Alcorn State Braves picked by coaches as team to beat in SWAC basketball

JACKSON, Miss. -- In the 1970s and 1980s, the Alcorn State University Braves stole the hearts of America, inspiring the underdogs of the world as they accomplished feats that were once reserved only for the so-called "major" powers of college basketball.

The Braves became the first team from an African-American university to compete in and win a game in the NIT and one year later did the same in the NCAA Division I tournament. During that magical reign, the Braves captured nine Southwestern Athletic Conference regular-season championships, six SWAC tournament crowns and they made two appearances in the NIT and four appearances in the NCAA tourney. But in the late 1980s and early 1990s, hard times befell the ASU program, legendary head coach Davey L. Whitney was relieved of his duties and the program was oftentimes less than mediocre.

Three years ago, in an effort to restore the luster, ASU school officials made the dramatic decision to rehire Whitney. They've had no second thoughts at all about that move.

Two years ago, the Braves won the SWAC regular-season and tournament titles and nearly pulled off a major upset in the first round of the NCAA tournament, losing to heavily favored Stanford, 69- 57. And last season, the team repeated as SWAC regular-season champions. They were upset in the SWAC tourney semifinals to eventual champion Jackson State.

If the head coaches are correct, the Braves should feign off a stern challenge from Alabama State to win yet another SWAC championship. Alcorn State picked up five out of 10 first place votes and a high 79 points in the coaches' poll.

"Alcorn State is the defending champion and they have the best front line players returning as well as good back court players," said Alabama State head coach Rob Spivery. "Marcus Fleming should be the player of the year. Coach Whitney is an outstanding coach. Therefore, I think Alcorn should win the championship."

Other coaches in the league obviously feel the same way, including Vann Pettaway of Alabama A&M.

"Alcorn State is the most experienced team in the SWAC," stated Pettaway. "They know how to win and they have one of the toughest home courts in the league."

While the Braves are set to enter the 2000-01 season with favored status, it wouldn't be a shocker if the league's other "ASU" managed to ascend to the top of the SWAC standings. The Alabama State Hornets picked up four first place votes and 74 points in the coaches' poll for a very strong second place prediction.

Following Alcorn State and Alabama State in the preseason coaches' rankings are Mississippi Valley State, which is picked third with 50 points, Prairie View A&M, fourth with 47 points and one first place nod, and Southern, fifth with 46 points.

Rounding out the rankings are Alabama A&M and Texas Southern, who tied for sixth with 44 points each, Jackson State, eighth with 42 points, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, ninth with nine points, and Grambling State, 10th with 12 points.

SOUTHWESTERN ATHLETIC CONF.2000-01 MEN'S COACHES' POLL

1. Alcorn State (79)          T6. Alabama A&M (44)2. Alabama State (74)             Texas Southern (44)3. Miss. Valley St. (50)       8. Jackson State (42)4. Prairie View A&M (47)       9. Ark.-Pine Bluff (21)5. Southern Univ. (46)        10. Grambling State (12)

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