SMALL COLLEGE PLAYERS COULD CHANGE DRAFT PICTURE

SMALL COLLEGE PLAYERS COULD CHANGE DRAFT PICTURE

Ronald Murray and Ben Wallace are among the most recent to prove it
could be done -- and done well -- that a small college player could become
an impact player in the National Basketball Association.
There are some others on the horizon, a few after a stint in Europe or
one of the developmental leagues, one or two who may make the leap from
NAIA or NCAA Division II directly to the play-for-pay ranks.
In a four-game day at the Sunshine State Conference in Orlando recently,
I spotted three players who may have chance to earn a paycheck at the next
level -- the CBA, NBDL or Europe -- if not the NBA.
They are Justin Wingard, a 6-8, 260-pound junior from Lynn University,
Chris Brooks, 6-4, 200, Sr., from Florida Southern and James Mereus, 6-9,
235, Sr., from the University of Tampa.
Wingard dropped 30 pounds between his sophomore and junior years
and became "the" dominant inside player in the SSC. He is very strong with
improving skills. With another year to develop his skills, he could emerge
as a real sleeper for a pro developmental league or Europe to start. He is
the best small college pro prospect in the region.
The former Winter Park High star averaged 13.5 points and 8.5
rebound per-game this season.
Brooks was a Division I player at Kent State University before
transferring to Florida Southern. He is a solid shooter-scorer, athletic
enough and quick enough to be a good defender. A pure two-guard he must add
muscle to a lean and lanky frame. He is worth a look at USBL or NBDL level
to start.
Brooks was the Sunshine State Player of the Year, the NCAA D-II
Southern Region Player of the Year, averaging 20.5ppg, six rebounds while
hitting 80 percent of his free throw attempts.
Mereus, after much hype, was a bit of a disappointment. Still, he is
big and strong, but not active enough to suit me. Even so, he ran the floor
well and really turned it on for last five minutes of upset victory over
Lynn in SSC tournament. For now, Wingard has more of an upside. Another
Florida High School product from Fort Pierce Westwood, Mereus averaged
14.3ppg and -7.3rpg this season, earning first team, All-SSC honors.
A senior and a sophomore round out the "next best" of this region
-- Chad Ware, 6-7, 220, F/C Sr., from Harding University and Billy
McDaniel, 6-7, 220, from Arkansas/Monticello.
Ware became the second consecutive HU All-Gulf Coast Conference
First Team honoree, leading the Bisons to a GSC Tournament berth. The
senior placed second in the league in scoring (19.8), was fourth in
rebounding (8.5) and fifth in field goal percentage (200-372--.538). Ware
was also fourth in the GSC in double-doubles with nine and was the GSC
Player of the Week three times this season.
McDaniel made the jump from last year's Second Team, leading the
GSC in scoring (20.0), rebounding (10.9) and in double-doubles with 15.
Even with the college teams in the midst of their playoffs, the days
of decision for many college players are closer than most realize. May 10,
the early draft entry eligibility deadline, is less than two months away.
The pre-draft camp is on June 1-4 in Chicago. The NBA Draft is on June 24
in New York.
Earlier this week, junior guard Kevin Martin, from "low" D-I Western
Carolina, became the first college player to submit his name for the NBA
draft. Martin, who finished the season ranked second in the nation in
scoring after averaging 24.9 points a game, will not sign with an agent,
keeping his options open of returning for his senior season.
He ranks fourth on Western Carolina's all-time scoring list with
1,838 career points and played his best in high-profile games, scoring 44
points in a loss to Georgia and 33 points in a win over Arkansas.
UCF became a higher-profile team with its victory n the Atlantic Sun
Tournament and the accompanying bid to the NCAA Tournament. Dexter Lyons, a
6-5 swingman, from by way of Daytona Beach Junior College, has been one of
the key men for the Golden Knights.
Always a raw-boned athlete, Lyons has added three-point range and
improved ball-handling skills to his already considerable defensive skills
and rebounding ability.
Mark my words, his basketball career won't end with UCF's exit from
the NCAAs. This kid can play and will be among those who will continue to
prove that going to a small college or low D-1 program doesn't mean that
the very best of that bunch can't find a home with the big boys.

