AUGUSTA STATE JAGUARS
- Coaching is a major plus. In Dip Metress' first three seasons, Augusta State has won 58 games and won a conference title.
- Talent is a major plus. The Jaguars feature All-American senior forward Tyrekus Bowman, junior center Garret Siler (6-foot-11, 304 pounds) and sharp-shooting sophomore guard Ben Madgen.
- Facilities are a plus. Christenberry Fieldhouse is a solid Division II facility with comfortable seating.
- Resources are a plus. Starting to reap benefits of higher enrollment with more scholarship money.
- Intangibles are a plus. Assistant coach Lenny Carlson brings a wealth of knowledge. Jaguars led league in home attendance last season.
VITALS
Head Coach: Dip Metress, fourth season (58-31 at Augusta State, 192-124 overall)
2006-07 record: 24-7, won Peach Belt Conference
League record: 14-2 (Peach Belt)
Key Returners: G Steve Smith (Jr.), G Daniel Dixon (So.), G Madgen (So.), F Bowman (Sr.), F Demetrius Howard (Sr.), C Siler (Jr.)
Notes: The Jaguars, ranked sixth in the nation, return 90 percent of their scoring and rebounding. Bowman, the reigning Peach Belt Player of the Year led the league in scoring last season (20.5). Madgen was named Freshman of the Year after averaging 15.6 points a game. Siler led the nation with a 68.9 field goal percentage and also averaged 13.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.4 blocks. Junior center Jason Killeen (6-10, 240), a Winthrop transfer, is expected to help Siler with the load inside. Freshmen guards Tom Wright and Caleb Brown will see significant minutes off the bench.
Outlook: If Augusta State is ever going to win a national championship, this is the season. The Jags return all their starters and have more depth.
SCHEDULE
Nov. 16 at Montevallo, 9
Nov. 17 vs. Florida Southern, 7 at Montevallo
Nov. 24 Johnson C. Smith, 4
Nov. 28 at USC Aiken, 7:30
Dec. 1 Georgia College & State, 7:30
Dec. 3 at Georgia, 7:30
Dec. 13 Paine, 7:30
Dec. 15 at Virginia Union, 7:30
Dec. 29 at Tampa, 4
Jan. 5 Clayton State, 7:30
Jan. 9 at UNC Pembroke, 7:30
Jan. 12 at Armstrong Atlantic State, 7:30
Jan. 16 Lander, 7:30
Jan. 19 North Georgia, 4
Jan. 21 USC Aiken, 7:30
Jan. 23 at Francis Marion, 7:30
Jan. 26 at Georgia Southwestern, 4
Feb. 2 at Georgia College & State, 7:30
Feb. 4 Columbus State, 7:30
Feb. 6 UNC Pembroke, 7:30
Feb. 9 at Clayton State, 7:30
Feb. 13 at Lander, 7:30
Feb. 16 Armstrong Atlantic State, 6
Feb. 20 Francis Marion, 7:30
Feb. 23 at North Georgia, 4
Feb. 27 at Columbus State, 7:30
March 1 Georgia Southwestern, 4
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