How the conferences shake out as 2013 approaches

Non-conference play is almost over, and it has been quite a stretch. We’ve learned a good deal about a lot of teams, while some are still a mystery for various reasons – injuries, suspensions, ineligibility and a light schedule are all possible reasons. In addition, a few conferences have already seen a game or two mixed in with the non-conference schedule.

Conference play is right around the corner, and while a non-conference resume doesn’t tell the whole story, it does shed some light on teams and conferences. In conference play, there is more familiarity since teams play each other every year, although the changing landscape is starting to diminish that factor a bit. That’s one reason why we see some teams put forth a very good non-conference showing, including some good wins, then go on to have a mediocre showing in conference play.

With that in mind, here’s a look at how every conference in America shapes up.

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New-look Florida International shows potential and problems in season opener

CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. – Richard Pitino said he wasn’t really surprised by anything he saw in his debut as a college head coach.  He knew what his team was capable of, and a lot of it showed up in Florida International’s 84-70 loss at Boston College on Sunday.  And in the end, he comes away like most coaches do from a season opener, knowing his team has a lot to work on but also some potential.

Florida International managed to stay with BC for a while in the first half, largely on the strength of a few early three-pointers.  After the game was tied at 18, the Panthers wouldn’t get close or tie it until they tied at 65 with less than nine minutes to play.  From that point on, it was all BC as the Panthers seemed to run out of gas as problems like rebounding and foul trouble caught up to them.

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Plenty of teams prepare to jockey for seeding, selection tonight

In the immortal words of the Black Eyed peas, tonight’s gonna be a good night.

There are 40 teams in action tonight, and more than half of them are likely to appear in the NCAA Tournament or seriously challenge for their conference’s automatic bid. We’ve got elite powers like Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina and Ohio State in addition to upstarts that could make life miserable for those powerhouses, such as Vermont, Valparaiso and Cleveland State.

Here’s some of the top games to track tonight. … Continue Reading

Florida Atlantic isn’t far away as Sun Belt play approaches

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – There was a consistent theme sounded after Florida Atlantic’s 63-51 loss at Harvard on Thursday night. The message: this team is not there yet, and mental toughness is the big key to getting there.

“We’re close, but we’re not there,” said head coach Mike Jarvis. “We were in a position win, like we’ve been many, many nights this year, but we just haven’t had the mental toughness to finish off. We’re not finishing what we start.”

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Sun Belt Preview

Sun Belt Conference 2008-09 Preview

by Phil Kasiecki

The Sun Belt made some traction last season by getting two teams in the NCAA Tournament. Additionally, Western Kentucky got a lot of attention with its buzzer-beating first round win. The conference has had its share of good teams over the years, and the Hilltoppers have produced plenty of them, but last season was particularly noteworthy for the conference.

This season might be a slight step down, as at first glance the conference doesn’t appear to have two teams as strong as Western Kentucky and South Alabama were last season. Western Kentucky lost more, as South Alabama should still contend, and the two divisions should be more even this season after the East was noticeably superior last season, winning more conference games than West Division teams despite having one less team. Both divisions should have a good battle for the top, with South Alabama pushing Middle Tennessee and UALR pushing North Texas.

Three programs have new leaders this season, one of whom saw its coach resign before last season ended. Arkansas State hired former LSU head coach John Brady to lead its program after Dickey Nutt resigned before the season was over. Rex Walters left Florida Atlantic to head west for the San Francisco head coaching job, and the school hired Mike Jarvis to replace him. Western Kentucky saw Darrin Horn take the South Carolina job, replacing him with former Texas assistant Ken McDonald, who once was an assistant at the school.

Preseason Awards
Player of the Year: Desmond Yates, Middle Tennessee
Top Newcomer: Richard Delk, Troy
Top Freshman: Brian Stafford, Denver
Defensive Player of the Year: Shawn Morgan, Arkansas State
Coach on the Hot Seat: Sergio Rouco, Florida International
Best NBA Prospect: Carlos Monroe, Florida Atlantic

All-Sun Belt Team
Alex Galindo, Sr. F, Florida International
Carlos Monroe, Sr. F, Florida Atlantic
Domonic Tilford, Sr. G, South Alabama
Josh White, So. G, North Texas
Desmond Yates, Jr. F, Middle Tennessee

East Division

Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (17-15, 11-7 Sun Belt)
Projected Starters:
Sr. G Kevin Kanaskie (11.7 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 3.3 apg, 1.2 spg)
Sr. G Demetrius Green (12.5 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.9 apg)
Sr. G Nigel Johnson (7.3 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 3.4 apg)
Jr. F Desmond Yates (16.0 ppg, 4.4 rpg)
Sr. C Theryn Hudson (9.1 ppg, 5.4 rpg)
Schedule Highlights: Six non-conference home games are on tap, including visits from Tennessee, Houston, Southern Illinois and Ohio Valley contender UT-Martin. They also have challenging road games at Vanderbilt and Atlantic Sun contender Belmont, and will play Houston Baptist both at home and on the road. In December, the Blue Raiders will play three games in a Basketball Travelers event hosted by Missouri State. We’ll get an early feel for how good this team will be once Sun Belt play begins in earnest, as four of their first six games are on the road and all will be tough ones: North Texas, South Alabama, Western Kentucky and UALR.
Outlook: Fresh off a season where they made it to the tournament final without a senior, the Blue Raiders look poised to be the class of the conference this season. They return all five starters and get back Calvin O’Neil, who was forced to redshirt after tearing an ACL in the season opener. All three guards are steady and unselfish, and they all help the rebound-by-committee effort that improved once conference play began. If they can take better care of the ball – the Blue Raiders had 75 more turnovers than assists last season – they will be a complete unit. Yates is a legitimate Player of the Year candidate, and along with Hudson and junior Dino Hair forms a good frontcourt that does need to rebound better. There’s experience, good size and depth, and it all could add up to a conference title this season.

South Alabama Jaguars (26-7, 16-2 Sun Belt)
Projected Starters:
Jr. G Bryan Sheerer (junior college transfer)
Sr. G Domonic Tilford (12.5 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 2.0 apg)
Sr. F Brandon Davis (10.8 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 1.2 apg, 1.3 bpg)
Sr. F DeAndre’ Coleman (7.7 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 1.6 apg)
Sr. F Ronald Douglas (6.5 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 1.1 bpg)
Schedule Highlights: The Jaguars have six non-conference home games and some challenging road games as well. They host Arkansas in the Coors Classic and will play two in the USA Basketball Classic that they host in late November. They go to Louisville for two games in the Billy Minardi Classic and have true road games at Ole Miss, Southern Miss and Mississippi State. In Sun Belt play, they have a stretch starting at the end of January where they play four of five at home. In inter-division games, they get North Texas and UALR at home only.
Outlook: Although the Jaguars lose two key starters in Demetric Bennett and Daon Merritt, they return a solid core of upperclassmen and add junior college transfers that should help right away. Tilford and Davis are all-conference candidates, with the former having potential to contend for Player of the Year, and Coleman is back to anchor the inside again after leading in rebounding last season. Sheerer should step in and run the show from the outset, while fellow junior college transfer Lashun Watson should see plenty of minutes in the backcourt as well and could even push Douglas out of the starting lineup for the Jaguars to go a little smaller. If the Jaguars repeat their excellent defense and rebounding margin (only North Texas was better in that category last season and by just 0.1 per game), the Jaguars could be back in the NCAA Tournament once again.

