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Tuesday, November 7
Patriot League Breakdown

ESPN.com

HOW THEY'LL STACK UP

NAVY: Even without Sitapha Savane, the Middies are loaded.

LAFAYETTE: We salute the job Fran O'Hanlon has done in Easton, Pa.

BUCKNELL: Good this year, possibly special next season.

LEHIGH: Sal Mentesana named country's best-dressed coach in 2000-01.

COLGATE: It's the "Pat Campolieta Show," but where's the supporting cast?

HOLY CROSS: Last year's M*A*S*H unit at least appears healthy.

ARMY: Cadets don't shoot well and can't see over defenses.

Tuesday, Nov. 7
The Patriot League will add American University next season, and Jeff Jones could take over the conference with his ability to recruit. But, for now, this is still Navy's domain.

The Midshipmen have the player of the year in Chris Williams and host the first two rounds of the conference tournament. The final will be at the site of the highest seed and that could easily still be Navy.

Unfortunately, Navy won't get anything higher than a No. 15 seed come the NCAA Tournament.

ESPN.com All-Patriot League

Guard: Tyson Whitfield
Senior, 6-4, Lafayette

Guard: Chris Spatola
Junior, 5-11, Army

Forward: Pat Campolieta
Sophomore, 6-6, Colgate

Forward: Chris Williams
Senior, 6-4, Navy

Center: Josh Sankes
Senior, 7-1, Holy Cross

Player of Year ...
Chris Williams, F, Navy
A two-time all-Patriot League selection, the 6-4 senior provide athleticism not found in the delibertate pace of the Patriot League. Williams averaged 15 points and 6.1 rebounds as a junior -- second on the team in both categories. Don't be surprised if he leads the team in both this season.

Introducing ...
Alex Jensen, G, Lehigh
The 6-2 freshman Jensen was fourth in Connecticut scoring last season, averaging 27 points a game. But he did it all, grabbing five rebounds and handing out six assists a game as well. He'll get plenty of minutes this season for the Mountain Hawks.

Best backcourt ...
Lafayette: Tim Bieg and Tyson Whitfield. The co-captains return for another season together after combining for over 20 points as a junior duo. The 6-4 Whitfield led the Leopards in scoring last season (12.7 ppg), while 5-11 Tieg scored 8.1 points a night. Bieg is especially dangerous from behind the 3-point arc, where he shot a league-leading 43 percent (91 of 213).

Best frontcourt ...
Navy: Chris Williams, Scott Long and Robert Reeder. Williams' versatility allows him to play both inside and outside, which makes him the player of the year candidate this season. Long, a 6-6 sophomore, and Reeder, a 6-7 senior, both started up front as well. Senior swingman John Williams (6-5) is a defensive stopper.

Team on way up ...
Lehigh: Not much changes in the Patriot League up top, but with a few breaks this season the Mountain Hawks could make things interesting. They certainly deserve some good luck.

Team on way down ...
Army: Unlike their fellow servicemen at Navy, the Cadets aren't contenders. They don't shoot well and without a player over 6-6 on the roster, it figures to be another struggle in 2000-01.

Tournament tough ...
NCAA: Navy.

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