Nov. 27, 2006

When Lewis Jackson accepted the offer to become head basketball coach at his alma mater, he said it was "a dream come true." Early into his first season, though, that dream probably seemed more like a nightmare.

His team was 2-13, and worse yet, Alabama State's archrival Alabama A&M, then leading the conference, was heading to town. But something clicked for ASU. Jackson and the Hornets upset A&M and went on to win nine of their next 10 games. Though his team stumbled a bit down the stretch, the foundation was laid. ASU basketball was on the move.

Heading into 2006-2007, the Hornets are without last year's leading rebounder and scorer Akeim Claborne. Also gone are part-time starters LeMarquis Blake and Alexander Oliver as well as important role players Cedric Mitchell and Herbert Warren.

Back, however, is sophomore shooting guard Andrew Hayles (6-5, 195, Mobile, Ala.), the reigning Southwestern Athletic Conference Newcomer of the Year. Hayles ended last season as one of the league's dominant scorers. He averaged 9.1 points per game and was one of the conference's premiere 3-point shooters.

Senior point guard Dustin Richmond (5-10, 170, Memphis, Tenn.) will play alongside Hayles in the backcourt. Richmond seized the starting position midway through last season and never let it go. Richmond led the team with 68 assists and was second from the free-throw line with 74 percent.

Power forward Richard Lott (6-7, 225, Fayetteville, Ga.) emerged as ASU's physical force around the basket. He was second on the team in rebounding (4.9 per game) and third in scoring (7.6).

Lott will be joined in the frontcourt by junior Joel Bosh (6-6, 200, Dallas, Texas), brother of NBA all-star Chris Bosh and perhaps the best athlete among the Hornet big men. Miguel Morton (6-10, 210, Decatur, Ga.) is versatile, and a breakout year is possible. Brandon Jones (6-5, 220, Long Beach, Ca.) brings size and strength in the low post.

Jackson expects significant contributions from a strong crop of newcomers.

In the backcourt, senior Moses Edun (6-5, 205, Ellenwood, Ga.) transferred from Auburn University and should provide immediately experience and stability. Jared Howard (6-5, 200, Dayton, Ohio) sat out last season as a redshirt and brings size to the backcourt. Deshean Porchea (6-1, 175, McDonough, Ga.) is a slick ballhandler and will back up Richmond at the point guard spot. Tahrea "T.J." Jackson (6-4, 190, Ellenwood, Ga.) is a junior college transfer with size and the ability to score. Kintrell Biddle (6-5, 190, Fayetteville, Ga.) brings additional athleticism and depth.

The frontcourt will benefit from several additions as well. Tremayne Moorer (6-6, 220, Hayneville, Ala.) is a strong, smooth interior scorer. Jacques Leeds (6-8, 205, Baltimore, Md.) is long and should be a solid rebounder and defender.