Georgia Preview Capsule

Georgia Preview Capsule

Eds: With BKC--Georgia Preview. Should stand

By The Associated Press=

Georgia

Last season: 20-14, lost in second round of the NIT.

Nickname: Bulldogs.

Coach: Mark Fox.

Conference: Southeastern.

Who's gone: G Kenny Gaines, G Charles Mann.

Who's back: G J.J. Frazier is SEC's leading returning scorer, at 16.9 points per game. Frazier is a 3-point specialist and leader who Fox says is the best player-coach he has had. F Yante Mate, a junior, is SEC's third-leading returning scorer (16.5) and second-leading returning rebounder (8.0). G Juwan Parker was a starter two years ago when he suffered an Achilles tendon injury that forced him to miss last season. He could re-emerge as a starter on the wing and scoring complement to Frazier and Maten. F Derek Ogbeide was a part-time starter as a freshman who is more accomplished as a rebounder than a scorer.

Who's new: F Pape Diatta. A transfer from the College of Southern Idaho, Diatta (6-7, 220) has outside scoring potential that could earn him a role on the wing.

The Skinny: The Bulldogs may miss Gaines and Mann early but have excellent leaders in Frazier and Maten and improved depth. Fox has posted three straight 20-win seasons but has had to settle too often for NIT berths. With eight of top 10 scorers back from last year, he needs to take team to NCAA tournament.

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Online:

AP College Basketball: www.collegebasketball.ap.org