Florida Atlantic Owls (15-18, 8-10 Sun Belt)
Projected Starters:
Sr. G Carderro Nwoji (10.8 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 3.7 apg)
Sr. G Paul Graham III (14.0 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 1.4 apg)
So. G Sanchez Hughley (6.4 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 1.1 apg)
Sr. F Carlos Monroe (15.4 ppg, 9.5 rpg, 1.1 spg)
So. F Brett Royster (3.9 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 1.3 bpg)
Schedule Highlights: The Owls’ non-conference schedule is very challenging, with just three home games. They play in the NIT Season Tip-Off in Arizona, starting with the host Wildcats and then taking on Santa Clara or UAB. Road games include trips to UAB, Kentucky and Miami. Early in Sun Belt play, they have five of seven at home, but they also close the season with four of five on the road and the lone home game in that stretch coming against Middle Tennessee.
Outlook: The Owls aren’t lacking talent, but they had some growing pains last season that make them a sleeper for this season, depending on how they adjust to new head coach Mike Jarvis. Monroe is one of the conference’s best players, and Royster showed some promise as a freshman to indicate that he can complement him well. The perimeter is where the talent lives, as Nwoji and Graham III are a good start. Graham can score, but has to cut down on turnovers and isn’t an all-world defender. Hughley and classmate Xavier Perkins, a well-built wing who seemed to get better as the season went along, will battle for minutes at the other perimeter spot. The Owls had over 100 more turnovers than assists last season, and that along with a defense that allowed more points than all but one Sun Belt team doesn’t equal a formula for success.

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers (29-7, 16-2 Sun Belt)
Projected Starters:
Jr. G A.J. Slaughter (7.6 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 1.1 apg, 1.1 spg)
Sr. G Orlando Mendez-Valdez (5.7 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 2.2 apg)
So. G-F Steffphon Pettigrew (3.8 ppg, 2.8 rpg)
Jr. F Jeremy Evans (5.9 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 1.5 bpg)
Jr. F D.J. Magley (4.8 ppg, 3.3 rpg)
Schedule Highlights: Four home games are on tap in a challenging non-conference schedule, including visits from Southern Illinois and Georgia. Among the many road challenges are Ohio Valley favorite Murray State, Louisville, Tulane, Florida State and Mississippi State. In Sun Belt play, they get UALR twice and North Texas at home only among inter-division games. A three-game homestand in January that starts with Middle Tennessee is a chance to get something going.
Outlook: New head coach Ken McDonald takes over a team that lost three players who were crucial to the team’s success last season and may have a rebuilding year ahead. But he’s not starting from scratch, especially in the frontcourt as Evans and Magley are good building blocks there, and senior Japeth Aguilar is a serviceable backup. Add in Pettigrew’s potential to break out this season now that he will be asked to do more, and the Hilltoppers are in good shape in the frontcourt and on the wing. Slaughter and Mendez-Valdez are serviceable guards, but will need to do more as they step into the starting lineup. Freshmen Robbie Townsend and Jameson Tipping should be in the mix as well. The program has a good history, and McDonald is known as a solid recruiter, so the Hilltoppers might have a brief rebuilding year but should be back in contention before long.

FIU Golden Panthers (9-20, 6-12 Sun Belt)
Projected Starters:
So. G Josue Soto (transfer from Florida State)
So. G Tremayne Russell (5.2 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 1.7 apg)
Sr. F Alex Galindo (13.3 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 1.9 apg)
Jr. F Nikola Gacesa (5.9 ppg, 2.8 rpg)
Sr. C Russell Hicks (12.5 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 2.1 bpg)
Schedule Highlights: Seven home games are on tap in non-conference play, five of which come in two in-season tournaments. They get three home games as hosts of part of the CBE Classic, one of which comes against Horizon League favorite Cleveland State, and later host Ohio Valley contender UT-Martin and Fordham in the FIU Holiday Tournament. The toughest road games are at Washington, UCLA, Miami and Georgetown. In Sun Belt play, they get a break with inter-division games as they get both North Texas and UALR at home only.
Outlook: The Golden Panthers have some talent, but injuries early in practice won’t help. Seniors Galindo and Hicks are expected to lead the way and form a solid frontcourt, but Galindo suffered a dislocated right ankle and could miss the season. As if that’s not enough, backup center Badara Ndiaye and junior college transfer J.C. Otero have suffered knee injuries. That means Gacesa and junior Cedric Essola will need to do more, and massive freshman Freddy Asprilla may have to play more minutes right away than first planned, although he does have a chance to be a solid player in this conference. Soto should run the show right from the outset, while Russell showed some promise in his freshman season. Depth isn’t a strong suit here, which means junior college transfer Michael Dominguez will surely see a lot of minutes from the outset. If the Golden Panthers are to improve, they must take better care of the ball, as they led the conference in turnovers by a wide margin last season.

Troy Trojans (12-19, 4-14 Sun Belt)
Projected Starters:
Jr. G Brandon Hazzard (6.0 ppg, 1.6 rpg)
Jr. G Michael Vogler (6.3 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 3.8 apg, 1.8 spg)
Jr. G Richard Delk (transfer from Mississippi State)
Jr. F Trayce Macon (7.1 ppg, 4.2 rpg)
Sr. C Tom Jervis (5.0 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 1.3 bpg)
Schedule Highlights: Although the Trojans’ non-conference schedule has just four home games, two are against very good teams in UAB and Colonial contender Georgia State. The Trojans will play UAB and UNC-Wilmington both at home and away. Early on, they travel for four games in the LSU Thanksgiving Tournament, then later travel to Dayton in early December. In Sun Belt play, they have four of five on the road in the latter half of January, including inter-division opponents North Texas and UALR.
Outlook: The Trojans had four senior starters last season and struggled to a 4-14 Sun Belt record, so expectations aren’t high for this group although there isn’t a freshman or sophomore on the roster. Delk should immediately be the team’s best player, while Vogler should benefit from his addition and Hazzard likely has the inside track on the other perimeter job. Macon, the only returning starter, looks to be the only holdover in the frontcourt who will start. Jervis has the inside track in the middle, but the Trojans could go smaller and start Chris Leggett or Antywan Jones, both junior college transfers. The recruiting class is a good group, which can only be a good thing since last season’s team was the worst defensive team in the conference and also shot below 41 percent from the field, which also ranked last, and was the worst rebounding team as well.

West Division

North Texas Mean Green (20-11, 10-8 Sun Belt)
Projected Starters:
So. G Josh White (13.9 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 1.5 apg)
Sr. G Colin Dennis (13.6 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.1 apg)
Sr. G Adam McCoy (5.2 ppg, 1.8 rpg)
So. F Kedrick Hogans (2.5 ppg, 3.0 rpg)
Sr. F Harold Stewart (3.4 ppg, 3.4 rpg)
Schedule Highlights: The Mean Green have six home games on tap in non-conference play, including three straight to start December. Most notable among the home games are visits from Southland contenders Sam Houston State (who they also play on the road) and UT-Arlington, as well as New Mexico State. Notable road games are at Oklahoma State, Houston and Arkansas. In Sun Belt play, the Mean Grean has two stretches where four of five are at home. They got no favors in inter-division games, as they get South Alabama and Western Kentucky on the road only and play Middle Tennessee twice.
Outlook: Johnny Jones has built this program nicely, as the Mean Green looks to have a good chance for its third straight 20-win season. Although they return just two starters, they’re both good, as White and Dennis lead a backcourt that should rival that of Middle Tennessee. They should help offset the loss of four of the top six scorers from last season, along with some good newcomers. While Hogans and Stewart could move into the starting lineup, don’t be surprised if newcomers like Arizona State transfer George Odufuwa and/or junior college transfer Eric Tramiel start right away. The veteran backcourt has some room for improvement, as only four Sun Belt teams turned the ball over more last season and they had over 100 more turnovers than assists.

