October 13, 2003

FURMAN PALADINS PICKED FIFTH
IN SOCON PRESEASON POLL

CHARLESTON, S.C. -- The Furman Paladins have been picked fifth in the Southern Conference South Division preseason poll by the league head coaches.

Furman, which finished 14-17 overall and 8-8 in league play a year ago, garnered 25 points in voting by the coaches. College of Charleston led South Division balloting with 63 points and eight first place votes, followed by Davidson with 58 points and four first place votes. Georgia Southern finished third in the voting with 46 points, and Wofford was picked fourth with 37 points. The Citadel trailed Furman in the south division poll with 17 points.

East Tennessee State, the SoCon's defending tournament champion, was picked to win the North Division with 63 points and eight first place votes. The Buccaneers were followed by Chattanooga (59) and UNC Greensboro (43). Appalachian State and Western Carolina tied for fourth with 32 points each, and league newcomer Elon was sixth with 17 points.

Two seniors, center Marijan Pojatina and forward Maleye Ndoye, comprise Furman's cast of returning starters. The Paladins must replace departed All-Southern Conference performers Karim Souchu and Guilherme Da Luz, both of whom are now playing professionally in Europe. Souchu finished his career as Furman's fourth all-time leading scorer (2,014 points), and Da Luz last year became the first player in league history to top 1,000 points, 600 assists, 500 rebounds, and 200 steals.

Furman, which tips off its season on Nov. 22 at James Madison, is coached by Larry Davis, who is entering his seventh season in charge of the Paladin program.