Pac-10 Preview

FOR A COMPLETE PREVIEW OF THE 2005-2006 SEASON, CLICK HERE

Player of the Year: Chris Hernandez, Stanford

Newcomer of the Year: Jon Brockman, F, Washington

All-Conference Team:
G- Chris Hernandez, Stanford
G- Brandon Roy, Washington
G/F- Dan Grunfeld, Stanford
F- Hassan Adams, Arizona
F- Leon Powe, California

Second Team:
G- Jordan Farmar, UCLA
G- Aaron Brooks, Oregon
G- Mustafa Shakur, Arizona
F- Nick DeWitz, Oregon State
F- Matt Haryasz, Stanford

Third Team:
G- Gabe Pruitt, USC
G- Aaron Afflalo, UCLA
G/F- Malik Hairston, Oregon
F- Bobby Jones, Washington
F- Rod Benson, California

1. Stanford- This season's Pac-10 race is going to be wide open at the top, with several teams in contention for the title. However, the leader at this point has to be the Stanford Cardinal. Going into last season, Stanford was not expected to have much success after they lost their coach and several key players. However, a six-game winning streak mid-season put people on notice that Stanford was a team to be reckoned with. One of the best trios in the country returns to lead the Cardinal. Point guard Chris Hernandez is a top player, and is possibly the most valuable player on the West Coast. His importance to his team does not just show up in the box score. He is an excellent distributor, and is a very clutch scorer. Hernandez is a solid defender, and shoots over 40 percent from behind the arc. Wing Dan Grunfeld tore his ACL last season and missed the final nine games of the season. He should be healthy and ready to go this year, though. Grunfeld is an excellent shooter, from both long-range and mid-range. He is just a natural scorer that knows where to go in order to put himself in a position to get points. With those two running things on the perimeter, Matt Haryasz owns the paint down low. He is a double-double machine, and could improve his numbers this season. Haryasz is also an underrated defender and passer. With those three set in stone, two starting spots are up for grabs. On the perimeter, Tim Morris, Jason Haas, and Fred Washington figure to see time. Morris will likely start. He wasn't eligible for the last 19 games of the season because of academics, but he is an explosive athlete that can score. Haas provides a solid backup for Hernandez. Washington is very physical and is a tremendous rebounder for his size. Inside, Peter Prowitt figures to get the starting nod. He needs to step up his production to take some of the pressure off of Haryasz. Taj Finger is a versatile forward that will see extensive minutes in the paint. With the Big Three leading the way, Stanford should win the Pac-10 and will be a darkhorse Final Four team come March. Prediction: NCAA

2. Arizona- The Arizona Wildcats should have been a Final Four team a season ago, and possibly a National Title Game finalist. They blew a 15-point lead with four minutes left against eventual National Runner-up Illinois. From that team, they lose their two best players, guard Salim Stoudamaire, the best shooter and clutch scorer in the country, and center Channing Frye, a lottery pick in the past NBA Draft. Coach Lute Olson isn't worried, though. He is changing his offense to a one-in, four-out set-up, with one post player, and essentially four perimeter players. That plays in perfectly to the personnel that the Wildcats have this season. Hassan Adams will lead the way on the perimeter. He was the third option last season, but is expected to have a huge year as the go-to-guy. He is extremely athletic and can do everything on the court. Adams is a very good defender and rebounder for his size. Mustafa Shakur returns for his third season as the point guard. He has been somewhat of a disappointment in some people's eyes, not living up to the hype that he came into school with. Still, he is a very good point guard who can penetrate and distibutor. Shakur is also an excellent defender and a capable three-point shooter. The third returning starter is forward Ivan Radenovic. He is the most underrated player in the conference, as well as one of the most versatile. He is a solid passer and can also hit the open jump shot. Radenovic is capable of playing the high post well and also getting points down low. Replacing Channing Frye as the low post man will be Kirk Walters, Isiah Fox, and Mohamed Tangara. Walters is the likely starter. He is a very good shot blocker and has the potential to be a decent scorer and rebounder. Fox is a strong inside player that won't be pushed around. Tangara is going to contribute as an excellent rebounder and defender. Replacing Stoudamaire will fall to two wings that have experience and plenty of potential. Chris Rodgers has the ability to be a very good scorer, as he already is the team's best on-the-ball defender. Jawann McClellan might have the most NBA potential of any Arizona player, according to NBA scouts. He is very athletic and can do nearly everything on the court, including shoot the jumper well. He is suspended until mid-December for academics, though. More depth on the perimeter will come from freshmen Marcus Williams and JP Prince. Williams is an excellent shooter and a very good athlete. He has been impressive in practice and could push for serious minutes. Prince is a 6-7 point guard than can pass the ball well. Arizona has a lot of talent but must replace their two leaders. With plenty of options inside and out, the Wildcats will have an excellent season. Prediction: NCAA

3. UCLA- This was supposed to be the year that everything came together for UCLA. However, an NCAA berth came earlier than expected. The Bruins, with three freshman starters, finished third in the Pac-10 and was good enough to earn an at-large berth. They could be even better this season. Those three freshman starters on the perimeter are now sophomores and a year older and a year more experienced. That bodes well for the Bruins. Jordan Farmar is one of the best point guards in the West, and potentially the nation. He is a very good scorer and an excellent passer that can carry the Bruins. He needs to cut down on his turnovers, though. Arron Afflalo is overshadowed by Farmar and is underrated across the country. He is a near-39 percent shooter from deep, and is one of the better defenders in the Pac-10. Josh Shipp contributed in many categories last season as a freshman starter. He played solid defense, and provided solid production in the scoring and rebounding categories. With all of the perimeter talent, Cedric Bozeman, who was out last season with an injury, might move to forward. Bozeman led the Pac-10 in assists two seasons ago, but won't replace Farmar anytime soon. He would give the Bruins athleticism and a tough matchup in the frontcourt. The post spots are the question marks for UCLA. 7-footers Michael Fey and Ryan Hollins split time last season at center, and could do the same this year. They also might start beside each other. Fey is a good scorer and rebounder, but could improve those numbers. Hollins is a good shot blocker that is another big body down low. Freshman Alfred Aboya and Ryan Wright are expected to see minutes inside for UCLA, while returnee Lorenzo Mata is a good rebounder who will play. UCLA has an excellent perimeter group with no proven post scorers. If they can get consistent production from their big guys, the Bruins will be tough to bear. Prediction: NCAA

4. Washington- The Washington Huskies of last season essentially turned the program around. Two years removed from a string of 10 and 11 win-seasons, they won the Pac-10 and received a #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. However, this year's version is not going to be as good. They lost three starters, including first-round pick Nate Robinson. They will still be competitive, though. Brandon Roy could develop into one of the best players in the country as he is given the role of go-to-guy. He is an excellent defender and a very good rebounder for a guard. His scoring average should jump by a few points with more minutes. Joining him in the backcourt is Florida transfer Ryan Appleby. He will run the point for the Huskies, and is an excellent shooter. Wing Joel Smith will provide depth. The frontcourt is deep and talented. Bobby Jones is one of the most versatile players in the country, and can guard anyone on the court, one through five. In addition, he can score and rebound well. He shot over 50 percent from beyond the arc. Jamaal Williams is a 6-5 forward that can score inside and out. He came off the bench last season, but will start this year and should have an all-conference-type year. Mike Jensen is a returning starter at forward. He is experienced and is a good shooter for a big man. Freshman Jon Brockman could have one of the biggest impacts of any freshman in the country for the Huskies. He will have an immediate difference on this team. The Huskies will take a slight fall from last season's team, but will still be in the hunt for a Pac-10 title, especially if Appleby steps in at the point. Prediction: NCAA

