Scott Gleeson

USA TODAY Sports

THE FIRST WORD: A team that finished 11-21 and ranked 290th in the country in scoring usually doesn't enter the following season as an obvious favorite to win its respective conference.

Consider Northeastern an anomaly.

"They've gotta be up there based on the guys they have coming back," William & Mary coach Tony Shaver said of Northeastern. "That team is going to be really, really good."

Northeastern coach Bill Coen won't disagree. He knows his team is stacked. Part of the reason for the dismal record last season was the loss of all-league forward Quincy Ford, who sat out last season because of a back injury injury. The Huskies get him back, along with Colonial Athletic Association defensive player of the year Scott Eatherton, who was fourth in the nation in double-doubles. Northeastern not only returns all five starters, it brings back seven players capable of starting.

The Huskies have depth, experience and the right mix of talent to be a Cinderella. That's all on paper, though. Coen, who piloted the Huskies to a CAA title in 2012-13, knows the execution will take a collaborative, disciplined approach.

"We're an elite academic school trying to be an elite basketball program. There's no secret," said Coen, in his ninth season on the Huskies' sideline. "We've won a league championship and been in some postseason play, but all of us want more. It's about March Madness."

2013-14 IN REVIEW: 11-21 overall, 7-9 Colonial Athletic Association.

PATH TO THE DANCE: CAA auto-bid. Hofstra, William & Mary and Drexel will be the top challengers.

PROJECTED TOURNEY SEED: No. 16.

NON-CONFERENCE SCHEDULE GRADE: B-

The Huskies play at Harvard, at UMass and at Florida State. Then factor in more road tests at Santa Clara and Richmond. They also will get top-tier competition in the Hall of Fame Classic.

STAR WATCH: Eatherton (15.9 ppg, 10.2 rpg) returns as the top scorer and rebounder. The 6-8 forward, who thrives on hustle plays, ranked nationally in 10 statistical categories last season.

X-FACTOR: Ford is 100% ready, according to Coen. And once the 6-8 guard-forward dusts the cobwebs off in game action, he'll undoubtedly be a vital piece to Northeastern's success. His return boosts the offense and defense because of his length and versatility on both ends. He'll keep the floor spaced, something that was surely missing last season.

STRENGTH/WEAKNESS: For a mid-major team, this is one of the best frontcourts around. Complementing Eatherton in the paint is Reggie Spencer (9.2 ppg, 6.6 rpg). That will be an area of strength, particularly in league play. This team's barometer for success will hinge upon guard play, however. The backcourt got much-needed experience last year. Northeastern runs a ball screen-driven motion offense that's highly based on synergy and smart decision-making. "As much as they improved last year, they're going to have to elevate more," Coen said of the guards. T.J. Williams is one of those players after averaging 6.9 points as a freshman. And Zach Stahl came into his own down the stretch last season, averaging 11.0 points and 9.0 rebounds in the last five games.

FUN FACT: LL Cool J received an honorary doctorate from the university during the spring 2014 commencement, joining his daughter, who earned her undergraduate degree.

BASICS: Northeastern is in Boston, and the Huskies play home games at the historic Matthews Arena, the world's oldest multipurpose athletic facility and nation's oldest active men's hoops arena. Entering its 105th year of operation, the arena, originally named Boston Arena, opened its doors on April 16, 1910, and served as the original home of the Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins. The century-old gem underwent a major renovation in 2009, which added state-of-the-art amenities while preserving its rich character.

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About this post: Every week day for the next three months, one of the 68 teams in USA TODAY Sports' projected field will be dissected. In November, the final bracket will be revealed.