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Independents overview

High-scoring guards play in anonymity

Special to CNNSI.com

Order of Finish 1. Texas-Pan American 2. Belmont 3. Centenary 4. Albany 5. Stony Brook

Top storylines

Two of the nation's most prolific-scoring guards play for independent schools: Centenary's Ronnie McCollum (23.8 ppg in 1999-2000) and Texas-Pan American's Brian Merriweather (20.4 ppg). NBA scouts will be keeping an eye on both this season. McCollum, a 6-4 guard, finished third in the nation in scoring last season and needs just two three-pointers to set the school record. With 1,737 points in three seasons, McCollum ranks fourth on the school's career scoring list and should pass Centenary¹s most famous basketball alumnus, Robert Parrish (2,334), for second place some time this season. Merriweather, a 6-3 senior, led the nation in three-pointers made per game (4.1) for the second straight season and is aiming to become the first player in NCAA history to accomplish the feat three years in a row. He declared for the 2000 NBA draft, but wisely pulled his name out.

Can new Albany coach Scott Beeten, who came from Ben Braun's staff at California, thrive in the independent ranks?

Players to Watch

Top Three Players

Ronnie McCollum, G, Centenary • McCollum finished third in the country in scoring and is one of the nation¹s top shooting guards. Brian Merriweather, G, Texas Pan-American • Like McCollum, Merriweather is one of the nation's premier perimeter threats. He's trying to become the first player in NCAA history to lead the country in three-pointers per game for three straight years. Wes Burtner, F, Belmont • Swingman led the Bruins in scoring (14.3 ppg) and nearly every other offensive category last season.

Top Newcomer

Leon Brisport, F, Stony Brook • Brisport didn't put up huge numbers at Providence, where he averaged 2.7 points and 2.3 rebounds per game in 1998-99, but he had impressive stats (24.0 ppg, 10.0 rpg, 4.0 apg) in two seasons at Los Angeles Valley Community College.

Coaches

Hot Coach

Bob Hoffman, Texas Pan-American • The job Hoffman did after taking over in September for the fired Delray Brooks was nothing short of amazing. Hoffman was a winner at the NAIA level and has carried his success up a level.

Coach on the Hot Seat

Scott Beeten, Albany • This is Beeten¹s first year, so he¹s in no danger of losing his job. But his task won't be easy after Albany lost its top two scorers from a year ago.

Mark Your Calendar

Nov. 28, Centenary at Arkansas • Ronnie McCollum gets to prove his worth to NBA scouts against Arkansas and its great backcourt depth. Dec. 2, Texas-Pan American at Missouri • Brian Merriweather¹s game will be showcased against a top Big 12 opponent. Dec. 22, Belmont at Arizona State • The Bruins will be able to get a lot of momentum heading into the new year with an upset of a Pac-10 team.

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