5. California- California finished in eighth place in the conference last season, and didn't get any program-changing recruits. Why the optimism? Two words: Leon Powe. The potential All-American missed all of last season with an injury, but is back this year. He can carry the Bears. Powe is a double-double threat everytime he steps on the court, and could be the conference's best player by the end of the season. Teaming with him on the inside is Rod Benson, who had a big year last season with Powe out. He showed that he can be a go-to-guy down low who can score and rebound. With Powe back, Benson's numbers could go down. The last frontcourt starting job is up for grabs. Freshman Jordan Wilkes and 6-10 sophomore Devon Hardin are both post players who will see minutes inside, but might not start because of the presence of Powe and Benson. Wilkes is going to be an impact newcomer, while Hardin is a good rebounder and shot blocker. He is also a decent scorer. Forward Eric Verneisel is one of the team's best long-range shooters. The perimeter is also loaded. Guard Richard Midgley will once again be the leader in the backcourt. He is a very good all-around player that can score, distribute the ball, and play defense. On the wing next to Midgley will likely be Kansas transfer Omar Wilkes. Wilkes is a good shooter and can also drive past defenders to the basket. Point guard Ayinde Ubaka will run the team from the top. He is quick and has the potential to be a very good scorer and penetrator. Part-time starter Martin Smith is also back. He will provide depth at the point. The Bears have the personnel to make some noise on the West Coast, and should beat some quality teams with Powe back in the mix. Prediction: NCAA

6. Oregon- The Ducks looked to be on the path to an NCAA berth last season at 9-1 before falling off the map. They went 3-10 the rest of the way. With another year of experience, the young Ducks should be able to handle the rigors of an entire season, and will have the stamina to stay on the bubble down the stretch. One of the best perimeters in the country returns for them. Aaron Brooks is an underrated point guard that is extremely quick. He is a very good shooter and passer that can score very well. Malik Hairson should live up to his potential this season. He can do everything on the court, and showed flashes of that last season. Bryce Taylor is an excellent shooter that slowed down late in the season. If these three contribute night in, night out, the Ducks will be a tough out everytime they take the floor. There is depth on the perimeter as well. Chamberlain Oguchi is a good scorer on the wing; Brandon Lincoln provides a backup to Brooks at the point; and Jordan Kent is a multi-talented bench player. The only question mark is the frontcourt, but it is a big one. Ray Schafer and Maarty Leunen are decent options in the low post, but neither stands out down low. Schafer is a solid shot blocker who should improve his numbers with increased minutes, while Leunen is a potentially very good power forward that can rebound well and score inside and out. Ivan Johnson could solve their problems if he makes the impact that is expected of him. The JC transfer should make an immediate difference inside. Since the backcourt is loaded, the frontcourt is what will hold them back if they don't make the NCAA Tournament. The Ducks will be a bubble team right until the end, but unless their frontcourt steps up their production, it will be the Field of 40, not 65, for Oregon. Prediction: NIT

7. Oregon State- The Oregon State Beavers were one of the more interesting cases of last year's bubble teams. They finished fifth in the Pac-10 and had a few quality wins. However, they went 0-9 on the road in the conference. That is not the recipe for an NCAA berth. They do lose all-conference forward David Lucas, but if they turn around their performance on the road, they could make some noise on the West Coast again. Nick DeWitz is one of the best unknown forwards in the country. He is extremely versatile and can do everything on both sides of the ball. He hit over 50 percent of three-pointers, and filled the stat sheet every night out. He gathers blocks and steals, and is an excellent scorer and a solid rebounder. Joining him in the frontcourt is center Kyle Jeffers. He was a part-time starters last season, but did not produce much. He needs to improve his numbers. 6-10 Sasa Cuic has the potential to form a very potent forward combo with DeWitz. He has shown he can score well, but he could have a break-out season up front. Marcel Jones provides depth at forward. On the perimeter, two starters return. Lamar Hurd is a very good defender who is not much of an offensive force. Chris Stephens is a good shooter that is a solid wing option for points. Jason Fontenet could get the starting job at the point due to his quickness and scoring abilities. The personnel is there for a postseason berth, but the Beavers' performance on the road will dictate which tournament. Prediction: NIT

8. USC- The Southern Cal Trojans have steadily gone down the ladder after a string of 20-win seasons four years ago. They should bounce back to a respectable record this season. USC has a very good perimeter trio that carries them offensively. Gabe Pruitt is one of the best point guards in the conference, and one of the most underrated in the country. He has good size for a point man, and can shoot it very well from distance. Pruitt is also a solid defender and a good defender with the ability to finish in the lane. Wing Nick Young is a very good scorer who could develop into an extremely solid all-around player. Lodrick Stewart is very athletic who can shoot the ball well from deep. He is also a tough defender. Dwayne Shackleford will produce solid numbers off the bench, providing quality depth. JC transfer Shaun Davis is very quick and is a good scorer who will see minutes at the point. The frontcourt will be made up of newcomers. JC transfer Abdoulaye Ndiaye will start immediately. He is a very good defender and rebounder who will be the main low-post option on offense. Freshman Keith Wilkinson is the leading candidate at the other forward spot, although fellow freshman Jeremy Barr and RouSean Cromwell will see minutes. The perimeter is one of the best on the West Coast, but their frontcourt is a mess. They have no proven players in the paint. If one or two players emerge, the Trojans will make it to the postseason. Prediction: NIT

9. Washington State- Washington State is not the most exciting team in the country, but they get results on defense. Coach Dick Bennett preaches a slow-down style of play that keeps his team in nearly every game. It is tough to blow the Cougars out. They don't change their philosophy for any opponent. The personnel is just not there yet for WSU to make it to the postseason. Center Robbie Cowgill is a solid shot blocker who can rebound well. He could develop into a very good inside player. Fellow frontcourt players Daven Harmeling and Chris Henry need to improve their production as well. Harmeling has potential to be a quality performer, while Henry will give WSU a body down low. Guard Derrick Low is a solid point guard. He can pass the ball well, and is a good scorer. His role will expand this season, giving him more freedom to score. Also in the backcourt, wing Kyle Weaver is a good shooter who can score going to the basket as well. Josh Akognon will also see plenty of minutes on the perimeter. Several newcomers will play significant roles in the rotation. If the offense of the Cougars ever becomes tough to stop, Washington State could make some noise. For now, though, the defense will keep WSU in games, but the offense will keep WSU from the postseason. Prediction: No postseason

10. Arizona State- Arizona State could not make the NCAA Tournament or even finish in the upper half of the Pac-10 with lottery pick Ike Diogu in the lineup. Without him on the team, the Sun Devils will fall to the cellar. The backcourt is fairly solid, but the rest of the team is a mystery with the loss of three starters, including do-everything All-America Diogu. Point guard Kevin Kruger is a good shooter who can pass the ball well. His scoring will need to go up to make up for the loss of production. Wing Bryson Krueger has the potential to be a big-time scorer on the perimeter. The 6-7 junior is one of the best shooters in the conference. Tyrone Jackson provides depth as a returnee, while freshman Seketoure Henry will also see minutes. The froncourt has a go-to-player in Serge Angounou. He is a very good rebounder and a decent scorer. He could have a big year up front without Diogu getting the ball every time down the court. Forward Sylvester Seay is highly regarded and is expected to get a starting role. ASU is a few years away from contending after the loss of Diogu. Prediction: No postseason

