Coach: Don DeVoe, seventh season at Navy (99-73), 26th overall (427-301).
Affiliation: Patriot League.
1997-98 record: 19-11 overall, 10-2 in Patriot League.
Radio: WNAV (1430 AM).
Arena: Alumni Hall (5,710).
Starters lost: Three.
Tickets: $6 general admission. Call 800-US4-NAVY.
Best home game: Lafayette, Jan. 9. A rematch of the stirring Patriot League final last year.
Best visiting player: Bryant Smith, Auburn, Dec. 19. High-scoring forward was second-team All-Southeastern Conference last year.
Outlook: The Midshipmen, seeking their third straight league title, need to compensate for the lost leadership of inside force Hassan Booker and point guard Michael Heary. Senior guard Skip Victor, MVP in last year's league tournament, must serve as role model for his youthful teammates. DeVoe expects to extend his bench with a number of promising sophomores, including center Mike Cunningham and forwards John Williams and Robert Reeder, who will supply frontcourt depth. Sophomore Reggie Skipworth will have to mature quickly at the point, and forwards Chris Williams and Sitapha Savane must provide consistent scoring. Late-blossoming senior center Josh Williams could hold the key to the season after showing flashes last season as a scorer and rebounder.
Around the league: Lafayette was pegged as team to beat until senior center Stefan Ciosici suffered a season-ending knee injury. Forward Brian Ehlers will now have to take on a heavier load. Lehigh will prove tough with the explosive presence of Brett Eppihimer.
Returning players
!Name -- Robert Reeder
Yr. -- So.
Ht. -- 6-7
Wt. -- 235
Pos. -- F
Fast breaks -- Fundamentally sound, solid defender.
Name -- Sitapha Savane
Yr. -- Jr.
Ht. -- 6-8
Wt. -- 229
Pos. -- F
Fast breaks -- Made All-Rookie team last year.
Name -- Reggie Skipworth
Yr. -- So.
Ht. -- 6-2
Wt. -- 185
Pos. -- G
Fast breaks -- Showed poise in brief trial at point.
@Name -- Jeremy Toton
Yr. -- Jr.
Ht. -- 6-6
Wt. -- 206
Pos. -- G
Fast breaks -- Outstanding shooter.
Name -- Skip Victor
Yr. -- Sr.
Ht. -- 6-3
Wt. -- 200
Pos. -- G
Fast breaks -- Newly anointed leader.
Name -- Chris Williams
Yr. -- So.
Ht. -- 6-4
Wt. -- 210
Pos. -- F
Fast breaks -- Mids' biggest offensive threat.
Name -- John Williams
Yr. -- So.
Ht. -- 6-6
Wt. -- 195
Pos. -- F
Fast breaks -- All-out hustler.
Name -- Josh Williams
Yr. -- Sr.
Ht. -- 6-11
Wt. -- 235
Pos. -- C
Fast breaks -- Must fulfill potential.
Newcomers
Name -- Mike Cunningham
Yr. -- So.
Ht. -- 6-10
Wt. -- 238
Pos. -- C
Fast breaks -- Strong inside moves.
Name -- Josh Hill
Yr. -- So.
Ht. -- 6-7
Wt. -- 225
Pos. -- F
Fast breaks -- Labeled "sleeper" by DeVoe.
@Name -- Shawn Murray
Yr. -- So.
Ht. -- 6-4
Wt. -- 198
Pos. -- G
Fast breaks -- Outstanding athlete.
Name -- Chris Worthing
Yr. -- So.
Ht. -- 6-3
Wt. -- 185
Pos. -- G
Fast breaks -- Excellent ballhandler.
Pub Date: 11/13/98