Over the last four seasons, the power surge of men’s basketball in the USA South Athletic Conference has shifted towards the Methodist Monarchs. During that tenure, head coach David Smith’s team has posted three consecutive conference regular championships and two straight conference tournament championships and NCAA Division III National Tournament bids.

In addition, Methodist posted a remarkable 43-11 mark in conference play over the last four seasons.

Smith and Monarchs hope to continue to improve off that trend in the 2005-06 season as Methodist guns for a fourth straight USA South title and third straight bid to the NCAA Division III National Tournament. The Monarchs return three starters off last season’s impressive 20-8 squad, and are once again the preseason pick in the USA South preseason poll.

“We can be as good as or better than any our previous teams over the last four years,” said Smith, who’s posted a 94-66 mark in six seasons at the Monarch helm. “I’m more guarded this season because our posts aren’t as tested as before. However, there are plenty of players on this team that have experienced the success and they possess that leadership needed to get it done.”

The Monarchs lost USA South Player of the Year in power forward Sam Porter and his 13 points and 10 rebounds a game, but return arguably the USA South’s best perimeter in seniors Seth Thomas and Eugene Grant and junior Robert Lee. Thomas was a first team All-USA South selection last season, while Grant was an honorable mention All-USA South selection.

Thomas, a 6-foot-4, 195-pounder, can rotate between the wing and post with his size and quickness. He is coming off a banner 2004-05 season in which he averaged 15 points and seven rebounds a game, while shooting 35 percent from 3-point range. He forms a deadly shooting duo with Grant, a 6-2, 200-pounder who averaged 12 points and four rebounds while shooting 32 percent from 3-point range with 96 assists.

The 6-0, 180-pound Lee completes this trio. One of the best defenders in the USA South, Lee came into his own last season, averaging 10 points a game while shooting 36 percent from 3-point range and 84 percent from the free throw line.

“Those three have been winners at every level, and are great role models for the younger players with their work ethic and desire,” Smith said. “Thomas took on a bigger role last season and produced big, while Eugene has always been solid no matter where we play him. Robert is an example of a player that has progressed each season, and he puts the clamps on the opposing point guard.”

Normally a wing, Grant has played extensively at point over the last couple of years. However, Smith would like to play him more at wing thanks to the continued development of sophomore Marcus Hairston. A 6-0, 180-pounder, Hairston showed some flashes as a freshman, and has worked hard over the offseason to become a more complete player at the point.

Senior Marchise Jones, junior Brian Lane, sophomore Michael Carter and freshmen Fred McDonald and David Terry each make the Methodist perimeter deep, athletic and talented.

“This can be the strength of the team,” Smith said. “They’re all good athletes and good shooters.”

Porter’s loss will give the Monarchs a different look on the post. However, Methodist figures to have more size and depth in the paint. Senior center Michael McEvoy (6-11, 228) and junior forward Dragon Radmanovic (6-7, 233) have both worked hard in the offseason, and appear to be ready to step in and start underneath.

Radmanovic is coming off a season in which he averaged six points a three rebounds a game, while also shooting 32 percent from 3-point range. McEvoy had 17 blocked shots in 20 games and figures to be an intimidating force defensively in the paint.

Three other posts who figure to make a difference down low are junior Brandon Williams, sophomore Craig Moore and freshman Travis McBryde.

The 6-5, 225-pound Williams is perhaps the Monarchs’ most talented post with tremendous offensive moves around the basket and a deadly jump shot from medium range. Moore, meanwhile, is bruiser in the paint with his 6-4, 235-pound frame who should be the team's enforcer on the glass. At 6-6 and 182 pounds, McBryde’s potential is unlimited on both ends of the floor, and he could develop into a talented post player in the USA South.

Smith also expects some action from senior Aaron Bahm (6-4, 205).

“You can’t replace someone like Sam, but there are some players here that can do some things that Sam couldn’t do,” Smith said. “They will each have more rebounding responsibilities since Sam’s not there to get all the boards. More importantly, each is very interchangeable and could start throughout the course of the season.

“Michael and Dragon both know the system well, while McBryde has a lot potential and is eager to learn.”

One aspect that has helped Methodist in its run at conference titles and NCAA Tournament bids over the last couple of seasons has been a tough pre-conference schedule. This season is no different as Methodist travels to NCAA Division I Appalachian State and have match-ups against nationally-ranked NCAA Division III squads Wooster and Virginia Wesleyan.

In addition, Methodist also travels to Mobile, ranked 18^th in the NAIA preseason Top 25.

“On paper, our preseason pick is legitimate, but we have to prove it again on the court,” Smith said. “We play the hardest non-conference schedule possible, so we need to keep everything afloat until the conference comes.”