SEC Preview

FOR A COMPLETE PREVIEW OF THE 2005-2006 SEASON, CLICK HERE

Player of the Year: Ronnie Brewer, G/F, Arkansas

Newcomer of the Year: Tasmin Mitchell, F, LSU

All-Conference Team:
G- Rajon Rondo, Kentucky
G- Ronald Steele, Alabama
G/F- Ronnie Brewer, Arkansas
F- Chuck Davis, Alabama
F- Glen Davis, LSU

Second Team:
G- Patrick Sparks, Kentucky
G- Mario Moore, Vanderbilt
G- C.J. Watson, Tennessee
F- Corey Brewer, Florida
C- Jermareo Davidson, Alabama

Third Team:
G- Chris Lofton, Tennessee
G- Levi Stukes, Georgia
G- Darrel Mitchell, LSU
F- Al Horford, Florida
C- Darian Townes, Arkansas

Eastern Division:
1. Kentucky- Kentucky should once again dominate the SEC. However, this team is not as good as the Wildcats teams of past years. The eligibility of Randolph Morris could have a big impact on the Wildcats. The 6-11 potential star could be suspended for an undetermined amount of games for having SFX agency pay for his travel while he was mulling over the NBA Draft. If he returns, he will give the Wildcats a solid inside game. That is going to be necessary, considering the Wildcats already have one of the best perimeter groups in the country. Rajon Rondo is expected to have a breakout season at the point. He is an excellent defender, but needs to work on his shot. His passing and quickness allows him to be a very good penetrator and distributor. Patrick Sparks is a clutch shooter that is a good all-around player. When he's hot, he is one of the better long-range shooters around. His shooting selection sometimes leaves something to be desired, though. On the wing, Joe Crawford looks to start. He had some problems with Tubby Smith last season and attempted to leave the program. He came back, however, and showed flashes of his potential. Off the bench, Ramel Bradley provides good scoring and production in all aspects of the game. Ravi Moss is a good long-range shooter. Replacing the heart and soul of Kentucky's team for the past few years, Chuck Hayes, will be JC transfer Rekalin Sims. The combo forward can shoot the ball, and can also get some buckets down low. Freshman Jared Carter has shown some promise in practice. Returning seven-footers Shagari Alleyne and Lukasz Obrzut will man the center spot until Morris returns, while Sheray Thomas and Bobby Perry are versatile forwards that saw decent minutes a season ago. The Wildcats are deep and talented. Prediction: NCAA

2. Vanderbilt- The Commodores had a quiet 20-win season a year ago, and look to build on that this season. Mario Moore is streaky, but when he is on, he can carry Vandy. His suspension for the first three games of the season will hinder their development as a team, though. Shan Foster and Virginia transfer Derrick Byars will comprise possibly the best offensive wing combo in the league. Foster looks to be ready for a breakout season, while Byars is very athletic and is a good three-point shooter. Alex Gordon provides scoring and solid point guard play off the bench in what is a very deep and talented backcourt. Wing Dan Cage is another shooter that the Commodores can use. Up front, Julian Terrell leads the way. He needs to continue the way he played down the stretch. Center Ted Skuchas doesn't have very impressive numbers, but he can provide solid defense and rebounding down low. If the frontcourt produces every night, and develops another scoring option in the post, the Commodores will get to the NCAA Tournament. Prediction: NCAA

3. Florida- The Gators are going to have to go through a makeover if they are to repeat their Top-4 seed of last season. They lose key veterans Matt Walsh, Anthony Roberson, and David Lee, who have contributed consistently the past few seasons. Two starters return in forwards Corey Brewer and Al Horford, both potential all-conference players. Brewer is an excellent defender and a 44 percent shooter from long-range. He is also solid at cutting to the basket for buckets. Horford is a good shot blocker and an excellent rebounder. If he can improve his scoring, he is going to be one of the better inside players in the SEC. The third frontcourt position will be filled by either Adrian Moss, Joakim Noah, or Chris Richard. Moss is the lone senior on the Gators; he is a solid rebounder and post defender. Noah is expected to have a big season for Florida. He is a tough match-up for fellow big men because of his athleticism and perimeter abilities. Richard gives the Gators a big body down low. On the perimeter, Taurean Green should start at the point. As the backup to Roberson, he demonstrated that he will be a solid choice to run the team. He plays good defense, is a decent shooter, and can push the ball well. The other returnee in the backcourt is Lee Humphrey, a very good long-range shooter. Two freshman are expected to earn minutes on the perimeter. Walter Hodge is a point guard that can also score in a variety of ways, while Derwin Kitchen is an athletic wing that needs to become eligible in order to play. If the role players from a season develop into go-to-players, the Gators could make some noise nationally. Prediction: NIT

4. South Carolina- The Postseason NIT champs would much rather see their name in an NCAA bracket this season. With the team they have, that is very possible. Although no double figure scorers return for the Gamecocks, several productive role players are back. Tarence Kinsey hit the game winner at the buzzer in the NIT title game, and is the best shooter on the team. He could end up being the leading scorer. Tre' Kelley and Rocky Trice also return in the backcourt. Kelley is a solid playmaker at the point who can play decent defense. Trice was a part-time starter last season, and is an athletic player that can do a multitude of things from the wing. Dwayne Day provides depth on the perimeter. In the frontcourt, they need to replace do-everything forward Carlos Powell. Antoine Tisby, Brandon Wallace, and Renaldo Balkman are all solid players up front, but none stand out. Tisby is a good but inconsistent inside scorer. Wallace is a lanky athlete that is a very good defender, both in terms of steals and blocks. Balkman is another skinny athlete and is a solid shot blocker. If any of the former role players develop into a go-to-guy, the Gamecocks won't have a chance to defend their NIT Title. Prediction: NIT

5. Tennessee- The Volunteers looked like they had some potential a season ago, but that turned into a 14-17 season that ended in the quarterfinals of the SEC Tournament. They do return several solid contributors from a year ago, though, including two potential all-league players on the perimeter. C.J Watson is one of the better point guards in the conference. He is an excellent defender that ranks near the top of the league in steals, and is also a very good distributor and playmaker. Kenny Lofton is one of the best long-range shooters in the country at nearly 47 percent from behind the arc. He also is a decent defender. If he improves his ability to drive to the basket, he can be a poor man's JJ Redick. The perimeter also returns 6-3 Dane Bradshaw, who provides a little of everything. Up front, Andre Patterson and Stanley Asumnu return at forward. Patterson is a good scorer, putting up points off rebounds and mid-range buckets. Asumnu is quick and athletic who will develop into a good defender and scorer. Major Wingate will man the low post. He could double his modest numbers of last season (5 ppg, 3 rpg) this year. Freshman Ryan Childress will see minutes down low. If Watson and Lofton put up big numbers in the backcourt, and a go-to-guy emerges down low, the Volunteers will win some games. Prediction: NIT