UALR Trojans (20-11, 11-7 Sun Belt)
Projected Starters:
Jr. G Steven Moore (9.9 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 3.5 apg)
Sr. G Brandon Patterson (6.0 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.8 apg)
Sr. F John Fowler (6.9 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.1 spg)
Jr. F Mike Smith (9.2 ppg, 5.4 rpg)
Sr. F Shane Edwards (6.2 ppg, 4.0 rpg)
Schedule Highlights: The Trojans have six home games in non-conference play, with five coming in a seven-game stretch early on. The toughest home game is against Missouri Valley favorite Creighton, and they also get a visit from Horizon contender Wright State. The Trojans will hit the road for games against Summit contender Oral Roberts and Memphis. In Sun Belt play, a key stretch starts near the end of January, when they play four of five on the road.
Outlook: Steve Shields has this program at a good point, as evidenced by the fact that the Trojans should still contend despite having a couple of players transfer out of the program after last season. All five starters return, and they’ll simply re-load off the bench. One should also expect them to continue the scoring balance since the starters return along with sophomores Matt Mouzy and Derrick Bails, and they could finish second in their division and not have any All-Sun Belt players. The Trojans were the best defensive team in the conference last season and had the third-best rebounding margin. While repeating that will go a long way towards winning again, some improvement at the offensive end wouldn’t hurt after they shot just under 43 percent from the field and turned it over more than all but one team.

Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns (15-15, 11-7 Sun Belt)
Projected Starters:
Jr. G Randell Daigle (8.5 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 2.5 apg)
So. G Travis Bureau (7.5 ppg, 2.0 rpg)
Jr. G-F La’Ryan Gary (7.4 ppg, 3.3 rpg)
Jr. F Courtney Wallace (5.0 ppg, 3.6 rpg)
So. F Chris Gradnigo (9.6 ppg, 2.6 rpg)
Schedule Highlights: The Ragin’ Cajuns will play six non-conference games in the Cajundome, including visits from Summit contender Oral Roberts and Southland contender Sam Houston State. They will hit the road for UAB and three SEC opponents: Alabama, Tennessee and LSU. In Sun Belt play, a January stretch with six of eight on the road could go a long way in determining how this season winds up, although they open with three straight at home that includes two in mid-December.
Outlook: With a roster composed of only sophomores and juniors, this might appear to be a year with some growing pains for the Ragin’ Cajuns. But the transfer of Elijah Millsap will stunt what could have been a big year considering the contributions of last season’s freshmen and sophomores. Despite not having a senior, much of this team got a chance to grow last season, and they’ll need more of it this season. The perimeter trio of Daigle, Bureau and Gary is solid and unspectacular, and there’s depth with juniors Brandon Dison and Corey Bloom. The frontcourt is where there’s more depth, and don’t be surprised if UNLV transfer Lamar Roberson pushes Wallace out of the starting lineup. They also add more size from the transfer ranks with Jeremy Barr (USC) and Emmanuel Adeife (UNLV), so there isn’t a shortage of bodies to help them attempt to improve on the boards after being out-rebounded last season. There’s enough talent and experience to contend for a division title, with some improvement needed offensively after only Troy shot worse from the field last season and no player averaged double-digit points.

Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks (10-21, 4-14 Sun Belt)
Projected Starters:
Jr. G Brandon Roberts (redshirt)
Sr. G Tony Hooper (15.1 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 2.4 apg, 1.6 spg)
Jr. G Jarvis Hill (junior college transfer)
So. F Lawrence Gilbert (transfer from Miami)
So. F Raphelle Turner (6.0 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 1.0 bpg)
Schedule Highlights: The Warhawks will play five home games in a non-conference slate that has plenty of tough road games. They play Tennessee Tech and McNeese State both at home and away, and hit the road for games at Mississippi State, Auburn, improving Louisiana Tech and Colorado. Three of the first four Sun Belt games are on the road.
Outlook: The Warhawks will have to integrate some new faces this season, as two newcomers will likely move into the starting lineup along with Roberts, who redshirted last season and wasn’t cleared to do any contact drills in practice by the beginning of November. Hooper could lead the conference in scoring, though he could also lead in turnovers after he had nearly 50 percent more turnovers than assists last season. There is some good talent among the newcomers to help him at the offensive end, and chief among them is Gilbert, who should start right away and could form a nice inside tandem with Turner, who showed promise as a freshman. Hill is a journeyman who can shoot, and junior college transfers Malcolm Thomas and Reggie Lassiter also project to see good minutes. Lassiter could start at the point if Roberts isn’t ready to go at first, as could sophomore Kenneth Averette, who started 11 games there last season. Gilbert’s move into the starting lineup likely pushes senior Afam Nweke to the bench since Turner seems ready to start. There are many areas for improvement this season, but taking better care of the ball would be a good start after the Warhawks had over 130 more turnovers than assists last season.

Denver Pioneers (11-19, 7-11 Sun Belt)
Projected Starters:
So. G Kyle Lewis (8.4 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 1.4 apg)
Fr. G Brian Stafford
Jr. F Nate Rohnert (8.5 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2.2 apg, 1.1 spg)
So. F Rob Lewis (8.7 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 1.4 apg)
Fr. F Andrew Hooper
Schedule Highlights: The Pioneers will play five non-conference home games, including three straight to close December starting with Colorado State. The toughest road game looks to be at Wyoming, and right after that they head to Montana for the Grizzly Basketball Classic against host Montana and Texas-Arlington. In Sun Belt inter-division games, they caught a break in getting Middle Tennessee and South Alabama at home only.
Outlook: With no seniors and just two juniors on the roster, this looks like a rebuilding year for the Pioneers. Both Kyle and Rob Lewis (no relation) and Rohnert are good building blocks, with Rohnert being the team captain. Stafford and Hooper look to be the newcomers most ready to start, and other than lanky freshman Justin Coughlin, there’s not much size up front among the potential reserves. The Pioneers were last in the conference in scoring by over seven points per game last season and allowed opponents to shoot just under 46 percent from the field, a combination this team hopes to improve upon. They went 0-16 on the road last season, and with just five home games on the non-conference slate this season it’s possible that wins will be hard to come by while looking toward the future with this young group.

Arkansas State Red Wolves (10-20, 5-13 Sun Belt)
Projected Starters:
Sr. G Ifeanyi Koggu (3.6 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 2.6 apg)
Jr. G Mike Lance (4.5 ppg, 1.4 rpg)
Sr. F Shawn Morgan (9.0 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 2.4 apg, 1.9 spg)
Sr. F Yima Chia-Kur (11.1 ppg, 3.5 rpg)
Jr. F JeJuan Brown (junior college transfer)
Schedule Highlights: Five home games are on tap in non-conference play, including a visit from Ohio Valley favorite Murray State. Road games on the slate include trips to Ole Miss, Ohio Valley contender UT-Martin and Oklahoma State. In mid-January, the Red Wolves have a chance to pick up some wins as they have a stretch with four of five at home, though the only road game is at Middle Tennessee.
Outlook: New head coach John Brady is starting over to a degree, as just two starters from last season remain with Ryan Wedel transferring to Drake after the season. But this isn’t a team lacking in experience, as there are five seniors and just three freshmen and sophomores on the roster. Morgan and Chia-Kur are good frontcourt bookends, and Brown could start right away to join them. The tallest players are 6’8″, so the Red Wolves won’t have a lot of size inside. Koggu should run the show, while Lance is the most likely holdover to start alongside him and sophomore Jeremy Thomas seems the likely backup. The first place the Red Wolves need to improve is the defensive end, as they allowed opponents to shoot a conference-high 48 percent from the field last season.

New Orleans Privateers (19-13, 8-10 Sun Belt)
Projected Starters:
Jr. G Destin Damachoua (junior college transfer)
Sr. G Kyndall Dykes (13.6 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 1.3 apg)
Sr. F T.J. Worley (6.5 ppg, 2.1 rpg)
Jr. F Obi Ikeakor (junior college transfer)
So. C Jaroslav Tyrna (3.1 ppg, 2.8 rpg)
Schedule Highlights: Six home games are on tap in non-conference play, including visits from North Carolina State, Tulane and Ole Miss. The slate of road games is not overly difficult, but does have a trip to Colorado State included. In Sun Belt play, they close the season with four of five on the road.
Outlook: With Sun Belt all-time leading scorer Bo McCalebb and three other starters gone, a rebuilding season looks to be ahead for second-year head coach Joe Pasternack. Seniors Dykes and Worley, the only seniors on the roster, should snag two of the starting spots. Damachoua, a talented point guard, should be the third perimeter starter and give them a little more experience as a junior college transfer. Ikeakor has had a cup of coffee in Division I before, having started his college career at Saint Louis, and Tyrna should start in the middle. Many of the newcomers will get a chance to play right away, which is sure to lead to some ups and downs. Pasternack got the team off to a great start last season and still won 19 games despite an 8-10 showing in Sun Belt play, and now he starts building with his own players.

