Oct. 11, 2007

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association held its Annual Men's and Women's Basketball Media and Coaches Exchange on Thursday afternoon at the Charlotte Convention Center where the 2007-08 All-CIAA Pre-Season Teams and Predicted Order of Finish were announced to coaches, administrators, and media. The Golden Bulls of Johnson C. Smith University were picked to finish first in the Western Division after ending last season's campaign with a 16-9 overall record.

Maurice Hooper was one of two Golden Bulls to be selected to the Pre-Season team. Hooper was named All-CIAA and the team's most valuable player. He averaged a team leading 16.1 points per game. The 6-2 Reidsville, N.C. native returns for his senior season on the hardwood.

The reigning CIAA Rookie of the Year, Jerry Hollis was also named to the Pre-Season All-CIAA. Hollis averaged 11.2 points per game and 5.7 rebounds per game. The sophomore will be counted on heavily for his talents as the Golden Bulls look to bring the CIAA Championship back to the campus of JCSU.

Head men's basketball coach Steve Joyner, Sr., who is entering his 21st year at the helm of the basketball program said: "We have a 50-50 team. We have seven returners and seven newcomers. Maurice has the ability to be the best point guard in the league. We have a little bit of a blending task to do. We have some work to do as a team."

The team will open up the 2007-08 season when they host Bluefield State College on November 20, 2007. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in Brayboy Gymnasium.