6. Georgia- The Bulldogs had an expected rebuilding season a year ago, going 8-20 and winning only 2 games in the SEC. They return all five starters from that team, and bring in one of the best point guard recruits in the country. The backcourt is loaded. Levi Stukes is one of the best guards in the league, and will be an all-conference player. He is very tough to defend on offense. Sundiata Gaines played out of position at the point a season ago. He is a double-figure scorer who is also a surprisingly good rebounder and a decent passer. Channing Toney started last season, but could come off the bench this year. He is a near double-figure scorer that is a very good shooter. The reason that he will likely be the sixth man is freshman Mike Mercer. Mercer is a very good playmaker who can score and distribute once he gets in the lane. His athleticism and leaping ability enable him to be a good finisher. Sophomore Kevin Brophy will provide solid depth on the perimeter. Inside, returning starters Steve Newman and Dave Bliss are back. Newman is a good post player that provides solid rebounding and defense. Bliss could have a breakout season on the low block. Idrissi Younes returns to provide depth, while freshman Rashaad Singleton and Kendrick Johnson will see minutes in the post. The Bulldogs will be improved from last season, but will fall short of the postseason. Prediction: No Postseason

Western Division:
1. Alabama- The Crimson Tide made news over the offseason due to the fact that everyone in the country realized that they were going to potentially start four forwards as a result of the lack of wing players. However, that big lineup will lead the Tide to a decent amount of wins in the weak SEC. Leading the way on the baseline is all-conference forward Chuck Davis. He is one of the best inside players in the country, and is dominant on both sides of the ball. He lead the SEC in blocked shots, and is extremely difficult to stop once he gets the ball down low. Fellow inside player Jermareo Davidson is another all-conference player. He is a lanky big man, but he is athletic and is a very good rebounder. He might see more time away from the basket to make room for all the post players on the Tide. Freshman Richard Hendrix is another post player. He could develop into a dominant big man and is a candidate for SEC Freshman of the year. They also have depth inside. Evan Brock needs to improve his production with increased playing time, while Yamene Coleman seems like he will be the next premier big man for the Crimson Tide as his career goes on. To go with all the frontcourt talent and depth, the backcourt has questions. Who is going to play on the wing? Jean Felix will most likely get the starting nod, mainly by default. He is not a natural two-guard, but he will fit in well. He is an excellent shooter, hitting three-pointers at a 45 percent clip. Felix is also one of best defenders in the SEC, although not too many saw that last season. Returnee Justin Jonus and newcomer Alonzo Gee are also going to see time on the wing. Jonus is a very good shooter and a potentially solid scorer, while Gee will be forced into minutes because of the lack of wings. One position that doesn't have a question mark is at the point. Ronald Steele is one of the best point guards in the country, and should be a first-team All-SEC performer this season. He lead the league in assists and assist to turnover ratio. Steele also shot almost 43 percent from behind the arc. He does not have a very capable backup. If Alabama can get steady production from the wing, they will be tough to beat. Prediction: NCAA

2. LSU- Coming off a surprise season that ended with a disappointing first-round flameout, the Tigers are looking to build upon their success of a year ago. They will have to do without their best player, Brandon Bass, who took his game to the NBA Draft, but went undrafted. They do return Bass' partner down low, though, in Glen Davis. "Big Baby" could become the most dominant big man in the South. He is surprisingly athletic and agile on offense, and is an excellent rebounder. Teaming with him in the frontcourt will be two freshmen, Tasmin Mitchell and Magnum Rolle. Mitchell is my pick for National Freshman of the Year. He is going to start on the wing immediately, and will make a substantial impact with his scoring and passing abilities. Rolle will play beside Davis in the low block. He is a highly regarded recruit. In the bakcourt, returning point guard Tack Minor is suspended for the first four games. He is very quick, and is a good scorer and distributor. However, he sometimes plays out of control and that turns the ball over often. On the wing, Darrel Mitchell is a consistent scorer. He is an excellent three point shooter that also has the ability to drive past any defender. In addition, he is a solid passer and a good defender. Until Minor returns, another freshman will start. Ben Voogd is an outstanding passer that will keep the offense rolling. If the freshman have the expected impact, LSU will return to the NCAA Tournament, but will win a first-round game this time. Prediction: NCAA

3. Arkansas- The Razorbacks ended their season on a sour note, falling in the first round of the SEC Tournament and turning down an invitation to the NIT. If everything goes according to plan, they won't have to even think about an NIT bid this season. The best player in the conference, Ronnie Brewer, returns on the wing. He can play every perimeter position, and might do that this season. He is an excellent scorer and defender, and is also a very solid rebounder and passer. Brewer also shot 40 percent from three-point range. He can do it all. Also on the wing is Jonathan Modica. He averaged over 16 points per game two years ago, but less than 10 last season. He should bounce back this season due to his shooting prowess (43 percent from behind the arc). At the point is Eric Ferguson. He is not much of a scorer, but he can shoot the three with efficiency and is a good distributor. Dontrell Jefferson will provide depth on the wing, while freshman Sean McCurdy will see minutes at the point. Inside, Darian Townes could develop into one of the top big men in the conference. He is a go-to option offensively on the low block, and is a very good rebounder and shot-blocker. Forward Charles Thomas was a part-time starter last season. He is a decent scorer and rebounder. 7-footer Steven Hill is an excellent shot-blocker, but he needs to develop his scoring and rebounding skills. Returning from injury is 6-10 Vincent Hunter, who played well two seasons ago down low. He will see minutes. If the big men down low provide consistent punch, and the perimeter guys around Brewer produce, the Razorbacks will return to the NCAA Tournament. Prediction: NCAA

4. Ole Miss- Coming off three consecutive below .500 seasons, the Rebels look to make a return to respectability with a core of young players to build around. Leading the way is the lone returning starter, Londrick Nolen. Nolen will have a starting job again this season at forward. He is a scoring wing that also is a very solid defender, both with steals and blocks. Another guy who saw extensive minutes last season was post player Dwayne Curtis. He has loads of potential, and showed flashes of that a year ago. Also returning down low is Jeremy Parnell, who should have a big year in the paint after seeing minutes in 26 games last year. The other returnees are on the perimeter. Point guard Todd Abernathy won the league's sixth man award, but should start up top this season. He is a very good three-point shooter and a solid scorer and passer. Brandon Patterson is a good shooter who will develop as a scorer over the course of the season. Bam Doyne will likely provide depth in the backcourt. This year's group of newcomers will also see extensive minutes. Forward Marquis Young could start at forward. He is a highly-ranked recruit. JC transfer Clarence Sanders is a very good scorer who will play. The Rebels are a few years away from NCAA contention, but they could make the NIT as early as this season. Prediction: NIT

5. Mississippi State- The Bulldogs have had a successful past few years, but that will stop this season. They lose their top six scorers and rebounders, including all five starters. Jamall Edmundson is the leading scorer at less than five points per game. He is a good long-range shooter and could be a go-to-scorer on the perimeter. Wesley Morgan returns down low after playing limited minutes a year ago. Dietric Slater is a versatile scorer and defender on the wing, while Piotr Stelmach has some experience in the frontcourt. Also returning up front are sophomores Charles Rhodes and Walter Sharpe. Both can play down low, and will make an impact if they become more disciplined on and off the court. The rest is newcomers. Guards Jamont Gordon, and twins Reginald and Richard Delk are expected to make immediate impacts on the perimeter, while Vernon Goodridge will see extensive minutes right away in the paint. The Bulldogs have the potential to make some noise down the road, but not this season. Prediction: No posteason

