2007-08 College Basketball Preview
Duquesne Dukes
By Ray Mernagh

Duquesne was just picked to finish 11th out of 14 teams in a preseason poll of A-10 league coaches and media. I guess any worries about some of the preseason hype surrounding this group resulting in swollen heads can now be put to rest. That "chip" on Kojo Mensah's shoulder that Ron Everhart likes so much just turned into a boulder. Everhart told me the A-10 is going to be strong this year but is it so strong that 10 teams are better than the Dukes? Duquesne adds athleticism, strength, skill, and speed at five different spots, not to mention one all league lock (James) and three-to-four others with that potential.

I'm thinking Duquesne has a chance at an NCAA bid, yet a conference that received 2 bids considers them no higher than 11th and sees no Duke worthy of 1st, 2nd, or 3rd team all conference. Somebody is crazy and it isn't me!

Yes, Duquesne is still dealing with the aftermath of the shootings - both injury-wise and getting ready for a trial as witnesses. They also don't really know if Stuard Baldonado will be in school or not (he's appealing his suspension/expulsion). They'll definitely miss Freshman of the Year Robert Mitchell, who transferred to Seton Hall once he got a look at Bill Clark and Damian Saunders in preseason workouts. So I can see where there might be some caution and skepticism regarding the potential of Everhart's squad.

Frankly, my worries about the Dukes are now calmed. I can see Everhart loading the locker room sound system with their new theme song right now. I leave you with words from the late Tupac Shakur's classic - "Me Against The World."

"Through every dark night, there's a bright day after that
So no matter how hard it get, stick your chest out
Keep your head up, and handle it."

In other words, step up Dukes!