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UNT MEN'S BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Sun Belt champions looking for big start

By TROY PHILLIPS

Star-Telegram Staff Writer

GETTY IMAGES/CHRIS GRAYTHEN

Guard Ben Bell is back for North Texas. DENTON -- Watching North Texas big men Quincy Williams and Keith Wooden play off each other last season was aesthetically pleasing.

Combined, Williams and Wooden weigh about 480 pounds. They'll pass to each other like wispy guards. No-look, fast-break, give-and-go -- they'll try it all and often get the two points.

"I love playing with Keith," said Williams, a 6-foot-8 senior forward/center. "He's got a great mind for the game and what we're doing out there. I'm looking forward to one more year with him."

Wooden, UNT's 6-foot-9, 250-pound senior center, should make a nice bookend opposite Williams this season. Those two and senior point guard Ben Bell, a co-captain last year with Williams, helped drive UNT to a school-record 23 victories (23-11) and a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

It was late-season magic for the Mean Green, which won seven of its last eight games to snare the Sun Belt Conference tournament championship and the program's second NCAA berth.

Williams was a co-captain, but he, Wooden and UNT's other big men fell in line behind excellent guard play as the season unfolded. Now, post play could be UNT's forte while a Bell-led troop of new guards finds its identity.

"Our freshmen know how to play," said Bell, who grew into his leading role late last season. "They don't play like freshmen. We've got some young guys, but you wouldn't know it."

Bell heads a particularly deep guard position that should challenge coach Johnny Jones' substitution acumen. Senior guard Dez Willingham, who had a final season of eligibility after graduating from SMU, has enrolled in graduate school at UNT.

Willingham, South Florida transfer Collin Dennis, junior-college transfer Adam McCoy and freshman Josh White could give UNT the Sun Belt Conference's deepest backcourt.

"Dez has played a lot of basketball," Williams said. "To get someone with his experience, that was big for us."

Wooden said he put his SBC title ring away for the season, but Jones prefers it stay within reasonable eyeball distance.

"It needs to be where he can see it," Jones said. "I want that to be a constant reminder of what he went through to get it, so he'll know how to get another one."

NORTH TEXAS MEN

Scouting report

UNT's guard play and outside shooting are crucial after the loss of seniors Kendrick Davis and Calvin Watson, as well as junior Michael Sturns (transferred). One way or another, six new players will shake up the program.

Players to watch

Keith Wooden, Sr., C: Reported to preseason workouts 15-20 pounds overweight but ran himself back to around 250 pounds. Good passer for a scoring/rebounding big man.

Quincy Williams, Sr., F/C: Must carry UNT at times because of so many freshmen and transfers. Good offensive rebounder with knack for double-doubles.

Josh White, Fr., G: Another small-school star from Louisiana with big scoring ability. If he doesn't start, he'll be UNT's biggest spark off the bench.

Story lines

1. More magic? Veterans drove UNT to last year's Sun Belt tournament title and NCAA first round. To get there again, newcomers must be a big part.

2. Guard depth. Senior Ben Bell is back at the point. White, transfers Dez Willingham, Collin Dennis and Adam McCoy and freshman Tristan Thompson could all fight for playing time.

3. Enough up front? With Rich Young graduated, Justin Howerton and Harold Stewart are the bulk of UNT's big-man depth. Are they enough?

Key dates

Saturday: Opener vs. Cameron, 7:30 p.m., Super Pit

Dec. 22: Sun Belt Conference opener at Denver, 5 p.m.

March 5, 8-11: Sun Belt Conference tournament, Mobile, Ala.

NORTH TEXAS WOMEN

Scouting report

With 10 returning players, UNT has juggled its starting lineup to get a mix of youth, experience and new talent. The bench is deeper, and problems at point guard that lingered late into last season could be eliminated. Improving on last year's 9-20 record shouldn't be difficult.

Players to watch

Brittney James, Soph., G: Scored in double figures 13 times as a true freshman, including 27 points against Louisiana-Monroe. Fast, fearless and creative off the dribble, but still growing into the college game.

Amber Jackson, Jr., F: Averaged 10.2 points per game, but UNT needs more consistent offense out of her. Defense could be her most improved area.

Talicia Sanders, Sr., P: Her 32 blocked shots and 6.6 rebounds per game led UNT. Must form an effective center rotation with sixth woman Erica Howard.

Story lines

1. Will Slinker return? The contract of 19-year coach Tina Slinker is set to expire unless she wins her way to an extension, adding some drama to the season.

2. Impact transfer. Colorado transfer Yari Escalera gives UNT more backcourt scoring with Brittney James, as well as major-college experience.

3. New role. Leading scorer Sanetra Jackson will miss the first 11 games tending to off-court issues, then come off the bench after starting part of last season at guard.

Key dates

Friday: Opener at Winthrop, 6 p.m.

Dec. 22: Sun Belt Conference opener at Denver, 2 p.m.

March 5, 8-11: Sun Belt Conference tournament, Mobile, Ala.

-- Troy Phillips

Troy Phillips, 817-390-7760

tphillips@star-telegram.com