6. Auburn- The Tigers had a surprisingly successful 14-win campaign a year ago. That doesn't sound very impressive, but if you look at what they went through, it was a good year for a young team that beat some quality clubs. This season should be more of the same--another 4-5 win SEC season and no postseason. One returning starter is back in wing Daniel Hayles. He had to play the post last season, but will be back on the wing this year. He is a good defender, scorer, and shooter. Frank Tolbert was a part-time starter last year, and will move into the lineup at guard. He could have a breakout season with more minutes. Another forward/wing-type returns in Ronny LeMelle, who is a solid defender who can also score if necessary. The rest of the rotation will be filled out by newcomers. Korvotney Barber is a McDonald's All-American who could start immediately inside. He should make an impact due to his athleticism. Forward Joey Cameron will also see loads of minutes in the frontcourt for the Tigers. Incoming guards Rasheem Barrett and Michael Woodard will play a lot right away in the backcourt. The Tigers have some talent, but not enough to make an impact in the SEC. Prediction: No postseason

Mountain West Conference Preview

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One of the more disappointing conferences a season ago, the Mountain West Conference was salvaged by a 13-1 conference record from Utah and a great stretch run by New Mexico to get to 10-4 in the conference. Air Force finished one game back of the Lobos, but no one else finished above .500 in league play. Utah and New Mexico were the flag-bearers for the conference last year. In the conference tournament, New Mexico defeated Utah to win the automatic bid. Utah received an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament, and made a run to the Sweet Sixteen. New Mexico lost in the first round to Villanova. However, two first-round NBA Draft picks, Andrew Bogut and Danny Granger, are both gone. The Mountain West Conference is going to be wide-open this season in what will be a down year for the league.

Favorites: San Diego State returns the two best players in the league in Marcus Slaughter and Brandon Heath. Slaughter is a double-double threat everytime he steps in the court, and he dominates the paint for the Aztecs. With a few breaks here and there, he could be a deep sleeper choice for the Wooden Award list. His partner in one of the best inside-outside combos in the country is guard Brandon Heath. Heath contributes in all aspects of the game, and is the leading returning scorer in the conference. SDSU has more than just those two, though. Florida transfer Mohamed Akubar is expected to make a huge impact at center once he becomes eligbile in December. Guards Matt Thomas and John Sharper are solid contributors that return in the backcourt. Trimaine Davis had a never-ending motor at forward, while Mohamed Camara will keep the center spot warm for Akubar. The only reason that the Aztecs aren' the consensus top team? They went 11-18 last year with basically the same team, other than Akubar. Utah loses #1 NBA Draft pick Andrew Bogut, as well as three other key players. They do return, however, an all-conference forward in Bryant Markson, He could have a huge season as the go-to-guy for the Utes. Point guard Tim Drisdom returns a starter. He is a steady leader, but he needs to improve his production if Utah is going to repeat as MWC Champions. Starting next to him in the backcourt will be newcomer Johnnie Bryant. He is going to be a candidate for conference Newcomer of the Year if he lives up to his expectations. Down low, three players 6-11 or taller will try to replace Bogut. Jonas Langvad is a good shooter that played important minutes last season at the power forward slot. Chris Jackson was Bogut's backup, and could start. Redshirt freshman Luke Nevill may be the best option, though. The 7-foot Australian (yes, Bogut was both of those too) can do a variety of things. Air Force returns two potential all-league first teamers in guard Antoine Hood and center Nick Welch. Hood is the team's leading returning scorer and provides perimeter offense, while Welch is probably the best passer on the team. He needs to improve his rebounding, though. Forward Jacob Burtschi also returns as a starter in the frontcourt. Guard Matt McGraw likes to push the ball, while wing Dan Nwaelele is a decent scoring option on the perimeter. The main potential problem with the Falcons is that they are going to be breaking in a new coach, Jeff Bzdelik. He will need to get acquainted with the classic Air Force, Princeton-like offensive system. They should be just fine, though, will all of the returning experience.

Sleepers: UNLV loses three starters, but return a host of solid players. Guard Michael Umeh should have a huge season on the wing, after coming on strong down the stretch. He is capable of scoring in a variety of ways on offense. Ricky Morgan will join him in the backcourt, after starting the final 12 games of the season. Freshman Jo'Van Adams is expected to make an impact on the perimeter, while Curtis Terry will provide depth on the wing. Returning starter Louis Amundson is back in the frontcourt after having a very good all-around season. Returnees Dustin Villepigue and Joel Anthony need to play bigger roles this season. TCU looks to build upon their success of last season, when they made a run to the third round of the NIT. Wing Nile Murry is a very good scorer and shooter who provides most of the perimeter offense. Frontcourt players Femi Ibikunle and Chudi Chinweze anchor the low post. Chinweze missed the latter part of the season after tearing his ACL in December, but is one of the best players in the conference when healthy. Ibikunle is a solid inside player. Returning guard Brent Reese-Hackett and a plethora of newcomers will see extensive minutes and could even start. New Mexico loses first-round pick David Granger and two other starters, but all hope is not lost. A very good inside-outside combo returns in guard Mark Walters and David Chiotti. Walters is a solid all-around contributor that can score from the perimeter, while Chiotti could develop into a near-dominant inside player in the MWC. He is very efficient from the floor and will be the go-to-guy. Point guard Kris Collins should be healthy after injuring his foot midway through the season, and should start in the backcourt. Athletic Tony Danridge will start on the wing. Joining Chiotti down low will be one of two JC transfers, Joel Box and Kyle Prochaska.

Rounding Out the Pack: Wyoming loses four starters from last season, but returns a potential all-league player in forward Justin Williams. He is good rebounder and scorer, and is one of the best interior defenders in the country. Joining him in the frontcourt will be part-time starter Derek Wabbington, who gives the Cowboys a body down low. Guards Steve Leven and Kevin Lewis are solid wing options. Lewis is a very good long-range shooter, while Leven is a good scorer. Freshman Brandon Ewing and JC transfer Brad Jones will compete for the starting point guard spot. Colorado State may have the best frontcourt in the MWC. Leading the way up front is Freshman of the Year Jason Smith. He can step out and hit the mid-range jumper, as well as get a few buckets inside. The 7-footer can play any frontcourt position and could develop into a double-double threat. Fellow 7-footer Stuart Creason returns as a part-time starter. He provides good defense and big man down low. 6-10 JC transfer Michael Harrison is another big man that will make an impact for the Rams. On the perimeter, Michael Morris leads the way. He is a decent distibutor for his size (6-4) and is very athletic. His brother, Sean Morris, could start next to him. He is extremely quick and is an excellent long-range shooter. BYU returns only two starters, but five players that had plenty of experience a season ago. Point guard Austin Ainge is one of the best in the league at his position. He is an excellent passer and will improve his scoring. Guards Jimmy Balderson and Mike Rose join him on the perimeter. Rose is an excellent three-point shooter, while Balderson is poised for a big season. Up front, Keena Young and Derek Dawes return. Young is a good rebounder and is a very active player, both on offense and defense. Dawes was a part-time starter last season that will have a bigger role down low this season.

