West Georgia tapped in D-II preseason poll

Carrollton, GA – October 18, 2005 – Despite losing all five starters from a year ago, one national publication has high expectations for the 2005-06 West Georgia Braves men’s basketball team.

West Georgia was ranked 20th in the Division II Bulletin Preseason Top 25. The publication, now in its 15th year, is the leading publication covering Division II basketball.

West Georgia last season posted a 23-7 record, and advanced to the NCAA Division II South Region Tournament. However, all five starters from that squad were seniors. This includes Co-GSC East Player of the Year Darnell Miller, and Majestic Mapp, who also was All-GSC East First Team.

Leading West Georgia’s list of returnees for the coming season are senior forwards Antonio Shaw and Chris Burras. Shaw averaged 7.6 points and 7.5 rebounds per game a year ago, Burras chipped in with 6.9 points and 6.6 rebounds per contest.

UWG will this season count on big contributions from a recruiting class that includes four Division I transfers. They include senior point guard Michael Ford and swingman Sam Richardson, both from Southern Mississippi. Also new are guard Andrius Petkunas and center Jake McCartney, who join the Braves from Towson.

West Georgia began preseason practice Saturday, the first day for official workouts in Division II. The Braves’ first exhibition game is November 5 at Division I Mississippi State, while the first official game of the new season is November 16 at home vs. Carver.

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