Davidson Wildcats – Peyton Aldridge
Last season: 20.5 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 2.2 APG
Coach Bob McKillop has made a career out of finding players who fit into his system and making them better. Aldridge is a perfect example of this scenario, a player who has progressively gotten better and better as he has received more coaching. Aldridge was the team leader for the Wildcats in many categories last year. He led the team in minutes played and rebounds while finishing second in scoring. He also led their team in 3-point shooting percentage at 41% and free throw percentage at 83%. Aldridge is a player who shines the brightest against the brightest.
He was able to score 22 points in consecutive games against North Carolina and Kansas. He scored 30 points over 4 times and had 9 double-doubles on the year. Aldridge is the key player for Davidson, and he will receive the keys to the car this year for Coach McKillop with the graduation of Jack Gibbs. Davidson was 17-15 last year and look to improve and return to the NCAA tournament. Aldridge will be a key cog in that goal.
Dayton Flyers – Xeyrius Williams
Last season: 8.2 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 1.1 BPG
Dayton lost a lot of talent off of their roster last year. With the departures of Charles Cooke, Scoochie Smith and Kendal Pollard, the Flyers lost over 75% of their scoring. The Flyers also lost their coach Archie Miller to Indiana. Anthony Grant, a former Flyer great, takes the helm and has some talent returning.
Xeyrius Williams will be a big factor for Dayton going into the season. Williams may not be the player who is the No. 1 option on offense, but Williams brings many other things to the table for the Flyers. Williams averaged more than one block per game last year and brings great defensive prowess to the Flyers. Williams came off the bench last season but should be a starter this year for a Dayton squad that may struggle early.