Prediction: San Diego State has the two best players in the league, and the best newcomer in the MWC. But they went 4-10 in conference and 11-18 overall last season. In order to turn that around, and become the team that they can be, the Aztecs need to play more as a team. That should and will happen. SDSU is too good not to win the league. The rest of the conference is on the downswing. Utah and New Mexico lost first-round draft picks, while no other team looks very imposing. Every team, however, should be somewhat decent. On any given night, any team in the MWC can beat any other team within the conference. That is how much parody there will be in this league. In the end, though, San Diego State will win the regular season and automatic bid, with Utah and Air Force likely headed to the NIT.

Player of the Year: Marcus Slaughter, PF, San Diego State

All-Conference Team:
G- Brandon Heath, San Diego State
G- Antoine Hood, Air Force
F- Bryant Markson, Utah
F- Marcus Slaughter, San Diego State
C- Nick Welch, Air Force

Second Team:
G- Michael Umeh, UNLV
G- Mark Walters, New Mexico
F- Chudi Chinweze, TCU
F- David Chiotti, New Mexico
F- Justin Williams, Wyoming

Conference USA Preview

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The final year of Conference USA as we know it was one that saw nine teams go above .500 overall, and eight teams at .500 or better within the conference. The regular season title came down to the final week, and Louisville ended up winning it by two games at 14-2. Two teams followed at 12-4, and two more finished at 10-6. The conference tournament will be remembered for Memphis' Darius Washington falling to his knees after missing two free throws that would have sent the Tigers to the NCAA Tournament. Nonetheless, the conference received four bids, with DePaul just getting left out. Louisville made a run to the Final Four; Cincinnati and UAB both won their first round games; and Charlotte lost their first-round game to NC State. However, only UAB returns from that group after the house cleaning of the conference. Louisville, Cincinnati, DePaul, Marquette, and South Florida jumped ship to the Big East, while Charlotte hopped over to the Atlantic-10. After the dust cleared, Memphis emerged as the obvious favorite in a watered-down conference.

Favorite: Memphis, along with Winthrop, might be the biggest favorite to win their conference. It will be surprising if they lose more than a game or two. They are that far ahead of the rest of the league. It all starts with the two best players in the conference, Darius Washington and Rodney Carney. Washington improved as the season went on, and can do everything on the court. He is difficult to press, and can stop on a dime and hit a mid-range shot. Carney is one of the best athletes and dunkers in the country. He is an excellent scorer and is unbelievable out in the open court. Down low, Joey Dorsey returns. He is a monster on the boards, and should improve his numbers with a bigger role. With starting guard Jeremy Hunt kicked off the team in October, two freshman will start. Shawne Williams has the potential to be one of the best freshman in the country. He is a great passer and will be a versatile option in the frountcourt. Guards Chris Douglas-Roberts and Antonio Anderson will fight for the starting guard spot vacated by Hunt. Douglas-Roberts will most likely get the starting nod due to his all-around game, although Anderson will see minutes. Depth in the frontcourt will come from returnee Waki Williams and freshmen Kareem Cooper and Robert Dozier. Cooper, Dozier, Williams, and Anderson were all prep school teammates at Laurinberg Prep in North Carolina.

NCAA Contenders: Houston loses do-everything wing Andre Owens, but are led by all-conference guard Lanny Smith. He is a very good shooter and scorer, and can also distribute well. He needs to decrease his turnover total though. Wings Ramon Dyer and Brian Latham also return. Dyer is a good three point shooter and is also a good defender. Latham was second in the confernece in steals, and was also a decent scoring option. Chris Lawson provides depth, as does freshman gunner Corey Bloom. The froncourt is a bit of a question, but JC transfers Richard Young and Jahmar Thorpe are expected to make impacts down low. UAB loses several key players from an NCAA Tournament team, but returns their usual host of athletes that will keep up the Blazers' version of "40 Minutes of Hell." Their perimeter is loaded. Cardell "Squeaky" Johnson is a very good point guard whose importance doesn't show up in the boxscore. He doesn't turnover the ball often and is an excellent defender. Wing Marvett McDonald is a very good scorer and shooter. DeMario Eddins is one of the more versatile scorers in the league, capable of scoring inside and out. Three more wings, Richard Jones, Paul Delaney and Derrick Broom will also see minutes on the perimeter, with Eddins likely starting at power forward. Down low, a post option needs to emerge. The leading candidates are Ernest Little and Brandon Tobias.

NIT Hopefuls: UTEP won the automatic bid out of the WAC last season, but lose their two best players in point guard Filberto Rivera and forward Omar Thomas. The returning group is led by Jason Williams, a versatile forward. He is very athletic and is one of the best defenders in the league. Miguel Ayala is a good option on the wing whose numbers will improve as his minutes increase. Inside, John Tofi is a solid rebounder, while Will Kimble was a part-time starter a season ago. Replacing Rivera will be either Texas transfer Edgar Moreno or JC transfer Kevin Henderson. Oklahoma State transfer Tremaine Fuqua could make the biggest newcomer impact of anyone in the conference. Rice loses one of the best players in the country in Michael Harris, but returns a solid forward duo in J.R. Harrison and Morris Almond. Harrison is a very good all-around player, while Almond is an excellent shooter and a good scorer. Patrick Britton will rejoin the aforementioned two in the froncourt. On the perimeter, Lorenzo Williams returns, as does Jamaal Moore. Williams is a very good distributor but needs to improve his scoring, while Moore is a good scorer going to the basket. Tulane is led by all-conference big man Quincy Davis. He is a very efficient low-post scorer that can also rebound and play defense. Forming a decent inside-outside combo with him is point guard Taylor Rochestie. He is a good passer and a solid scorer. Outside those two, however, the other three starting jobs are wide-open. There are no less than 6-8 players vying for minutes at those positions. Forward David Gomez should grab one of those starting nods, after increasing his production down the stretch. Donnie Stith and Matt Wheaton split starts last season on the wing, while Vytas Tatarunas and Vicent Campter will look to bounce back from disappointing seasons a year ago.

