During ESPN.com's 2002-03 Season Preview, the results of a national survey of Division I coaches and players (more than 170 responses) will be unveiled. The graphs below are broken down into three categories: Players, Coaches and Overall results. The comments were made with the assurance no names would be used, allowing those who must deal with the toughest elements this season to express their true feelings entering the 2002-03 season.

Toughest Mid-Major Player?

Overall Survey    Chris Marcus, Western Kentucky (27%)    Brett Blizzard, UNC-Wilmington (13%)    Theron Smith, Ball State (11%)    Kyle Korver, Creighton (9%)    Antonio Gates, Kent State (4%)    Cory Violette, Gonzaga (3%)

Why?

"Slowed because of his foot injury last year, he's playing to get drafted this season." ------------ "He is too big and too strong for anyone in that league. But he's as good a big man as there is in the country." ----------------------------------- "Would have been a lottery pick last year."

"He dropped 30 on Indiana in the tournament, check out his stats ... he's the best shooter in the country." ----------------------------------- "He can flat-out score."

"He has an NBA body to go along with 3-point range and good inside game." ----------------------------------- "A double-double guy night in and night out." ----------------------------------- "He is legit!"

Toughest Mid-Major Player?

Coaches Survey    Chris Marcus, Western Kentucky (38%)    Brett Blizzard, UNC-Wilmington (14%)    Kyle Korver, Creighton (12%)    Antonio Gates, Kent State (10%)    Cory Violette, Gonzaga (5%)

Why?

"Why not? He's 7-foot and huge down low." ------------ "Glad to see he stayed in school. He's a guy who could be drafted in the top five next June." ----------------------------------- "Good hands and moves good for a big man."

"The CAA's player of the year is also the best shooter in the country." -------------- "A solid performer, who is a winner and makes everyone around him a winner."

"He was a consistent backcourt presence in leading Jays to the tournament again." ----------------------------------- "Has an all-around game both inside and out."

Toughest Mid-Major Player?

Players Survey    Chris Marcus, Western Kentucky (19%)    Theron Smith, Ball State (18%)    Brett Blizzard, UNC-Wilmington (12%)    Kyle Korver, Creighton (7%)    Cory Violette, Gonzaga (5%)    Brandon Hunter, Ohio (4%)    Ronald Blackshear, Marshall (3%)

Why?

"Seems to have great natural ability for a big man." ------------ "A skilled player who could play anywhere in the country."

"He is just a matchup problem anywhere on the court." ----------- "A great rebounder, has a good offensive game and is both athletic and aggressive."

"Just a tremendous all-around player. Not just a great shooter. He's a scorer." ----------------------------------- "He destroyed a few high major teams last year."