ATHENS, Ga. --- Georgia's trophy case is rather bare when it comes to men's basketball.
Over 75 years, the Bulldogs have claimed only three Southeastern Confer-ence championships of any kind, whether it be during the regular season or the postseason tournament.
No wonder they're so fired up about that latest title, even if everyone else thinks it was the greatest of flukes.
"They can say what they want," senior Terrance Woodbury said with a shrug. "We got a championship out of it, so it kind of doesn't matter to me."
The Bulldogs hope to build off a remarkable run in the SEC tournament, when a last-place team managed to win four consecutive games to earn a spot in the NCAA tournament.
Georgia lost three key players off its improbable title team. Sundiata Gaines (14.8 points a game) and Billy Humphrey (12.2) were the top two scorers. Dave Bliss was a big body on the inside.
Not surprisingly, the Bulldogs were picked to repeat their last-place showing in the SEC East in a preseason media poll.
Coach Dennis Felton doesn't seem concerned.
"I think everyone will be impressed by the improvement of all our returning players," he said. "I love 'em as a group. I really enjoy coaching them and I'm excited by what they're capable of doing. It looks like nobody thinks we'll be any good, but I'm really optimistic about what they're capable of doing in the long run."
Felton is still tinkering with his lineup, trying to come up with a combination beyond Woodbury, a swingman who averaged 11 points a game, and 6-foot-11, 265-pound Albert Jackson. Felton believes the big center has enormous potential.
Jeremy Price, a 6-8 forward, averaged 8.1 points during a promising freshman season. When healthy, 6-9 Trey Thompkins likely will be a key member of the rotation.
The backcourt looks more unsettled.
Zac Swansey, who hit some huge shots in the SEC tournament, will move into one of the guard positions. Senior Corey Butler provides leadership in the backcourt. Sophomore Troy Brewer and freshman Travis Leslie are also in the mix as well.
GEORGIA BULLDOGS
LAST SEASON: 17-17; 4-12 (last in SEC East; won SEC tournament)
COACH: Dennis Felton, 175-134 overall, 11th season; 75-80 school, sixth year
KEY RETURNEES: F Terrance Woodbury (11 ppg, 4.1 rpg), G Zac Swansey (3.9 ppg, 1.6 apg)
KEY LOSSES: G Sundiata Gaines (14.8 ppg, 6 rpg), G Billy Humphrey (12.2 ppg, 3.5 rpg), C Dave Bliss (7.6 ppg, 5.6 ppg)
OUTLOOK: After losing their top two scorers and a pillar down low in Bliss, the Bulldogs will have a tough time getting out of the division cellar.
-- Staff reports
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