Nov. 7, 2007

By Fred Huff, Media Coordinator

USC Upstate's coach, Eddie Payne, isn't necessarily asking for mercy as one of the nation's most recent teams to join the NCAA's Division I ranks, but he could hardly have been assigned to a tougher start than being placed in the 2007 TOWC's bottom bracket along with Akron, Portland State and IUPUI. It's loaded.

Payne, however, isn't expected to back off a single step. In his 22-year coaching career, his teams have won 350 games while losing just 287 and have gone up against the likes of UCLA, Stanford and Arizona while serving as Oregon State's head man in 1995-2000.

And, the Spartans will already have faced a major Division I opponent by the time they arrive in Fairbanks. Upstate is challenging a tough Utah club in Salt Lake City Nov. 9 on its way to the TOWC.

Last season: The Spartans won 17 of 28 games in their final season as a Division II club and were 9-7 in the Peach Belt Conference which was good for second place in the North Division. Lander was the champion.

Key personnel losses: Not making this season's hopes any brighter is the fact that only two of last year's top seven scorers are returning. Jay Free (250-14.2), Daniel Quinlan (376-13.4), Ante Pikunic (218-7.8), Jabreel Moton (176-6.3) and Preston Eppinger (127-4.5) have all completed their careers at USC Upstate.

Key returning players: Luke Payne, a 6-2 senior guard, was Upstate's third-leading scorer last season when he averaged 11.2 points-per-game and 3.1 rebounds per. Jeremy Byrd, a 5-11 senior guard, scored 281 points (10.8). Other returning lettermen include Zac Rich who collected 117 (4.3) and Nick Schneiders 45 (2.1).

Key newcomers: In addition to seven freshmen listed on Upstate's early roster were a pair of junior college transfers who hopefully will be able to provide Upstate with some immediate inside strength. They are Bobby Davis, a 6-6 forward from Hutchinson Community College, and Justin Houser, a 6-9 center, from Cloud County Community College.

What they are saying: Coach Eddie Payne told Spartanburg media members recently, "We're definitely stepping into the highest level of college basketball, but I think that's going to be good. I don't see any reason to wade in the water. Let's just dive in and see how the water is." In regard to the Spartans playing in the TOWC in Fairbanks, Payne said, "I don't think it's going to be easy, but I think this group can handle the challenge we face and the bumps and bruises that come with. In terms of the character aspect, I think they'll maintain the right attitude through it all."