on in November. Solid low-post presence who averaged a double-double in high school. May see some time next season.

SG/SF Elvin Mims (6-5, Jr.): Native of Century, Fla., who transfers in from Okaloosa-Walton Community College in his home state. He can elevate about the rim, but also has solid touch on the perimeter. He is also a good rebounder for an outside player.

PG Brad Richardson (6-1, Jr.): A New Orleans native who could come in and run the offense after playing at Jones Junior College in Mississippi. Green likes his court awareness and says the JUCO transfer "has a solid all-around game."