Winston-Salem State finished its season on a positive note last week, defeating S.C. State 61-59 on Andrew Jackson's last-second jump shot, but again had no chance to play in a conference tournament.
Despite some late struggles by the Rams, Coach Bobby Collins said he considered the 12-17 finish a success.
"I would have called (the season) a bigger success, but losing these last few games (two of the final three) left a sour taste in our mouths," Collins said. "However, I still say it was a success because we fought a lot of odds in spite of what we couldn't play for."
The Rams played a MEAC schedule again but weren't eligible for this week's conference tournament at Joel Coliseum. Their situation will change next season when they will return to the CIAA and be eligible for the popular CIAA Tournament in Charlotte.
Collins, who was given a three-year contract extension, said he doesn't know how many of his players will return next season.
Guards Brian Fisher (the leading scorer) and Brandon Hobbs have used up their eligibility, and others might transfer because of WSSU's decision to end the move to Division I.
The Rams have some talented players who could fit in well at MEAC programs.
"Regardless of what decisions these young men make, we are going to coach them and recruit them to stay," Collins said.
"I hope they all stay. If not, we are going to hit the recruiting trail hard and see what happens."
The Rams' season highlights were a two-game sweep of rival N.C. A&T for the first time in 30 years and the buzzer-beating victory over S.C. State on Thursday night.
One player who could leave is center Paul Davis, a 6-9 junior who had a breakout season.
"This season has been very tough," Davis said last week. "Next year we are going back to the CIAA, and that's good, but it has been a long ride…."
Davis couldn't say what the future holds for him and the rest of the Rams.
"We haven't discussed it at all yet," he said. "Everybody is waiting until the end of the year to figure it all out.… I'd like to come back, but I don't know."
The feeling among players during the season was that if the team stays intact, it could make a run at the CIAA title next season. The chance to play in the postseason could be one reason to stay.
"We've all talked about playing in the CIAA next season. That is something we have talked about," Davis said.
If there are no transfers, Fisher will be the only starter lost, and few CIAA teams start a 6-9 power forward (Davis) and a 6-10 center (Corey Morris). Jackson, who would be a senior, can play point guard or shooting guard, and forward Shelton Carter would be another senior starter. Collins, for the first time, would have a wealth of experience.
"The future looks bright if we stay together," Carter said. "There are all kinds of rumors, but we all want to stay together, so we'll see what happens."
jdell@wsjournal.com
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