TOP FIVE PRO PROSPECTS -- NCAA DIVISION II SOUTHERN REGION
1. Justin Wingard, 6-8, 260, Jr., Lynn University, dropped 30 pounds
between sophomore and junior years and became dominent inside player in
league. very strong with improving skills. with another year to develop
skills, he could emerge as a real sleeper for a pro developmental l;eague
or Europe to start. Easily the best SC pro prospect in the region.

2. Chris Brooks, 6-4, 200, Sr., G, Florida Southern, very solid
shooter-scorer, athletic finisher / defender with good quickness, pure
two-guard ho would be worth a look at USBL or NBDL level to start. Sat out
the 2001-02 season as a redshirt at Division I Kent State University in
Ohio.

3. James Mereus, 6-9, 235, Sr., University of Tampa, after much hype, I was
kind of dissappointed. Big, strong, but not active enouigh to suit me.
Still, he ran the floor well and really turned it on for last five minutes
of upset victory over Lynn in SSC tournament. Wingard has more upside.

Next Best
4. Chad Ware, 6-7, 220, F/C Sr., Harding University
5. Billy McDaniel, 6-7, 220, Forward, So., Arkansas/Monticello

More Small College notes
Chris Brooks, 6-4, Sr., G, Florida Southern, Sunshine State Player of the
Year, NCAA D-II Southern Region Player of the Year, 20.5ppg, 80% free throw
shooter, with 6rpg, 1.6apg, 1.3spg,

AS A JUNIOR (2002-03)... Sunshine State Conference All-Tournament Team...
Hillmyer-Tremont All-Tournament Team in Fort Myers at Florida Gulf Coast
University... Florida Southern's second leading scorer with 12.8 points per
game despite starting only six games... Finished ninth in the SSC in
scoring... The top "sixth man" in the SSC, leading all league players who
had 10 or fewer starts with his 12.8 points per game... Led the SSC in free
throw percentage (.892) and was 16th nationally... The .892 percentage was
the second highest in school history, trailing only the .895 by Bob Salmi
in 1983-84... Made 47 of his last 48 attempts from the line and was perfect
on 22 postseason attempts... Hit seven-of-eight free throws in the final
1:13 to help the Mocs to a 65-55 win at Embry-Riddle (12/3/02), ranked #9
in the NAIA poll... Also led the SSC in free throws made with 124... Helped
the Moccasins lead the league in free throw shooting (.741) for the first
time in 20 years... Scored a career-high 20 points on three occasions, all
off the bench, most recently in a 73-68 victory over Lynn (2/8/03)... Had a
career-high nine rebounds twice, including a season-opening 69-60 win over
Concordia-St. Paul in the Hillmyer-Tremont Tip-Off Tournament in Fort
Myers... Career-high four assists came in 77-63 win over Wayne State of
Michigan (12/29/02)... Hit four, 3-pointers in an 83-59 win at Nova
Southeastern (1/4/03)... Scored in double figures 24 times, second on the
team to Matt Story... Led the team in scoring five times and in rebounding
three times... Scored 29 points, had 11 rebounds and two assists in two
games at the Hillmyer-Tremont Tip-Off Tournament, earning all-tournament
honors in the season-opening games at Florida Gulf Coast... Averaged 13.7
points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, one block and one steal in the three SSC
Tournament games... Averaged 14.5 points and 4.0 rebounds in Florida
Southern's four postseason games... Scored 17 points with four rebounds in
the 72-70 loss to Delta State in the NCAA South Region Tournament.

JUNIOR COLLEGE ... (1999-2001)... Played two years at Vermilion CC in Ely,
Minnesota for coach Paul McDonald... Led Ironmen to a two-year record of
53-11, a Region 13 runner-up finish (final game before NJCAA National
Tournament) as a freshman and an NJCAA fourth-place national finish as a
sophomore... NJCAA All-American as a sophomore when he averaged 20.2
points, 12.3 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 3.4 steals per game... Also shot 60
percent from the field, 81 percent from the free throw line and 46 percent
from 3-point range during his sophomore season... Named all-region
(Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin and North Dakota), all-state and
all-conference in both his seasons at Vermilion... Averaged 16.7 points and
11.2 rebounds per game as a freshman... Dean's List student as a freshman.

