New knee, but same Cremins

Now it can be told. Bobby Cremins, born on the Fourth of July 62 summers ago, felt like some unprintable word. The College of Charleston's head basketball coach wasn't himself down the stretch of the 2008-2009 season.

"My whole body seemed to be breaking down the last month," Cremins said Friday.

Most of the problems were tied to pain surrounding a left knee, surgically replaced May 5.

He is getting around with a cane.

"Five years ago, I had a knee replacement," Cremins said. "I had a perfectly good knee after that surgery, but I had scar tissue all over the place. I just didn't have much range of motion. This surgery was a tough decision because it's a tough operation. But I decided to go for it. It's been hard, but I've busted my butt in rehab."

The effort should pay off, for Cremins and Cougars fans.

"Maybe," he said, "this will add a couple extra years coaching."

The former South Carolina forward and Georgia Tech head coach seems more bullish about the Charleston program than at any time since he signed on as head coach in July of 2006.

For four good reasons.

SoCon favorites

--The Cougars made it to the 2009 Southern Conference Tournament championship game before losing to Chattanooga on its home court and project as SoCon favorites for 2010. Guards Andrew Goudelock, Tony White Jr. and Donavan Monroe are back along with forwards Jeremy Simmons, Antwaine Wiggins and Matt Sundberg. Big guys Jermaine Johnson and Dustin Scott will be missed, but 6-8 Florida State transfer Casaan Breeden has one year of eligibility.

--Charleston defeated Davidson in two of three meetings last season, and the once-dominant Wildcats, reduced to an NIT bid in 2009, are not nearly as formidable with star guard Stephen Curry opting for the NBA draft.

"I really thought he would stay," Cremins said. "But I think the (ankle) injury he had last season had something to do with his decision. That was a tough period for him and for his team. I think he was looking for another challenge."

--The incoming freshman class looks good. The Cougars have signed forwards Rashad Wright (6-10, 210) and Willis Hall (6-6, 230). Sources say the official paperwork will arrive soon from 6-1 point guard Andrew Lawrence, a native of England whose father Renaldo Lawrence played for Cremins at Appalachian State.

"We might not have the inside presence right away that Jermaine and Dustin gave us, but Simmons played a lot of basketball last year, and we'll give Breeden, Wright and Hall a chance," Cremins said.

Clemson games

--Cremins is close to finalizing Charleston's most challenging and intriguing schedule. Defending national champion North Carolina will visit Carolina First Arena, and the Cougars will play at Clemson, Tennessee and in Honolulu's Diamond Head Classic. Clemson is a 2-for-1 deal with head coach Oliver Purnell promising Cremins one game in Charleston.

Cremins sought the game in Knoxville for Tennessee natives White and Wiggins, and Volunteers head coach Bruce Pearl might be willing to play in Charleston, Cremins said.

Typically bouncing up and down King Street or looking for a tennis match, all this inactivity is tormenting Cremins.

"Not being able to get out and play tennis and golf," he said, "that's what hurts the most."

At least the NBA Finals are on.

Pleasant college basketball thoughts make rehab a little easier, too.

Reach Gene Sapakoff at gsapakoff@postandcourier.com or 937-5593.