How about this for strange? The college football season opens in less than two weeks, and we’re gathered here to discuss … college basketball?
Specifically, the Colonial Athletic Association, which announced its league schedule for the 2015-16 season. From New Year’s Eve to the final Saturday in February, each team will play 18 games to position themselves for what really matters: the CAA tournament.
Last March, it was Northeastern beating William and Mary in the championship game, denying the Tribe what would have been its first NCAA bid. For the 29th time in 33 seasons, the Colonial was a one-bid league. W&M lost in the NIT.
Practice doesn’t begin for another seven weeks, but here are five games to circle on your calendar:
Jan. 9: Northeastern at William and Mary
These are two of the four teams that tied for first place last season, and both should be among the preseason favorites.
The bad news for the Tribe is the loss of guard Marcus Thornton, its all-time leading scorer. The good news is that the other four starters — wing Terry Tarpey, guard Daniel Dixon, wing Omar Prewitt and forward Sean Sheldon — are back.
Northeastern lost top scorer Scott Eatherton but returns double-figure scorers David Walker and Quincy Ford.
Jan. 16: James Madison at Hofstra
Two more teams with title aspirations.
The Dukes return their top seven players in terms of minutes played from last season. It all starts with point guard Ron Curry, who has started 81 games in his career. Eleven players on the roster are either juniors or seniors.
The Pride also has plenty returning, led by guards Juan’ya Green (17.1 ppg), Ameen Tanksley (16.2 ppg) and Brian Bernardi (11.6 ppg). An intriguing addition is 6-foot-10 Ibrahim Djambo, a transfer from Clemson. Hofstra was the CAA’s best offensive team by nearly five points a game.
Jan. 23: William and Mary at Hofstra
If this turns out to be half as entertaining as the last time they met, consider it a bargain.
Surely you remember it: the Tribe beat the Pride 92-91 in the CAA semifinals. W&M rallied from nine down with five minutes left and five down with 50 seconds to go. Thornton scored a tournament-record 37 points, but it was Dixon’s 3-pointer with eight-tenths of a second left that was the difference.
The greatest game in CAA tournament history? At the very least, it’s certainly in the conversation.
Feb. 21: Northeastern at Hofstra
The conference’s two northern-most members (in basketball) will go at it on a Sunday afternoon in Long Island. The Huskies won both of last season’s games, 91-83 at home and 79-68 on the road.
Feb. 27: William and Mary at James Madison
At the moment, it’s hard to say what will be on the line on the final Saturday of the regular season, but more likely than not seeding will be. Perhaps the top seed — as of mid-August, both teams certainly are worthy of consideration.
The Tribe swept last season’s series, winning 81-73 in Williamsburg and 84-65 (one of its best performances of the season) in Harrisonburg. W&M has won the last four against JMU.
Dave Johnson can be reached by phone at 757-247-4649.
W&M’s conference schedule
The full regular-season schedule will be released at a later date. Games (NBCSN) will be broadcast on NBC Sports Network.
Dec 31 vs. Towson; Jan. 2 vs. Charleston; Jan. 7 at Drexel; Jan. 9 vs. Northeastern; Jan. 14 at Charleston; Jan. 16 at UNC Wilmington; Jan. 21 vs. Elon; Jan. 23 at Hofstra; Jan. 28 at Delaware; Jan. 30 vs. James Madison; Feb. 4 at Northeastern; Feb. 6 vs. Delaware (NBCSN); Feb. 11 vs. Hofstra; Feb. 13 at Towson; Feb. 18 vs. UNC Wilmington; Feb. 20 vs. Drexel; Feb. 25 at Elon; Feb. 27 at JMU (NBCSN).
CAA Championship is March 4-7 in Baltimore.