Rounding Out the Pack: Central Florida returns an all-conference performer in wing Josh Peppers. He is one of the best scorers in the conference, and should improve the rest of his game this season. Joining him on the perimeter are UNC-Wilmington transfer Dave Noel and North Carolina State transfer Mike O'Donnell. Noel is a physical wing that can play solid defense as well as score and distribute. O'Donnell was a part-time starter for the Wolfpack that should step in at the point for UCF. Justin Rose was productive last season for UCF, as was Troy Lindbeck. They will see extensive minutes on the perimeter. Down low, Anthony Williams retrns. He is a solid low-post option on offense and is a good rebounder. Marcus Johnson and Will Bakanowsky will compete for the other starting job on the baseline. SMU returns a very good trio in all-conference guard Bryan Hopkins, wing Derrick Roberts, and forward Devon Pearson. Hopkins is one of the best scorers in C-USA, but he is also productive in nearly every aspect of the game. Roberts is athletic, and, if healthy, should have a big year. Pearson is an underrated low-post option. Kansas State transfer Dez Willingham should contribute in the backcourt, but the paint position besides Pearson needs work. Southern Miss is led by all-conference guard Rashaad Carruth. Carruth is a potentially dominant scorer. Jason Forte and Jarekus Singleton are two other solid players on the wing. Forte is a decent scorer, while Singleton is very quick going to the basket. The point guard spot is up for grabs. Freshman Craig Craft and JC transfer Travis Hall are the leading candidates. Up front, forwad Mildon Ambres leads the way, while freshman David Cornwell is also expected to start. East Carolina has one of the best big men in the conference, although he is vastly underrated nationally. Corey Rouse averaged a double-double a season ago, and is a very solid scorer as well. The likely starter in the frontcourt next to him is returning forward Mike Castro, although Tyronne Beale is a JC transfer that will see major minutes. In the backcourt, gunner Tom Hammonds and point guard Japhet McNeil return as starters. Hammonds needs to improve his accuract but is a good scorer, while McNeil is a good passer. Tulsa returns a possible all-conference performer in center Anthony Price. He is a very good scorer down low, but could stand to improve his rebounding if he wants to become an elite player in C-USA. Guard Brett McDade forms a nice inside-outside combo with Price. He is a very good perimeter scorer. Chris Wallace and Deion James also return in the backcourt, while JC transfer Roderick Earls will also see minutes. At the available starting forward spots, several newcomers are looking to step in. JC transfer Darold Crow could start, as could low-post option Ashton Hall. Marshall has several very solid players, but that amounted to a 6-22 record last season in the MAC. Underrated forward Mark Patton is a potential double-double threat that leads the way for the Thundering Herd. LaVar Carter will join him up front. Guards Tre Whitted and Joe Miles will start in the backcourt. Both are capable scorers. Several newcomers will have to play extensive minutes for the Herd.

Prediction: There is no way Memphis won't dominate and win this league. On paper, they are light years ahead of the competition. After a banner year a season ago, Conference USA is going to have a down year. That is expected when a conference loses the likes of Louisville, Cincinnati, Charlotte, DePaul, etc. The Tigers might be the lone NCAA bid recipient. Houston and UAB will be bubble teams down the stretch, but will have to live with bids to the NIT, joining UTEP. It looks to be a year filled with questions after Memphis in the new-look Conference USA.

Player of the Year: Darius Washington, PG, Memphis

All-Conference Team:
G- Darius Washington, Memphis
G- Bryan Hopkins, SMU
G- Lanny Smith, Houston
F- Rodney Carney, Memphis
F- DeMario Eddins, UAB

Second Team:
G- Rashaad Carruth, Southern Miss
G- Josh Peppers, Central Florida
F- Jason Williams, UTEP
F- Corey Rouse, East Carolina
C- Quincy Davis, Tulane

Atlantic-10 Conference Preview

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After years of multiple quality teams coming out of the Atlantic 10, last season was somewhat of a down one in the conference. Only two teams, St. Joseph's and George Washington, were in contention for NCAA Tournament berths, but both were on the bubble. GW won the conference tournament, while St. Joe's got left out. GW lost to Georgia Tech in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, while St. Joseph's ended up making a run to the NIT Championship Game before falling to South Carolina. New member Charlotte is coming over from Conference USA, where they made it to the NCAA Tournament only to lose to NC State in the first round. The two NCAA teams from last season will be at the top of the league this season.

Favorites: George Washington is far and away the best team in this league, top to bottom. Several potential all-leaguers reside in the starting lineup. The frontcourt is loaded. Pops Mensah-Bonsu and Mike Hall both put their names into the early-entry pool but pulled out before the deadline. The Colonials are happy they are back. Mensah-Bonsu is extremely athletic and is a good shot blocker. If he develops some more post moves, he could be dominant. Mike Hall is very underrated throughout the nation. He is a tough player who is one of the best rebounders in the conference. Rounding out the frontline is Omar Williams. He is a good defender and is a very viable option on offense. In the backcourt, JR Pinnock should have a huge season. After being the team's sixth man the past two seasons, he is ready to take on a bigger role. He should become the best scorer in the conference due to his ridiculous athleticism. Point guard Carl Elliot is a strong guard that is a very tough on the ball defender. Off the bench, Maureece Rice is a very good scorer that will replace Pinnock in his role as sixth man. LSU transfer Regis Koundija is going to be a tough player to stop off the bench for the Colonials. Charlotte is the obvious next-best team in conference. They have possibly the best player in the league in forward Curtis Withers. He is the most unstoppable player in the league. He could improve to a double-double guy every night out. Combining with him for an excellent inside-outside combo is Oklahoma transfer De'Angelo Alexander. He is going to be a very good scorer for the 49ers. In the backcourt with Alexander is point guard Mitchell Baldwin. He is lightning-fast with the ball, but isn't much of a scorer. Backup Leemire Goldwire is a very good scorer that sees plenty of minutes on the perimeter. Up front, E.J. Drayton is a former sixth man that will start this season. He is going to be one of the best forwards in the league. Chris Nance will round out the starting lineup, but JC transfers Courtney Williams and Antwon Coleman will compete for minutes.

NCAA Hopefuls: With five returning starters as well as four double-figure scorers, Xavier should take the next step into the NCAA Tournament. The deepest frontcourt in the league is lead by forwards Justin Doelmann, Justin Cage, and Brian Thornton. Cage is an excellent defender and a versatile player on offense. Doelmann is a good shooter that is a very heady player. Thornton is one of the best low-post scorers in the league. Coming off the bench is Josh Duncan and Will Caudle. Duncan can do a variety of things in the frontcourt, while Caudle is a low-post option. In the backcourt, Stanley Burrell and Dedrick Finn return. Burrell is one of the best scorers in the conference, while Finn is experienced but inconsistent. Temple returns one of the best all-around players in the nation in point guard Mardy Collins. He is a tough player to stop on offense because of his size and skill. He is also one of the best defenders in the league. Mark Tyndale returns beside Collins. He is an excellent option on offense, and is a good scorer. His shooting could use some work, though. Dustin Salisbery is another double-figure scorer that could have a big year. Down low, Wayne Marshall will man the post, while Antwayne Robinson is the best three-point shooter on the team, and is very athletic.

NIT Candidates: St. Joseph's loses two of their key veterans in Dwayne Jones and Pat Carroll, but return enough to contend for a postseason berth. Guard Dwayne Lee is a good point guard that can pass well and play tough defense. Wing Chet Stachitas is a very good shooter that will get more opportunities to score with gunner Carroll gone. Athletic Abdulai Jalloh should step into the starting lineup. In the frontcourt, Rob Ferguson looks like he could have a breakout season at forward, while Dave Mallon leads a host of players looking to replace Jones down low. Dayton returns a extensive group of players that all played important roles a year ago, led by Monty Scott. Scott is a very good scorer and a solid rebounder that could have a huge year in the A-10. Norman Plummer joins Scott at forward. He should improve his production this season. In the low post, Chris Alvarez will start, but Nick Stafford and James Cripe will see minutes. In the backcourt, Norman Plummer is a good scorer than can put up points in a variety of ways. Point guard Warren Williams is a solid distributor and returns as a starter. Marques Bennett and Jimmy Binnie provide depth. Massachusetts has one of the better low-post scorers in the country in Rashaun Freeman. He is a very good scorer and rebounder and can dominate the conference. Athletic Stephane Lasme joins him in the frontcourt. He is very underrated. The perimeter has a glut of wings that will all play major minutes. Maurice Maxwell is a big-time scorer that likes to get out into the open floor. Art Bowers might have to play the point so the five best players can get on the floor at once. JC transfer Brandon Thomas is going to have an immediate impact. Fordham returns A-10 Rookie of the Year Bryant Dunston, who could be a first-team all-conference player this season. He is a very good scorer, rebounder, and shot blocker. Wings Marcus Stout and Jermaine Anderson are a very good duo. Both are solid scorers and good shooters. Point guard Kevin Anderson needs to improve his scoring. The lone available starting job is going to fought over by returnees Sebastian Greene and Michael Binns. Domenic Osei and Corey McRae will provide depth.