HIGH SCHOOL ... (GRAD. 1999)... Graduated from Collinwood High School in
Cleveland where he played for coach Ken Vana, a former FSC Moccasin, Class
of `73... Was an All-State and all-conference selection as a senior and
named a 1999 Greater Cleveland All-Star.

PERSONAL ... Born: July 15, 1981... Son of Fred Perkins and Iylene
Brooks... Has four brothers and six sisters... Has worked as a youth
basketball coach... Attended Hal Wissel's (former FSC head coach and
current Memphis Grizzlies' assistant) College Players Camp in the summer of
2003 in Hartford, Connecticut... Enjoys working out and drawing... Majoring
in News Media/Communications and scheduled to graduate in the summer of
2004.

Justin Wingard, 6-8, 260, Jr.,Lynn 13.5ppg-8.5rpg as Jr.
2003-2004 Outlook: Serious contender for All-SSC and All-America honors?Has
the ability to change the complexion of a game?Figures to be the focal
point of the opposition's scouting reports?Is extremely productive and
sometimes unstoppable with his back to the basket?Runs the floor well and
can finish on the break?Has soft hands and a deceivingly good touch?Will be
a main option this season on the offense... As a sophomore (2002-2003): Led
team in points (368), points per game (13.1), rebounds (212), rebounds per
game (7.6), field-goals made (138), field-goal percentage (.600) and
free-throws made (92)?Finished in the top-ten of the Sunshine State
Conference in six categories, including first in offensive rebounds
(108)?Ended fourth in rebounding and sixth in scoring in the conference...
As a freshman (2001-2002): Named to the Sunshine State Conference
All-Freshman team?Led the team with a .618 shooting percentage and finished
third with 145 rebounds... At Winter Park High School: Starter for the
Wildcats, which won the district championship?Selected to the all-district
squad?Named team MVP his final three seasons... Personal: Born Justin Oneal
Wingard on Feb. 3, 1983 in Newnan, Ga?Son of Ray Oneal Wingard and Phyllis
Karen Colton?Father played professional basketball?Engaged to Gina Marie
Lopez?A sports and recreation management major?Describes himself as strong,
polite and humble.

James Mereus, 6-9, 235, Sr., University of Tampa,from Fort Pierce
(Westwood), averaged 14.3ppg-7.3rpg this season, All-SS Conference,
All-Region,

Chad Ware, 6-7, 220, Harding University
Ware Named Daktronics All-South Region
The awards continue to roll in for Harding senior center Chad Ware.
Thursday Ware earned Daktronics First Team All-South Region honors. He
joined Aaron Farley has the only two Bisons to garner first team accolades.
Earlier in the week, Ware was named Gulf South Conference West Division
Player of the Year.

Ware, a native of Springdale, Ark., placed second in the GSC in scoring
(19.8 ppg), fourth in rebounding (8.5 rpg), and fifth in field goal
percentage (53.8). Ware was also fourth in the GSC in double-doubles (nine)
and garnered GSC Player of the Week honors three times. He was also
included on the All-GSC First Team.

Ware scored 30 or more points in a game three times this season, including
a 36-point career-high against Arkansas Tech. He completed his career with
1,059 points, ranking 23rd in career scoring at Harding.

Other first team honorees included Chris Brooks of Florida Southern, Eric
Faber of Rollins, Billy McDaniel of Arkansas-Monticello, and Flem Tucker,
6-2, 175, of Albany State.

The five first team All-South players will next be contenders for national
honors. They will join first team all-region players from around the
country on the ballot for the Daktronics Men's All-America Team. Voting
will be conducted nationally among sports information directors at Division
II institutions, with the results being announced at the NCAA Division II
Elite Eight in Bakersfield, Calif.

Ware Named GSC West Player of the Year; Hall Freshman of the Year
SEARCY - For the second straight year, the Harding Bisons have the Gulf
South Conference West Division Player of the Year. Senior center Chad Ware
took the honor one season after Aaron Farley earned the award. Harding also
had the GSC Freshman of the Year, forward Matt Hall.

Ware placed second in the league in scoring (19.8 ppg), fourth in
rebounding (8.5 rpg), and fifth in field goal percentage (53.8). Ware was
also fourth in the GSC in double-doubles (nine) and garnered GSC Player of
the Week honors three times. He was also included on the All-GSC First
Team.

