2006 Winthrop Eagles Basketball Preview

2006 Winthrop Eagles Basketball Predictions

The Winthrop Eagles (23- 8 overall and 13- 3 in Big South), a team that barely managed to hold onto their winning coach Gregg Marshall (165- 78 in 8 years) who almost went to Charleston, return four starters and are poised to win a game or two in the NCAA Tournament. Last season the group won its sixth Big South championship in eight seasons.

Shooting guard Terrell Martin (13.8 PPG, 5.6 RPG) and point guard Chris Gaynor (6.9 PPG, 4.5 APG) are the best three-point tandem in the conference. Gaynor, a junior, is one of the finest playmakers in the country. Sophomore DeAndre Adams (1.3 PPG, 2.0 APG) backs up Gaynor with tenacious “D.” More depth is provided by junior Michael Jenkins (5.8 PPG, 1.8 RPG).

Senior swingman Craig Bradshaw (12.8 PPG, 6.0 RPG) is a versatile player who can hit threes and post up. He’s a dynamite rebound man too. The Eagles frontcourt can be dominant if Phillip Williams (5.6 PPG, 3.3 RPG) and Taj McCulloch (4.2 PPG, 1.8 RPG) can both take their games to new levels.

Because Marshall has been so successful, he’s been able to attract a higher caliber player than had been interested in Winthrop in prior years. The team is good offensively, but it’s on defense that they excel.

Last season the Eagles almost upset second-seed Tennessee in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament, but the Vols sunk a jumper at the buzzer. Winthrop is not going away. Look for this team to be back in the Big Dance and for them to come up with some post-season victories soon.

If you want more info on the 2006 Winthrop Eagles College basketball team check out the NCAA's official basketball team page of the program or check view other mid major previews from MadduxSports.com of universities like the Air Force Falcons and Xavier Musketeers.