Five reasons why the Owls should make the Big Dance in 2012

With the men's basketball team coming off one of the best seasons in school history, there is plenty to be optismistic about for next season.

The team poses for a photo after a victory against
Troy on Senior Night in Boca Raton, FL.

The team tied a school record with 21 wins and earned an automatic bid in the National Invitational Tournament where they were defeated by the Miami Hurricanes in the first round.

With this in mind, the Owls are in a good position to have even more success next season.

1. Only two players will depart from this year's squad. The team will lose two-time Sun Belt Defensive Player of the year Brett Royster and reserve center Justin Davis. The loss of Royster is big because he anchored the Owls defense in the post, but Davis did have as a big a role in the rotation. There is also speculation that seldom used Demonte Simpson, Darren Stewart, and Dylan O'Sullivan will transfer from the team.
2. Four starters return for next season. All-Conference selections Ray Taylor and Greg Gantt along with Dennis Mavin and Kore White return next year for the Owls. Mavin started 12 games last season as a true freshman and showed the potential to be a good player. White was playing in his first season for FAU after transferring from Marshall two seasons ago. These four players give the Owls much needed experience going into next season.
3. Depth and experience at the guard position. In addition to Taylor, Gantt, and Mavin the Owls will bring back veterans Alex Tucker and Shavar Richardson. Tucker was a key player coming off the bench for FAU. He caused headaches on defense for opponents and he shot the ball with confidence. Richardson struggled in his junior year after having success his first two years.
4. The coaching staff's ability to develop players. Coach Jarvis and his staff have shown the ability to develop the talent he has on the roster. He helped Gantt develop into an All-conference selection along with Royster as the two-time defensive player of the year. This off-season look for Jordan McCoy and Kore White to take their games to the next level.
5. The hunger for more. Despite the success the team had, they still missed out on the ultimate prize. A humbling loss to Miami in the first round of the NIT should make the team hungry to get better. Next season's goal should be to settle for nothing less than the NCAA Tournament.