Conference Outlook

Two good division races should be in store this season, as well as more balance between the divisions. At first glance, the conference doesn’t look like it will be as strong at the top as last season, so we may not see an at-large team from here like last season. But the conference has some “potential” teams that certainly could turn out better than advertised, as was the case last season. A few of the bottom teams are rebuilding, but aren’t lacking talent, and by late in the season they might be able to play spoiler or surprise a team in the conference tournament.

Sun Belt Notebook

Sun Belt Conference Notebook

by Ryan Glenn

Middle Tennessee State is off to one of the best starts in the conference. The Blue Raiders are 6-3 and have an RPI of 41. Although 6-3 is not the best record in the league, it must be noted that two of the Blue Raiders’ losses came from an overtime loss to Indiana State and a close loss to Louisville on the road. A big part of their success is due to junior Kyle Young. Young is averaging 10.6 points and 6.3 rebounds a game. He is also sixth in the country with a 69.5 shooting percentage. The next three games for MTSU are against Austin Peay, Tennessee State and Memphis, all of which are in-state opponents.

Arkansas-Little Rock is off to a 6-4 start and also has looked good early on. The Trojans’ early losses include Illinois, Southern Illinois and a five-point loss to Michigan State. Rash Jones-Jennings has led the way for the Trojans in scoring and rebounds. Jones-Jennings has been the leading rebounder in all but one game this season. They will be looking for him to step up when they play in a tournament hosted by Utah State this week.

Western Kentucky, as expected, has played very competitively early on. Out of the Hilltoppers’ four losses, three of them easily could have been wins. In just their third game, they were edged out by Georgia 69-65. In mid-December, they were on the losing end of a close one once again against Bradley 78-76. Just two games later, they lost to a very good team in Arizona in overtime. This team is going to be looking to take over the Sun Belt in the next few weeks.

Dickey Nutt has to be worried about his Arkansas State team. Although losses are common for mid-majors, losing four straight games right before Sun Belt play begins is never good. The Indians are also going to have to learn how to win on the road. They are 0-4 on the road and are going to be playing at Oklahoma State on December 31. Kitus Witherspoon is going to need to improve from his eight points a game for them not to be in the bottom of the Sun Belt standings this season.

Sun Belt Preview

Sun Belt Conference 2005-06 Preview

by Ryan Glenn

The Sun Belt conference is improving every year. The addition of Troy to the conference from the Atlantic Sun will pay off down the road. Louisiana-Lafayette is looking for their third straight NCAA tournament appearance and a conference championship. Also in the West, Denver will be looking to upset Louisiana-Lafayette and take over control of the division.

The East looks like it could be tougher to win with a load of talent on many teams. Western Kentucky has the talent and experience to win the conference and has come together even more from the passing of teammate Danny Rumph. Florida International and Middle Tennessee should stay in contention with the Hilltoppers the entire season. Ivan Almonte should continue to be a star for the Golden Panthers. For Middle Tennessee, Marcus Morrison and Kyle Young should play a key part in the quest for the championship.

This Sun Belt season should be a great one. There is more talent than ever in the conference and should make for some very good games and a great conference tournament. It would not surprise me to see two Sun Belt teams in the NCAA tournament a few years down the road.

Hoopville’s All-Sun Belt Team

1st Team
G Bo McCalebb, Jr., New Orleans
G Anthony Winchester, Sr., Western Kentucky
G Dwayne Mitchell, Sr., Louisiana-Lafayette
C Yemi Nicholson, Sr., Denver
F Ivan Almonte, Sr., Florida International

2nd Team
G Bobby Dixon, Sr., Troy
G Mario Jointer, Sr., South Alabama
G Marcus Morrison, Sr., Middle Tennessee
C Kitus Witherspoon, Sr., Arkansas State
F Courtney Lee, So., Western Kentucky

Hoopville’s Preseason Awards

MVP – Yemi Nicholson, Denver
The senior big man just has it all. Nicholson averaged eighteen points, eight rebounds, and three blocks a game last season and should improve those numbers greatly.

Newcomer of the Year – Kendrick Davis, North Texas
A transfer from Arkansas, Davis will make a great impact on a struggling Mean Green team. If Davis has an outstanding season, North Texas could sneak up in the standings and surprise someone.

Coach on the Hot Seat – Monte Towe
New Orleans has had a pretty good team the past few seasons, but has failed to reach the post season. Towe will have a tough time reaching the postseason, but will need to work hard with his players to reach the team’s expectations.

East Division

1. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
22-9 (9-5 Sun Belt)
Projected Starters:
G – Anthony Winchester, Sr.
G – Ty Rogers, So.
G – Courtney Lee, So
G – Orlando Mendez, Fr.
F – Boris Siakam, So.

Schedule Highlights: vs. Georgia 11-26, @ Eastern Kentucky 12-3, vs. Virginia 1-2

The sudden death of point guard Danny Rumph has brought this Hilltopper team together. They will be playing this season with a team bond that not many teams have. Anthony Winchester should lead the team this season after he led the league in three-point shooting and averaged 18.2 points a game last season. Courtney Lee, last year’s freshman of the year, will return and should put up impressive numbers. Ty Rogers, another returning sophomore, should put up consistent numbers all season. Western Kentucky has a great chance of winning the Sun Belt crown and a birth in the NCAA Tournament.

2. Florida International Golden Panthers
13-17 (4-10 Sun Belt)
Projected Starters:
G – Johwen Villegas, Jr.
G – Joey Cantens, Fr.
G – Alan Guyton, Jr.
F – Ismael N’Diaye, Sr.
F – Ivan Almonte, Sr.

Schedule Highlights: @ Notre Dame 12-10, @ DePaul 12-31

The Golden Panthers will be looking to capture the Sun Belt title if they can keep everybody healthy. Ivan Almonte, who currently has a minor hamstring injury, will lead this Florida International team. Almonte led the league in rebounding with 9.9 rebounds a game and also led the team in scoring with 17.2 points a game. Senior forward Ismael N’Diaye is expected to get off to a slow start after having a stress fracture repaired over the summer, but should be a big contributor by the time conference play begins. Junior Alan Guyton will provide excellent play as a starter after missing last season due to knee surgery.

3. Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
19-12 (7-7 Sun Belt)
Projected Starters:
G – Marcus Morrison, Sr.
G Fats Cuyler, Sr.
G – Wes Durrant, Jr.
F – Alex Weekes, Jr.
F – Kyle Young, Jr.

Schedule Highlights: @ Memphis 1-4, vs. Western Kentucky 2-23

After a disappointing season last year, the Blue Raiders are looking to surprise a few people. Marcus Morrison will lead Middle Tennessee’s offense. Morrison will be more consistent this season as he gives the Blue Raiders a chance at a conference championship. Along with Morrison, Fats Cuyler and Wes Durrant will complete the backcourt. Both have gained valuable experience and should improve greatly this year. Junior Kyle Young should have a good showing in every game after coming off of a good season.

Middle Tennessee should be in contention for the conference championship. If the Blue Raiders can get hot around tournament time, they might surprise some people at the Sun Belt tournament in Murfreesboro.

4. Arkansas-Little Rock Trojans
18-10 (10-4 Sun Belt)
Projected Starters:
G – Zack Wright, Jr.
G – De’Andre Eggins, Fr.
G – Elijah Muldrow, Sr.
F – Rashad Jones-Jennings, Jr.
F – Lekheythan Malone, Fr.

