Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, November 16, 1995 TAG: 9511160017
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: DANIEL UTHMAN STAFF WRITER LENGTH: Medium
The men's basketball coaches in the Dixie Conference must think last season's seniors took Ferrum's future with them when they graduated from the college in May.
The Panthers, league champions three of the past four years, were picked sixth among seven teams when the coaches voted this preseason.
``It's been quite awhile since we've been picked that low,'' said Bill Pullen, the Panthers' coach. ``But history has proved the rankings don't mean much.''
Last season, Ferrum was picked fourth, but finished first. In 1992-93 and '91-92, it was picked second but finished first. And the one time the Panthers were picked first, they tied for third.
If Ferrum is to prove the prognosticators wrong this time, the Panthers will have to rely on two youngsters: sophomores Marcus Toney and Michael Hunter. Toney averaged 16.4 points per game last season and scored 20 more 10 times, including a string of six games.
Hunter, a graduate of Alleghany High School, was enrolled at Ferrum last year but sat out the season with a heart condition. The 6-foot-3 swingman has been cleared to play by doctors, however, and should start from day one.
``I think he's going to be a good one,'' Pullen said.
Toney and Hunter won't be the only offensive threats. There are plenty more, which may be the Panthers' edge this season.
``We have four guys who can score 20 points on any night.'' Pullen said. ``Toney, [Tony] Meredith, [Rodney] Ponzo, Hunter ... we don't have anyone you can leave alone.''
In addition, Chucky Ellis, one of the Dixie's top rebounders the past two seasons, is back with an improved medium-range jumper.
Another key returnee won't be suiting up, but will be as valuable as anyone on the squad. Kevin Keatts, one of those seniors who graduated in the spring, is back as a volunteer assistant. He joins new assistant Steve Proefrock on Pullen's 11th Panthers staff.
Ferrum opens the season at 5:30 p.m. Saturday against Oglethorpe in the first round of the Salem Bank & Trust Tournament at Roanoke College's Bast Center.
by CNB