Last NCAA
Appearance: 2002, First Round
Top Players:
Jaz Cowan, Jr,
F, 13.1 ppg, 7.0 rpg
Jeff Granger,
Sr, G, 11.6 ppg, 1.3 apg
Bruce Brown, Sr,
C, 10.6 ppg, 6.4 rpg
Matthew
Williams, Jr, G, 5.1 ppg, 2.5 apg
In 2001, the
Pirates shocked Iowa State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament as a
#15 seed. Coach Bobby Collins will look for some of that magic to happen
again this time around. Jaz Cowan, a transfer from George Washington, will
lead the way. The 6-8 forward isn’t alone in the frontcourt with 6-11, 280
pound center Bruce Brown on the floor. Brown uses his body quite well to
position himself for easy baskets and rebounds. Keep an eye on guard Jeff
Granger. Hampton will need him to get hot from long range in order to
stretch out the defense. With an RPI of 284, in order for the Pirates to
find another upset in the record books, they’ll most likely have to be the
first team ever to beat a top seeded team as a #16 seed.
Likely
Finish: First Round