Schedule Highlights: @ Illinois 12-5, vs. Western Kentucky 2-16

The Trojans come into the season after losing virtually all of their players of a division-leading team. Zack Wright, who averaged 11.1 ppg, will be the lone key player returning. Wright will be forced into the leadership role as there is not much experience to be found on the roster. DeAndre Eggans, a 6’1″ guard, should make an immediate impact along with Lorenzo Razz, a JuCo transfer. Do not expect too much from a Trojans team that is rebuilding this season.

5. Arkansas State Indians
16-13 (7-7 Sun Belt)
Projected Starters:
G – Jerry Nichols, Sr.
G – Dereke Tipler, Sr.
G – Jim Jones, Jr.
F – Kitus Witherspoon, Sr.
C – Theo Little, Sr.

Schedule Highlights: @ Mississippi St. 11-21, @ Louisville 12-4

Dickey Nutt will try to get Arkansas State their 1,000th all-time win this season with a team that could struggle after losing its top two scorers from the past two seasons. The Indians will be counting on Jerry Nichols to continue to be a three-point threat. Kitus Witherspoon will also be back and should have a great year on the boards. Elvin Jones and Korrel Henderson, two JuCo transfers should fit in with the team nicely. While Arkansas State should get their 1,000th win, don’t expect too much more from them.

West Division

1. Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns
20-11 (11-4 Sun Belt)
Projected Starters:
G – Ed Turner, Jr.
G – Dwayne Mitchell, Sr.
F – Chris Cameron, Sr.
F – Ross Mouton, Jr.
C – Michael Southall, Sr.

Schedule Highlights: @ Tennessee 11-22, @ North Texas 1-5

After winning the conference tournament and earning a birth into the NCAA tournament, Ragin’ Cajun coach Robert Lee is going to have some work to do. Losing guards Orien Greene and Tiras Wade leaves the team with big shoes to fill in the backcourt. Dwayne Mitchell should lead the team in scoring after playing a smaller role with so much talent ahead of him. Expect him to lead this team and put up much improved numbers. Michael Southall will return this season after a two-year absence and should fit nicely down low for the Ragin’ Cajuns. Senior Chris Cameron is also back after earning a year because of academic work. Cameron will increase his scoring average quickly and should have an improved on-court presence. The Ragin’ Cajuns have a great shot at the conference championship and should get there unless something unexpected happens.

2. Denver Pioneers
20-11 (12-3 Sun Belt)
Projected Starters:
G – DaShawn Walker, Jr.
G – Alex Cox, Jr.
F – Andrew Carpenter, Sr.
F – Antonio Porch, Jr.
C – Yemi Nicholson, Sr.

Schedule Highlights: @ Stanford 12-19, vs. North Texas 2-18

Denver coach Terry Carroll has to be happy. In a league where NBA talent is usually a one or two year commodity, Player of the Year candidate Yemi Nicholson is back this season after he averaged 18.1 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 3 blocks a game last season. Andrew Carpenter returns after what was also a great season. Besides Carpenter, the Pioneers have had to fill a couple of guard spots. Junior Alex Cox should take over the point-guard role. Cox, who red-shirted after two years of JuCo play, will be able to run this offense nicely. Another JuCo transfer, DeShawn Walker, should fill in the perimeter nicely. Denver has the talent to win the league if they can just get everything together.

3. New Orleans Privateers
13-17 (7-8 Sun Belt)
Projected Starters:
G – Bo McCalebb, Jr.
G – Chad Barnes, Sr.
G – Jamie McNeilly, Jr.
C – Ben Elias, Jr.
F – Shawn Malloy, Sr.

Schedule Highlights: @ LSU 12-13, @ Vanderbilt 12-20, @ Kansas 12-29

With all of the starters returning from what was already a good team; New Orleans has a good shot of winning the conference. Bo McCalebb, who is a Sun Belt Player of the Year candidate, will once again lead the Privateers. McCalebb should keep up the extraordinary play he had last season. His only problem, shooting three-pointers, should improve over the course of the season. Senior guard Chad Barnes should also improve from the outside, while Shawn Malloy will make more of a presence underneath this season. The Privateers should improve this season, but their overall lack of depth will keep them from the conference championship.

4. South Alabama Jaguars
10-18 (6-9 Sun Belt)
Projected Starters:
G – Mario Jointer, Sr.
G – Carlos Smith, Jr.
F – Michael Phillips, Sr.
F – Richard Law, Sr.
C – Jason McGriff, Jr.

Schedule Highlights: @ Purdue 11-22, @ Tennessee 1-4

South Alabama is still in a rebuilding stage, but brings back most of its players with experience. Mario Jointer should once again lead the Jags after averaging 16.6 points a game to lead South Alabama in scoring last year. Richard Law is coming off a tremendous season and should continue to play a big role in the Jags offense. Jason McGriff, a JuCo transfer, should produce right away down low. Carlos Smith, another transfer, should help tremendously on the perimeter. The Jags could surprise some teams if some players surpass expectations.

5. North Texas Mean Green
14-14 (6-9 Sun Belt)
Projected Starters:
G – Calvin Watson, Jr.
G – Isaac Hines, Sr.
G – Kendrick Davis, Jr.
C – Jeffrey Simpson, Sr.
F – Quincy Williams, So.

Schedule Highlights: @ Tulsa 1-2, vs. Middle Tennessee 2-9

After a disappointing season for North Texas, they lost a huge part of their offense as they lost Leonard Hopkins. However, they have some returning talent and experience that will improve the team. Calvin Watson, the team’s leading returning scorer, is a quick tempo guard who will continue to produce this season. Senior Isaac Hines will play a huge leadership role and work on raising his 6.5 points per game average. Kendrick Davis, an Arkansas Transfer, should be a scoring leader after he averaged ten points a game as a freshman for the Razorbacks. North Texas should have a talented team, but they likely will not compete with the upper teams of the conference.

6. Troy Trojans
12-18 (10-10 in the Atlantic Sun)
Projected Starters:
G – Bobby Dixon, Sr.
G – Jacob Hazouri, Sr.
F – Sammy Sharp, Jr.
F – Jarvis Acker, Jr.
F – Cedric Jackson, Jr.

Schedule Highlights: @ Mississippi St. 12-10, vs. North Texas 2-23

Troy makes the jump to the Sun Belt after a disappointing season and a mediocre performance in the Atlantic Sun. The Trojans also lost two of their top three scorers from last season. Senior Bobby Dixon will take over leadership role and be expected to raise his scoring average. Along with Dixon, Cedric Jackson, a JuCo transfer, should make an immediate impact on the boards and scoring for Troy. Todd Martin, a sophomore transfer, will shine down low for the Trojans. As Troy makes the transition to the Sun Belt, do not expect too many surprises in a down year.

Sun Belt Championship Recap

Sun Belt Conference Championship Recap

by Ryan Glenn

No. 2W Louisiana-Lafayette 88, No. 1W Denver 69

Louisiana-Lafayette earned their second straight trip to the NCAA tournament last night. The Ragin’ Cajuns finished with a strong second half as they were able to take down Denver 88-69. Denver beat Louisiana-Lafayette two times during the regular season, but in the one that mattered, they just could not get things done.

Denver controlled play early. They were up by seven midway through the first half, as Rodney Billups was on fire early for the Pioneers. Tiras Wade brought Louisiana-Lafayette storming back to tie the game. The game went back and forth for the rest of the half and the half ended with the two teams tied.

Louisiana-Lafayette came out in the second half and dominated Denver. Wade scored 21 of his 30 points in the half, as the Ragin’ Cajuns got the lead and didn’t look back.

Even with the great play from Louisiana-Lafayette, their coach was still getting on the referees. Robert Lee, Louisiana-Lafayette’s head coach, was assessed with a technical for stepping outside of the coaches’ box and on to the floor.

