Pick me out a limb and I'll step right on it. That would be the most appropriate position for my next bold prediction.

This time next year, expect East Carolina to hit its stride in full pursuit of a postseason berth. Even after the Conference USA tournament, look for the Pirates to receive a bid — NCAA or NIT — that will extend their season past the second week of March.

No doubt a gutsy call given ECU's current residence in the conference cellar. But at the same time, plenty of evidence suggests the Pirates will make a significant climb up the league standings next year.

Much of my logic is married to the Pirates' last three performances, consecutive losses to Charlotte, Memphis, and UAB by a combined 15 points. Though not wins, ECU traded blows with a trio of NCAA tournament locks and was in excellent position to pull the upset in all three games.

By far, it was the best stretch of basketball the Pirates have played in C-USA.

"We're putting ourselves in much (better) position to win games this year than we ever have since we've been in this league," Pirates coach Bill Herrion said last week. "I don't know what my bosses are thinking, but to me that's progress.

"We're not there yet. Don't take this the wrong way, but we're not getting the same players that (Calipari) is getting."

But the gap is closing.

Unlike the past two seasons, East Carolina isn't losing games by embarrassing margins. The number of match-up problems that previously existed for the Pirates in league games has decreased significantly.

Matter of fact, Herrion has upgraded recruiting to the point that ECU now has the advantage at times at a couple of positions, regardless of the opponent.

In freshman guard Mike Cook, the Pirates have an ulcer-in-the-making for rival coaches. With the strength of a power forward and finesse of a point guard, Cook is a one-of-a-kind specimen in a talent-rich league.

Combine that with his commitment to play within the flow of the game and overall court savvy, and the sky is the limit for ECU's brawny diaper dandy.

The steady improvement of center Moussa Badiane over the past few weeks is another sign of changing tides. Despite little help in the low post, the rangy rejecter has managed to avoid foul trouble for much of the second half of the season, providing the Pirates with an intimidating presence at both ends of the floor.

With a triumvirate of impressive frontcourt horses — Keith Foster, Mike Castro, and Charles Bronson — set to join the Pirates next season, Badiane will be given the green light to play with more aggression, as his foul status will become less of an issue with a deeper bench.

No doubt, there will be losses for which ECU must compensate in order to make a postseason run. Though Derrick Wiley has a tendency to launch his share of ill-advised shots, he has been the Bucs' most consistent scoring threat the past two seasons. And while Erroyl Bing is turnover prone and inconsistent with his shot, his hustle and fierce attack on the boards is unmatched.

That goes without mentioning several key areas in which the Pirates' returnees must improve.

Freshman Japhet McNeil must get stronger during the off-season and re-establish himself at the point. That would enable Cook to slide over to his more natural position, and with Frank Robinson or Belton Rivers also in the game, creates a dangerous three-guard look.

A consistent three-point shooter also is needed for East Carolina to become a legitimate late-season threat. Given Rivers' streaky nature, Robinson is the more obvious candidate, but he must become more assertive on offense.

Additional help from the recruiting trail would provide much needed insurance, not to mention a crucial piece of the points-when-needed puzzle that has been missing for the past three years.

If Herrion can answer a few of those lingering questions, the Pirates could explode next season and be the surprise of C-USA.

Based on his knack for molding a team around its strengths, the prediction here is that he will.

Calipari shows support

Mike Krzyzewski isn't shy about defending fellow brothers in the coaching fraternity. Just last week, the legendary Duke coach caused quite a stir when he spoke angrily and openly in support of N.C. State coach Herb Sendek, a perennial sniper target of a clique of out-of-touch-with-reality fans.

Well, it appears Coach K isn't alone. Following East Carolina's 79-73 loss to C-USA juggernaut Memphis, Tigers coach John Calipari pulled no punches in voicing his support for Herrion.

"This team is so much better than last year," Calipari said. "You can just see where they are going.

"Athletically, the toughness of their team. Now they've got to have a breakthrough win. I will tell you this. If they just played us and Charlotte the way they played us two, you watch what happens as they finish out. You watch. I don't know their schedule, but I would be stunned if they don't hit .500 the rest of these games going out. Come on, we're a pretty good team. They took it right at us."

Not that he was surprised.

In fact, Calipari said he fully expected a fight to the finish from the underdog Pirates.

"I was scared to death," Calipari said. "One, we've never played in this building, and I know everybody has trouble here. Two, my team is coming off some emotional games, and I knew this would be about intensity and desire.

"They are very physical. They hurt us inside. They must have blocked 12 shots. Those things change the complexion of the game. I was just hoping they wouldn't make shots."

The Pirates didn't make the shots they needed against the Tigers, but that didn't change Calipari's impression of the team.

"If that's how they're playing, they're winning games in this league," Calipari said. "I know they've lost right now, but I watched the Charlotte game. Were you all here? How they lost... that was their game. This game here, they easily could have won.

"...All this team has to do is keep playing winning basketball and you watch what happens. They're going to get a break. I'm not saying anything about anything else, though. No. You're not going to get me to say it. I'm not saying it."

You already did, coach.