Aug. 2, 2006

Early August is a milestone for diehard college basketball fans as it marks the halfway point between the end of the previous season and the beginning of the coming campaign. For those desperate for some hoops talk, the Colonial Athletic Association has released its 2006-07 Men's Basketball Preview.

The 29-page document has notes and photos from the past season and a preview of the coming year. Each team has a full page with a look at their roster, quick facts and team info. There are also plenty of color action photos of many of the conference's top players.

Mason men's basketball fans can circle October 13 on the calendar as the date of this year's Midnight Madness. That's the first date the NCAA allows teams to hold official practices and the Patriots will host their annual festivities at the Patriot Center that night.