Dwayne Mitchell followed Wade in scoring with 16 points and pulled down eight rebounds for Louisiana-Lafayette. Billups finished with 16 points and Erik Benzel had 15 to lead Denver.

Sun Belt Tournament Recaps

Sun Belt Conference Tournament Recaps

by Ryan Glenn

First Round

No. 4E Arkansas State 84, No. 5W North Texas 76

Arkansas State, led by J.J. Montgomery with 25 points, was able to win pretty easily against North Texas. Arkansas State was just on fire from behind the arc, hitting ten three-pointers in the game. North Texas tried to make a run in the second half, as Leonard Hopkins scored 20 of his in 26 points the half, but it wasn’t enough to get the win.

No. 5E Florida International 60, No. 4E South Alabama 57

Florida International was able to contain Mario Jointer, South Alabama’s leading scorer, as they earned a spot in the quarterfinals. Though Florida International had just one scorer in double-digits, it seemed to be all they needed. Ivan Almonte, the first-team All-Sun Belt selection, was able to put 19 points on the board and pull down 14 rebounds to lead the Golden Panthers to the win. South Alabama’s leading scorer was Carlos Smith, who scored 14 points, as Jointer was held to eight.

No. 3E Middle Tennessee 77, No. 6 New Mexico State 63

In one of the more lopsided games in the first round, Middle Tennessee State was able to get by New Mexico State fairly easily, 77-63. The Blue Raiders were led by Steve Thomas, who scored 17 points and had 17 rebounds in the win. Marcus Morrison added 17 off the bench. The Aggies’ leading scorer was Josh Jenkins with 18 points.

Quarterfinals

No. 1W Denver 64, No. 4E Arkansas State 57

Eric Benzel scored 16 of his 20 points in the first half as the west favorite earned its way into the semifinals. Arkansas State just could not seem to get things under control, as they had 19 turnovers in the game. Yemi Nicholson had all 13 of his points in the second half for Denver. Issac Wells and J.J. Montgomery had 13 points apiece to lead scoring for Arkansas State.

No. 2E Western Kentucky 78, No. 3W New Orleans 67

Bo McCalebb just could not keep his New Orleans team in the game against Western Kentucky. The freshman star for New Orleans had 23 points, but it wasn’t enough as Western Kentucky took home a 78-67 win. Antonio Haynes led the Hilltoppers with 22 points and Anthony Winchester added 19. New Orleans had a first half lead of five points, but after Western Kentucky went on an 11-0 run, the Privateers couldn’t recover.

No. 5E Florida International 69, No. 1E Arkansas-Little Rock 64

In the biggest upset of the tournament thus far, Florida International was able to knock of the number one seed from the east. Junior Matias scored a game-high 26 points, as the Golden Panthers earned their first Sun Belt semifinal birth since 1999. The game was close for about 30 minutes, but Ismael N’Diaye got a layup midway through the second half to give Florida International a lead they would not give up. Arkansas-Little Rock was lead by Brandon Freeman and Zack Wright, who had 15 and 13 points respectively.

No. 2W Louisiana Lafayette 71, No. 3E Middle Tennessee 57

In what was supposed to be a highly competitive game, Louisiana Lafayette came out and controlled the boards and tempo of the game en route to a 71-57 win over Middle Tennessee. Middle Tennessee shot just 35% from the field and had 19 turnovers in the loss. Tiras Wade scored 27 points for Louisiana Lafayette and Orien Greene added 13. Middle Tennessee did not get much from production from Steve Thomas, their star center, who sat most of the game with foul trouble. Mike Dean was the leading scorer for the Blue Raiders with 17 points.

Semifinals

No. 1W Denver 77, No. 2E Western Kentucky 68

Denver, still hoping for their first ever NCAA Tournament birth, was able to edge Western Kentucky in the semifinals. Neither team led by more than six until about midway through the second half, when Denver went on a decisive 15-4 run. Eric Benzel was able to net six during the run and finished with a game-high 19 points. Western Kentucky was led by Courtney Lee with 18 points.

No. 2W Louisiana Lafayette 80, No. 5E Florida International 69

The Cinderella of the Sun Belt Tournament, Florida International, could not make it any further after beating the No. 1 seed, Arkansas-Little Rock. The Ragin’ Cajuns jumped out to a 10-2 lead just four minutes into the game and did not look back. Tiras Wade once again led the way for Louisiana Lafayette with 25 points. Junior Matias was Florida International’s leading scorer with 17 points.

Sun Belt Preview

Sun Belt Conference Season Preview

by Zach Van Hart

The entire Sun Belt Conference rejoiced during the 2003-04 season as Western Kentucky, who had dominated during the first few seasons of the millennium, finally returned back to earth. With the fall of the Hilltoppers to a fifth-place finish and quarterfinal loss in the conference tournament (on their home court no less), several teams made a run at claiming the newly departed throne. While many teams stepped up to the challenge, the Ragin’ Cajuns of Louisiana Lafayette proved to be a notch above the rest. The Cajuns claimed both the regular season and conference championships.

This season, the top teams from ’03-’04 will again remain near the top, while the league’s bottom half will also stay put. Louisiana Lafayette and Arkansas-Little Rock, the defending Sun Belt West Division champs, are the league’s top two teams this season and will battle for the title. Arkansas State will make the biggest improvement, as its two stars will finally carry their team on their backs. New Orleans will slip a bit from its surprise finish last season, despite the services of sophomore sensation Bo McCalebb. And the dark horse candidate to win the league is Middle Tennessee State.

Towards the bottom of the league, New Mexico State, Denver, South Alabama and North Texas will go head-to-head twice to determine who qualifies for the conference tournament whose season will end with the close of the regular season. Florida International will once again bring up the rear. And the once feared Hilltoppers? Middle of the pack seems to be their new role.

Preseason Awards

First Team All-Sun Belt
Bo McCalebb, New Orleans
Mike Dean, Middle Tennessee State
Brian Mitchell, Louisiana Lafayette
J.J. Montgomery, Arkansas State
Dewarick Spencer, Arkansas State

MVP – McCalebb, New Orleans

Team-by-team capsules (In order of Hoopville’s predicted finish)

1. Arkansas-Little Rock Trojans

(17-12, 9-5) 1st in Sun Belt East Division

Projected Starting Lineup
Zack Graber, G
Brandon Freeman, G
Josh Jacobs, F
Richard Hardman, F
Darius Eason, C

Key games – Non-conference: vs. Southern Illinois (Dec. 7); Conference: home-and-home with Arkansas State and Western Kentucky, vs. Louisiana-Lafayette (Feb. 26).

The Trojans are not flashy. They do not win games with style and flair. Plenty of other Sun Belt teams receive more attention. But in 2004-05, they will be the best team and that’s all that matters. Returning four of five starters and a solid bench, Arkansas-Little Rock should have enough firepower and experience to upend defending champion Louisiana Lafayette. But it will not be easy.

Brandon Freeman returns as the team’s leader following a solid first season with the Trojans. The senior junior college transfer averaged 13.5 points per game last season, a number he will likely stay close to this season. An excellent outside shooter, Freeman can take games over but will not need to with ALR’s balanced attack. Josh Jacobs plays more like a guard, making the combination of Jacobs, Freeman and Zack Graber a formable backcourt.

The Trojans are small upfront, yet overcame the same problem last season. Despite having no regular players taller than 6-foot-9, ALR out-rebounded its opponents last season (37 to 35.1). Last season the team rebounded by committee, led by Richard Hardman (6.3) and Darius Eason (4.6). The team is solid on both ends of the floor; not spectacular, simply efficient.

Southern Illinois will pose the Trojans a winnable non-conference game against a upper echelon opponent, opposed to their road matches against Oklahoma State, Georgia Tech and Mississippi State. Earning a split against Arkansas State and Western Kentucky should suffice en route for a conference championship. A sweep against either would be bonus, being swept by either will be detrimental. More than likely, its season finale against Louisiana Lafayette in Little Rock will determine this season’s regular season champ.