Hall, 6-5. 205, is the first Harding player to be tabbed West Division
Freshman of the Year. He helped lead HU to its third straight GSC
Tournament berth, ending the season second on the squad in scoring (13.3
ppg) and rebounding (5.5 rpg).

Billy McDaniel, 6-7, Forward, So., Arkansas/Monticello
Hearne, Tex./Hearne HS

One of the top players in the nation at the NCAA Division II level,
McDaniel has already been selected as the D-II National Preseason Player of
the Year by College Hoops Illustrated . . . has a chance to become only the
21stplayer in UAM history to score 1,000 career points, and the second to
do it in just two seasons (Johnnie Reece was the first, scoring 1,050
points in 1993-94 and 1996-97) . . . also has a shot at the top 10 in
career rebounding in just two seasons.

2002-2003:
Enjoyed the greatest freshman season in UAM history, earning a slew of
awards, including first team All-Gulf South Conference, first team
Daktronics All-South Region, and GSC West Division Freshman of the Year . .
. led the GSC in rebounding (12.8 per game) and also led the league in both
offensive rebounds (5.3) and defensive boards (7.48) . . . was second to
Ouachita's Rod Edwards in scoring (20.9 ppg) . . . was sixth in the GSC in
blocked shots with 25 (0.93 per game) . . . set UAM single-season records
for total rebounds and rebounds by a freshman (345), rebounding average
(12.8), and scoring by a freshman (563) . . . started all 27 games and
scored in double figures in every one, topped by 34-point outburst vs.
Abilene Christian (12/16/02) . . . scored 32 at Division I Bradley
(12/7/02) and 31 vs. Central Baptist (12/14/02) . . . scored 30 points at
Central Baptist (12/30/02) . . . had double-figure rebounding totals in 24
of 27 games . . . had 24 double-doubles (points and rebounds) . . . had
season best 21 rebounds vs. Xavier of New Orleans and 18 boards at Central
Baptist (12/30/02) . . . had 17 rebounds vs. Southern Arkansas (2/20/03) .
. . averaged 19.8 points and 12.5 rebounds a game vs. Gulf South Conference
teams . . . fouled out just one time (at Southern Arkansas, 1/23/03).

High School:
One of the top prep players in Texas, McDaniel lettered three times in
basketball and twice in football . . . in basketball, he was the District
18-AAA Most Valuable Player . . . he was first team All-Central Texas,
first team All-Brazos Valley, and first team all-state as a senior . . .
put up some sparkling statistics . . . averaged 22.1 points, 13.4 rebounds,
3 blocked shots, 4 steals and 4 assists a game.

GSC MEN'S BASKETBALL PLACES SIX ON DAKTRONICS ALL-REGION, TWO ON FIRST
TEAM; FOUR ON SECOND

THe Gulf South Conference dominated the 2004 Daktronics All-South Region
Men's Basketball Team (as selected by the Division II Sports Information
Directors), placing two First Team members and four on the Second Team. GSC
West Division Player of the Year, Harding center Chad Ware, and
Arkansas-Monticello forward Billy McDaniel garnered First Team accolades.
Ware became the second consecutive HU First Team honoree, leading the
Bisons to a GSC Tournament berth. The senior placed second in the league
in scoring (19.8), fourth in rebounding (8.5) and fifth in field goal
percentage (200-372--.538). Ware was also fourth in the GSC in
double-doubles (nine) and garnered GSC Player of the Week honors three
times. McDaniel makes the jump from last year's Second Team, leading the
GSC in scoring (20.0), rebounding (10.9) and double-doubles (15).

Second Team honors went to Alabama-Huntsville forward Zach Carpenter,
Henderson State duo Steve Parillon and Tarvoris Uzoigwe and Ouachita
Baptist forward Kevin White. Carpenter is the reigning GSC East Division
Player of the Year. He ranks third in the GSC in scoring (19.7) and is a
one-time Conference Player of the Week. Parillon claimed First Team
All-GSC honors, ranking third in the league rebounding (8.8) and fifth in
scoring (16.5). Uzoigwe, a First Team All-GSC selection, enters the
post-season leading the league in free throw percentage (.865?83-96) and
ranking second in the league in steals (1.86) and sixth in scoring (15.9).
White is the second OBU player in a row to earn All-Region accolades,
placing sixth in rebounds (7.2) and 10th in blocks (0.79).