October 18, 2006 
Contact: Mike Christie, Sports Information Director

Christopher Newport Picked As USA South Preseason Men's Basketball Favorite

(FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.) - Christopher Newport University, under the direction of 23-year Head Coach C. J. Wollum, was picked to win the USA South Athletic Conference 2006-07 men's basketball title in the preseason coaches' poll.  The Captains are the defending tournament and co-regular season champions.

Christopher Newport received six of seven first-place votes (36 points) as head coaches do not vote for their own teams in the balloting.

North Carolina Wesleyan College, who advanced to the semi-finals of the 2006 Conference tournament, finished second in the balloting with 28 points.  Averett University rounded out the top-three as the Cougars collected 25 points and one first-place vote.

The 2006-07 campaign tips-off on Friday, Nov. 17 when Averett University, Christopher Newport University, Ferrum College, Greensboro College and N.C. Wesleyan College are all in action.
 

2006 USA South Men's Basketball Coaches Poll
Rank	Institution (1st place Votes)	Pts.
1.	Christopher Newport (6)	36
2.	N.C. Wesleyan	28
3.	Averett (1)	25
T-4.	Greensboro	18
T-4.	Methodist	18
6.	Shenandoah	16
7.	Ferrum	6