2. Louisiana Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns

(20-9, 12-3) 1st in Sun Belt West Division

Projected Starting Lineup
Tiras Wade, G
Orien Greene, G
Dwayne Mitchell, F
Brian Hamilton, F
Chris Cameron, C

Key games – Non-conference: at North Carolina State (Dec. 15), against Southern Illinois (Jan. 5); Conference: against Western Kentucky (Jan. 27), against Middle Tennessee State (Jan. 29), at Arkansas State (Feb. 24), at Arkansas-Little Rock (Feb. 26).

A projection of repeating as West Division champions and a second-place overall finish of the Cajuns is a true testament to their dominance last season. Louisiana Lafayette lost three starters and a key reserve from the team that coasted to the regular season and conference championship and nearly upset North Carolina State in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Despite the losses, the Cajuns return plenty of talent to make another run at the conference crown.

Brian Hamilton was arguable the team’s best overall player last year, finishing third in scoring (11.4) and first in rebounding (6.9) on the team. He excelled on the offensive glass with nearly three offensive rebounds per game. Hamilton is an explosive 6-foot-6 forward that combines the skills of a big man and a guard. He rarely shoots from beyond the three-point line and is a tenacious defender who averaged two steals per game last year.

Dwayne Mitchell was the Sun Belt’s Sixth Man of the Year in ’03-’04 and could become the team’s scoring leader this season. The Cajuns also have a new, but experienced and talented backcourt, in senior Orien Greene and Tiras Wade. Greene was the backup last season and made key contributions. Wade is a transfer from East Tennessee State and could be the X factor for Louisiana Lafayette.

The bench is not as deep, or at least not as proven, as last year’s team. This appears to be the Cajuns chink in the armor as last season they beat teams with their depth. Early on they have a shot at revenge against the Wolfpack. Once the conference season starts though, it could smooth sailing up until the final week. The Cajuns can repeat if they build a big enough lead, because winning at either Arkansas State or Arkansas Little Rock will be a tough proposition.

3. Arkansas State Indians

(17-11, 7-7) 4th in East Division

Projected Starting Lineup
J.J. Montgomery, G
Dewarick Spencer, G
Andre King-Holland, G
Isaac Wells, F
Marcus Ardison, F

Key games – against Mississippi (Dec. 1), at Georgia Southern (Dec. 15); Conference: home-and-home with Western Kentucky and Arkansas-Little Rock, at Middle Tennessee State (Feb. 17), against Louisiana Lafayette (Feb. 24).

Disappointing is the word to describe last season for the Indians. No way should a team with two of the most explosive players in the league, J.J. Montgomery and Dewarick Spencer, finishing seventh overall and fourth in its division. This year, despite losing some of the their supporting cast of a year ago, Montgomery and Spencer will spark a turnaround at Arkansas State and carry the team to the cusp of a conference title.

Now do not let this lofty preseason position fool you; if Montgomery and Dewarick do not become leaders and learn to integrate their talents into a team concept, a fourth place in the East Division will occur again. We’re not counting on this being the case. Spencer, the league’s leading scorer last year with a 19.0 average, is the duo’s outside shooter threat. Spencer made 47.8 percent from the field and 45.7 percent from the three-point line last year. Montgomery (17.9 points per game) prefers dribble penetration and getting to the free-throw line. He averaged nearly eight free throws per game last season.

The rest of the squad though remains a bit of a question mark. A key to success for the Indians is the play of Isaac Wells and Marcus Ardison, two transfers into the program who will likely serve as the starting frontcourt. If these two hold their own against the rest of the league and the bench produced an ample amount of playing time, this could a bright season for ASU. Two of their last three games come against Middle Tennessee State and Louisiana Lafayette, games that could determine if ASU are contenders or pretenders.

4. Middle Tennessee State Blue Raiders

(17-12, 8-6) T-2nd in East Division

Projected Starting Lineup:
Bryan Smithson, G
Mike Dean, G
Marcus Morrison, F
Michael Cuffee, F
Kyle Young, C

Key games – Non-conference: San Jan Shootout, (Dec. 20-22), at Villanova (Dec. 27); Conference: home-and-home against Arkansas-Little Rock, Arkansas State and Western Kentucky, at Louisiana Lafayette (Jan. 29).

Make no mistake about it; the Blue Raiders are the dark horse candidate to win the Sun Belt. With plenty of experience returning, a star in Mike Dean and a few fresh faces that make an immediate impact, Middle Tennessee State can hang with anyone in the conference. If you cards fall in the right places, they are capable of winning the whole thing.

Departing from last season’s team is Tommy Gunn, their leader and second leading scorer. The Raiders will need to replace both his scoring and on-court presence. They have the talent to do both. Scoring wise, Mike Dean will become the undisputable No. 1 option. The 6-foot-3 shooting guard led the team in scoring in ’03-’04 (16.2 points per game), but it truly was a one-two punch of Dean and Gunn. Dean is team-orientated though and will know how to handle his role of go-to player.

Bryan Smithson started 28 games last season at point guard as a freshman, gaining limitless experience and gelling into the role as floor general. He’s steady improvement and development as a team leader will mark how far the Raiders go this season. Michael Cuffee was MTSU’s top rebounder (5.9 per game) last season, and is joined by the solid Kyle Young at center and Marcus Morrison at small forward.

If the Blue Raiders receive contributions from a few bench players, they could be tough to beat. Their starting five is arguable the best in the conference. In fact, upon reading this preview it’s hard to wonder why MTSU is picked to finish fourth overall. A tough conference schedule, a road game against Louisiana Lafayette and home-and-homes against three of the remaining top four teams, is the major road block to that title. But the title is definitely within reach.

5. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers

(15-13, 8-6) T-2nd in East Division

Projected Starting Lineup
Antonio Haynes, G
Anthony Winchester, G
Boris Siakam, F
Courtney Lee, F
Elgrace Wilborn, C

Key games – Non-conference: at Murray State (Dec. 4), at Virginia (Jan. 5), Bracket Buster Saturday (Feb. 19); Conference: home-and-home vs. Arkansas-Little Rock, Arkansas State and Middle Tennessee State, at Louisiana Lafayette (Jan. 27)

Darrin Horn probably spent some soul-searching during the offseason. Not only did his Western Kentucky team underachieve during his first season as head coach, but that was just the start. After the season, three players transferred for personal reasons. Coupled with the transfer last year of Patrick Sparks before Horn even coached one game at WKU and Horn must wonder what he got himself into. The bright side? The Hilltoppers are still good.

After deferring to the departed Nigel Dixon and Mike Wells in ’03-’04, guards Anthony Winchester and Antonio Haynes step into leadership roles this year. Winchester averaged 14.1 points, while Haynes averaged 11.9 points and 4.0 assists per game last season, numbers that will all go up. Both are excellent outside shooters and Haynes is deft at creating shots for teammates and still getting his own shot. This year he will likely have to worry more about involving his teammates since many are inexperienced.

The Hilltoppers have seven new members on the squad, including the rest of the starting lineup. Siakam, Lee and Wilborn will start the season in the starting lineup, but none of their positions are sewed up. The first month will be an audition for the frontcourt. The sooner a rotation is established, the better. WKU faces a tough conference schedule and even plays the Bracket Buster game in late February. With so many new faces, the Hilltoppers could easily slide up or down several positions in the conference standings.

6. New Orleans Privateers

(17-14, 9-6) 2nd in West Division

Projected Starting Lineup
Chad Barnes, G
Bo McCalebb, G
Todd Bostic, G
Shawn Mallory, F
Ben Elias, F

Key games – Non-conference: against Mississippi State (Dec. 13), against Southern Miss (Dec. 30), at Alabama (Jan. 1); Conference: home-and-homes against Western Kentucky and Middle Tennessee State, against Arkansas State (Feb. 3)

Say hello to the Bo McCalebb show. After an incredible freshman season, the Privateers outstanding guard is ready to take on the Sun Belt; make that the world. He’s already been tapped as the league’s Preseason Player of the Year, by both Sun Belt head coaches and Hoopville.com. However, the departure of his entire supporting cast from last season will make repeating UNO’s unlikely success last season (reaching the conference title game after being picked last in the preseason) a difficult task.

