Prospectus for 2003-04 season

CHARLOTTE 49ERS BASKETBALL, 2003-04

The 49ers have had a proven recipe for success in Conference USA. Always a dangerous three-point shooting team, the 49ers have been at their best when they’ve had a strong frontcourt to balance the perimeter attack. In addition to the remarkable frontcourt-backcourt duo of Demarco Johnson and Sean Colson, who led the 49ers to the NCAAs in 1997 and 1998, head coach Bobby Lutz has relied on an inside-out game to secure three NCAA bids in his five-year tenure. In 1999, Diego Guevara led C-USA in threes, but Galen Young and Kelvin Price provided frontcourt presence. In 2001, the league’s top long-range shooter, Jobey Thomas, played alongside Guevara, and was balanced by the explosive inside game of Rodney White. In 2002, Thomas again reigned over C-USA three-point shooters, but double-double man Cam Stephens provided the steadying inside force.

In 2003-04, the 49ers have another great perimeter duo in senior Demon Brown, who ranked 2nd in the NCAAs last year with a school and C-USA record of 137 threes, and junior Bendan Plavich, a transfer from Vanderbilt who led the SEC in three-point shooting as a sophomore.

For balance, however, Lutz has assembled a corps of frontcourt players to complement the outside attack. Sophomore Curtis Withers, a C-USA all-freshman choice, last year, averaged nearly 10 points and led the league’s frosh with 6.4 rebounds. With good moves and touch around the basket and a silky 15-foot jumper, Withers will be a key offensive weapon. Senior Calvin Clemmons returns following his solid first year with the 49ers that was impeded by an injury. Senior Butter Johnson is back, as well, giving the 49ers an athletic player who can get to the basket. Add two newcomers, ESPN.com’s top center prospect, Martin Iti with JuCo all-America C.J Pigford and the 49ers have the means and muscle to score, defend and rebound in the paint.

Speaking of rebounding, don’t forget junior Eddie Basden, who led the Niners in boards last year from his wing slot. The do-it-all swing improved his offense, led the team in steals and ranked among the league leaders in caroms. He brings an intangible to the court that creates big plays at big times. In addition, the backcourt includes reserve point Mitchell Baldwin, zone-buster Chris Sager and incoming combo guard Marcus Bennett.

The 49ers dedicated their post-season to greater intensity and mental and physical toughness. It’s time to put it to work.


THE 49ERS:
Returners:
Demon Brown (6-1; Sr.; G)
16.8 ppg; 2.6 rpg – 2nd in NCAA w/137 3FG
Curtis Withers (6-8:, So.; F)
9.4 ppg; 6.4 rpg – C-USA all-freshman team
EddieBasden (6-5; Sr.; G/F)
6.3 ppg; 6.9 rpg – led 49ers in rebounds and steals (61)
Calvin Clemmons (6-8; Sr.; C)
6.2 ppg; 5.4 rpg
Butter Johnson (6-8; Sr.; F)
6.6 ppg; 3.5 rpg
Mitchell Baldwin (6-2; So; G)
4.1 ppg; 1.4 rpg
Chris Sager (6-4; Jr. G)
4.9 ppg; 1.4 rpg

Sat out 2002-03:
Brendan Plavich (6-2; Jr.; G)
Transfer from Vanderbilt; .436 3FG% (86-195 to lead SEC

Newcomers:
Marcus Bennett (6-3; Jr.: G)
originally signed with Michigan, combo guard should shine in uptempo offense
Martin Iti (7-0; Fr.; C)
ESPN.com’s #1 center prospect, 49ers’ first-ever Top 10 signee
C.J. Pigford (6-7; Jr.; F)
3rd team Junior College all-America, 18.2 ppg; 7.3 rpg with .370 3FG%

Notes:
For five straight years, a 49er had led C-USA in three-pointers made: 1999 – Diego Guevara; 2000 – Jobey Thomas; 2001 – Jobey Thomas; 2002 – Jobey Thomas; 2003 – Demon Brown.

Demon Brown, who set school and C-USA records with 137 threes, hit more treys than DePaul (128), East Carolina (119) and Southern Miss (117).

Curtis Withers led C-USA freshmen in rebounding with 187 boards, third-best all-time among 49er freshmen.

Martin Iti was tabbed as the eighth-best prospect by ESPN.com and #19 by InsiderHoops.com, becoming the highest rated recruit in school history.

With his seventh win, thi season, Bobby Lutz will become just the second 49er mentor to reach 100 wins (Jeff Mullins – 182).

The 49ers hold a 72-17 record at Halton arena, a .809 winning percentage.

 

I see you got the mailer also! Received mine yesterday. The season can't get here soon enough!!

GO NINERS!!!!!!!!!

 

Correct VA, I'm just the messenger. If one person who hasn't gotten the mailer reads this, I've accomplished the goal.

Madness is coming! Go Niners!

 

I read yours and read it again when I opened my mail tonight. Thanks HP.