Coach: Fang Mitchell, 13th season at Coppin State (226-128), 21st overall (453-173).
Affiliation: Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.
1997-98 record: 21-8 overall, 17-1 in MEAC.
Radio: None.
Arena: Coppin Center (3,000).
Starters lost: Four.
Tickets: $7 general admission. Call 410-383-5607.
Best home game: South Carolina State, Feb. 6. The Bulldogs defeated Coppin in the championship game of last season's MEAC tournament.
Best visiting player: Damian Woolfolk, Norfolk State, Jan. 25. Woolfolk, a junior guard, shot 43 percent and averaged 18.3 points last season.
Outlook: Mitchell uses one word to describe this season -- challenging. He's rebuilding with six newcomers who will have to play with an entirely different style. While last season's team lived and died with the one-on-one play of Danny Singletary and Antoine Brockington, this squad should be better playing as a team. Fred Warrick, who played in the shadow of the two top guns last season, will have to lead the way offensively. The biggest challenge for Mitchell will be finding steady play and muscle on the front line. If Dorian Pena recovers from the lateral meniscus tear in his right knee, he will provide an athletic inside presence.
Around the league: Look out for Hampton, whose 14-12 record last year was the team's best since moving up to Division I. Almost everyone is back from a Pirates team that played competitive contests last year against North Carolina and North Carolina State.
Returning players
Name -- Greg Hamond
Yr. -- Jr.
Ht. -- 6-6
Wt. -- 210
Pos. -- F
Fast breaks -- Saw limited action last season.
Name -- Jason Iacona
Yr. -- So.
Ht. -- 7-1
Wt. -- 200
Pos. -- C
Fast breaks -- Still struggling to add bulk.
Name -- Dorian Pena
Yr. -- Sr.
Ht. -- 6-6
Wt. -- 220
Pos. -- F/C
Fast breaks -- Main post threat when he returns from injury.
Name -- Rafi Reavis
Yr. -- Sr.
Ht. -- 6-9
Wt. -- 200
Pos. -- F/C
Fast breaks -- Started 15 games.
@Name -- Jerel Seamon
Yr. -- Sr.
Ht. -- 6-3
Wt. -- 180
Pos. -- G/F
Fast breaks -- Coppin's best defender.
@Name -- Fred Warrick
Yr. -- Sr.
Ht. -- 6-5
Wt. -- 185
Pos. -- G/F
Fast breaks -- Poised, should be main offensive threat.
Name -- Tyran Watkins
Yr. -- Jr.
Ht. -- 6-8
Wt. -- 210
Pos. -- F/C
Fast breaks -- Gifted but needs to play with confidence.
Newcomers
Name -- Jorge Cajigas
Yr. -- Jr.
Ht. -- 5-10
Wt. -- 160
Pos. -- G
Fast breaks -- JUCO All-American.
@Name -- Shatee Cooks
Yr. -- So.
Ht. -- 6-7
Wt. -- 250
Pos. -- F/C
Fast breaks -- Size will be needed.
Name -- Mark Davis
Yr. -- Fr.
Ht. -- 6-0
Wt. -- 205
Pos. -- G
Fast breaks -- Walk-on point guard.
@Name -- Terrance Lee
Yr. -- Fr.
Ht. -- 6-4
Wt. -- 200
Pos. -- G/F
Fast breaks -- Good perimeter shooter.
@Name -- Kofi Pointer
Yr. -- Jr.
Ht. -- 6-8
Wt. -- 215
Pos. -- F
Fast breaks -- Providence transfer eligible after first semester.
@Name -- Rasheem Sims
Yr. -- Fr.
Ht. -- 6-2
Wt. -- 165
Pos. -- G
Fast breaks -- Will battle Cajigas for starting point job.
Pub Date: 11/13/98