Last year, McCalebb did not start until mid-way through the season but still led the team in scoring by season’s end (13.1 points per game). The 6-foot guard is not a great shooter, just a great scorer. More important, he is a natural leader. This will be important this season thanks to the departure of five seniors and Victor Brown, who left the team for unspecified reasons.

The Privateers ability to remain in the upper echelon of the Sun Belt depends on the development of McCalebb’s supporting cast. The will have to mature by the end of the January. Thanks to quirky scheduling, the Feb. 3 home game will be its second-last conference game of the season, with six of its last seven coming on the road. New Orleans must be a cohesive unit, not the McCalebb show only, by then if it holds any hope of finishing near the top of the Sun Belt.

7. Denver Pioneers

(14-13, 6-9) T-4th in West Division

Projected Starting Lineup
Rodney Billups, G
Erik Benzel, G
Andrew Carpenter, G
Antonio Porch, F
Yemi Nicholson, C

Key games – Non-conference: vs. Stanford (Dec. 13), at Colorado State (Dec. 30); Conference: vs. Arkansas State (Jan. 20), vs. Arkansas-Little Rock (Jan. 22), vs. Middle Tennessee State (Feb. 12).

Last season the Pioneers started hot and struggled down the stretch. This season will shape up similar to last year, with Denver finishing near the middle of the pack. Seemingly just like every team in the Sun Belt this year, the Pioneers return an experienced backcourt that will be the team’s leaders this season. For Denver, those guards are Rodney Billups and Erik Benzel.

Benzel was the team’s leading scorer last year with a 14.4 points per game average. Benzel lived behind the three-point line, where he attempted 75 percent of his field goal attempts. He shot 42.2 percent from deep and averaged more than three treys per game. He is balanced out by Billups, who averaged 10.4 points and 5.0 assists per game last year. Billups is a solid point guard and is no stranger to leading his team.

Again, seemingly like the rest of the league, how Denver’s inexperienced frontcourt will be a determinant on how the team performs. For the Pioneers, this responsibility falls on Antonio Porch and Yemi Nicholson. The two averaged 12.5 and 14.5 minutes per game last season, respectively. If they produce marginally on the offensive side and defend well, Denver could benefit from facing some of the league’s big boys at home and not on the road.

8. South Alabama Jaguars

(12-16, 6-9) T-4th in West Division

Projected Starting Lineup
Shane Spencer, G
Jeffrey Collins, G
Mario Jointer, G
Richard Law, F
Jacque Pate, C

Key games – Non-conference: against Southern Miss (Dec. 20), against UAB (Dec. 31); Conference: home-and-home against North Texas, New Orleans, Denver and New Mexico State.

South Alabama seemed to be in every game last season. They were the gnat that never goes away, always flying around your face. The Jaguars were able to win some of those games, but lost quite a few too. This season USA will feature a few new players, but for the most part expect to play a similar kind of basketball: defensive, hang-around-until-the-end ball with hopes of squeaking out wins in the final seconds.

Surprise, surprise – the Jaguars’ top two returning players are guards. Shane Spencer and Jeffrey Collins both received considerable playing time last season, both coming off the bench and in the starting lineup. Collins averaged 8.8 points per game, third on the team, while Spencer led the team in assists with 2.8 per game. Spencer and Collins will hold the responsibility on offense, not so much to score but to control the tempo, which must be slow for South Alabama to be effective.

That means the defensive pressure rests solely on the frontcourt. They must control the glass, vital for the Jaguars’ success. In ’03-’04, South Alabama was out-rebounded by nearly four boards per game, (35.9 to 32.1), a big reason for the Jags’ struggles. Richard Law and Jacque Pate, both new to the program, will shoulder this responsibility. USA goes against all of the middle-of-the-road teams twice this season. These games will determine where they finish.

9. North Texas Mean Green

(13-15, 8-7) 3rd in the West Division

Projected Starting Lineup
Leonard Hopkins, G
Isaac Hines, G
Calvin Watson, G
Michael Jones, F
Justin Barnett, C

Key games – Non-conference: against TCU (Dec. 4), Dr. Pepper Classic (Dec. 29-30); Conference: home-and-home against New Orleans, Denver, South Alabama, New Mexico State

The Mean Green lost four of its five starts from last season and will take the biggest fall of any team in the Sun Belt this season. The lone returning starter, Leonard Hopkins, takes over the reigns as team leader. Hopkins was the team’s leading scorer last season (14.0 points per game) and is a solid player on both ends. He is a good rebounding guard and passes and guards well.

The rest of the North Texas squad received plenty of playing team last year, even if it was from the bench. Watson, Jones and Barnett each played more than ten minutes per game last year, which bodes well for this season. Watson and Jones each averaged 3.5 boards per game, an area they must improve upon. NTU likes to get up and down the court, which will hinder them against the top teams in the conference but could benefit them against the lesser teams.

Similar to South Alabama, North Texas plays home-and-homes with four the other middle-of-the-road teams in the Sun Belt. If the Mean Green finds a rhythm early this season, expect a higher finish than predicted now.

10. New Mexico State Aggies

(13-14, 6-9) T-4th in West Division

Projected Starting Lineup
Mike Mitchell, G
Byron Davis, G
Robert Frazier, G
Jeff Jones, F
Josh Jenkins, F

Key games – BP Top of the World Classic (Nov. 19-21), against Tulsa (Jan. 10); Conference: home-and-home against North Texas, New Orleans, South Alabama, Denver

The Aggies are a work-in-progress this season, replacing several players from a team that struggled last year. The up side is that new blood could be just what New Mexico State needs. The ’03-’04 season was a disappointing one, as the Aggies finished well below expectations. With home-and-homes against the other four already mentioned squads, NMSU will have plenty of chances to improve its standings and fight for a spot in the conference tournament.

Bryon Davis and Robert Frazier are the top returning players for Aggies. Davis started sixteen games last season, averaging 26.9 minutes and 5.4 points per game. Frazier contributed 12.8 minutes per game. The rest of the starting lineup, Mike Mitchell, Jeff Jones and Josh Jenkins, are new but highly-touted by the coaching staff. Similar to North Texas, the early season will be a big determinant to how New Mexico State performs this season.

11. Florida International Golden Panthers

(5-22, 1-13) 5th in the East Division

Projected Starting Lineup
Antonio Jones, G
Junior Matias, G
Ivan Almonte, F
Ismael N’Diaye, F
Bryon Burnett, C

Key games – Non-conference: at South Florida (Dec. 20), FIU Holiday Classic (Dec. 27-28); Conference: against Denver (Jan. 15), against North Texas (Jan. 17), against New Mexico State (Jan. 24).

After an ugly season, the Golden Panthers are hoping to turn over a new leaf with new head coach Sergio Rouco, who came to Florida International from Texas-El Paso. The bright side for Rouco is most of last season’s team returns, giving him experienced players to work with. The bad news is that this team must prove it can win conference games and have the confidence to compete.

Unlike almost every team in the Sun Belt, FIU relies on its big man for big plays and leadership. Six-foot-8 center Bryon Burnett is the team’s top returning rebounder and one of its top returning scorers. He will need to lead by example for the Panthers. Despite Burnett’s efforts, not much is expected from Florida International in ’04-’05.

What to look for in the Sun Belt

This is a guard-orientated league, providing a plethora of three-pointers and fast-paced action. From the bright star of McCalebb, do-it all Dean, scoring machines Montgomery and Spencer and plenty of others, how these little guys perform will determine how their respective teams fare. But with all of those big names in the league, when it’s all said and done, look for the no-name Trojans of Arkansas-Little Rock to bring home the ’04-’05 title.