Rounding Out the Pack: Rhode Island returns three starts plus two guys that missed last season due to injury. Point guard Dawan Robinson was out the entire year due to a stress fracture in his foot. He is an excellent player that can take any defender to the basket. He is also a very good defender and one of the best distributors in the conference. Jamaal Wise was also injured last season, but he is back and should give solid production at forward. Parfait Bitee is a solid guard that is a good athlete and should start. Will Daniels and Terrence Mack are productive forwards, while Jon Lucky and Tyrese Sullivan are two more options on the perimeter. LaSalle has one of the more nationally underrated players in forward Steven Smith. He is the best pure scoring forward in the conference. Guards Jermaine Thomas and Darnell Harris provide scoring balance while point guard Tabby Cunningham is a very good passer at the point. Forward Mike St. John joins Smith in the frontcourt. Richmond does not have several players that they had expected to have this season due to a variety of reasons. Forwards Kevin Steenberge and Jermaine Bucknor are a formidable duo. Both can score and rebound with efficiency. Gaston Moliva provides depth up front. On the perimeter, Valparaiso transfer Oumar Sylla and T.J. Paterick will lead the way. Saint Louis is led by its deep perimeter corps. Dwayne Polk is solid point guard. Wings Danny Brown, an athletic scorer, and Luke Meyer, an excellent scorer, return, although Anthony Drejaj and freshman Kevin Lisch are the favorites to start at the guard spots. Forwards Vas'Shun Newborne and Justin Johnson need to improve their numbers, while Ian Vouyoukas should have a big role down. Duquense has a very good inside-outside duo in guard Bryant McAllister, a very good perimeter scorer that can put up points in different ways, and Kieron Achara, a vastly underrated, much improved big man. Forwards DeVario Hudson and Chauncey Duke are solid role players, while Jack Higgins is a good shooter and scorer, but is not up to par defensively. Western Kentucky transfer Ryan Lambert should have a decent impact up front. St. Bonaventure has a long list of players that can play a role. West Virginia transfer Tyler Relph and all-conference player Ahmad Smith will form a good backcourt, while double-figure scorer Wade Dunston and part-time starter Isiah Carson also return on the perimeter. Up front, Patrick Lottin should be healthy and recovered from two surgeries and could have a big year at forward. Michael Lee is another solid option in the frontcourt. Siena transfer Paul Williams could also see minutes on the baseline.

Prediction: After a disappointing season a year ago, when the Atlantic-10 only received one bid to the NCAA Tournament, it should bounce back and have a big year. George Washington is a legit Sweet Sixteen team, while Charlotte also can make a nice run in the NCAA Tournament. Xavier should get an NCAA bid, while Temple will be on the bubble the entire season. Dayton, UMass, and St. Joseph's will also be on the outside looking in come March. In the end, the Atlantic-10 will more than likely receive three bids to the NCAA Tournament: GW, Charlotte, and Xavier. It should be a very exciting and balanced season in the conference, though.

Player of the Year: Mardy Collins, G, Temple

All-Conference Team:
G- Mardy Collins, Temple
F- Bryant Dunston, Fordham
F- RaShaun Freeman, Massachusetts
F- Steven Smith, LaSalle
F- Curtis Withers, Charlotte

Second Team:
G- JR Pinnock, George Washington
G- Stanley Burrell, Xavier
G- Dwayne Lee, St. Joseph's
F- Mike Hall, George Washington
F- Pops Mensah-Bonsu, George Washington

WAC Preview

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The Western Athletic Conference was a close race last season until Nevada won their last 10 games of the season to clinch the regular season title. UTEP was neck and neck most of the way, while Rice went 12-6 to finish four games back of Nevada. The conference tournament was won by UTEP and Nevada received an at-large bid. UTEP lost to Utah in the first round in a game that went down to the wire, while Nevada defeated Texas in the first round and fell to Illinois in the second round. UTEP and Rice are not in the league anymore, while Big West power Utah State is now in the WAC. It should be a new look to the WAC, but a familiar face will be atop the standings.

Favorite: Nevada is a legit Top 25 candidate this season and is easily one of the Top 3 non-BCS teams in the country. One of the best players in the country, Nick Fazekas, leads the way. He averaged over 20 points and 9 rebounds last season, and dominated the WAC. However, he needs to play stronger against the tougher frontlines that he faces. Alongside him in the frontcourt is Mo Charlo, an athletic 6-7 forward. He could have a huge year. Center Chad Bell could be a near-dominant player given his size and skill. However, he hasn't played to his potential yet. In the backcourt is the WAC's best point guard in Ramon Sessions. He is an excellent distributor that can also score the ball. On the wing, Marcellus Kemp is back from a year missed due to injury. He is a solid all-around player. Kyle Shiloh started every game a season ago, and is a decent scorer.

Contenders: Utah State is new to the WAC, but should have the same sort of success it enjoyed in the Big West. They have potentially the best inside-outside combo in the league in guard Jaycee Carroll and forward Nate Harris. Carroll is a very good scorer and an excellent shooter. Even though he needs to round out his game a bit more, Carroll is one of the best guards in the league. Harris should be a first-team all-conference player. He is a well-round performer that is extremely efficient on the interior. The supporting cast is impressive, as well. Guard David Pak is a solid point guard that gets the ball to the right places. Chris Huber will also see time in the backcourt. Forward Cass Matheus is a productive player that will need to play bigger against the tougher competition. Several newcomers will fill in the holes. Hawaii has an excellent duo that can carry the team if they play to their potential. Forward Julian Sensley might be the most talented player in the league, but he hasn't demonstrated that over a full season. He could dominate the WAC with his multitude of skills. Sensley will be an all-conference player. On the outside, Matt Gibson is a very good scorer and solid shooter. He is most comfortable on the wing, as opposed to the point guard position that he had to play for the final stretch of the season. 7-foot center Chris Botez is an excellent defender and good rebounder, but he too could improve his production. Matthew Gipson will also see extended minutes in the paint. On the perimeter, Deonce Tatum and Bobby Nash could both start on the wing alongside Gibson. JC transfer John Wilder might get the starting job at the point.

Sleepers: Louisiana Tech has one of the most overlooked players in the country in double-double extraordinaire Paul Millsap, the NCAA's leading rebounder for the past two seasons. He gets overshadowed by Fazekas within the conference, but is every bit as good as him. His frontcourt mates are not terribly good, however. Returnee Michael Wilds will need to take on a bigger role, while newcomers Harry Disy, Adrian Rogers, and Chad McKenzie could all join Millsap up front. A very good backcourt returns for the Bulldogs in versatile playmaker Daevon Haskins, who is one of the best all-around guards in the league, and Corey Dean, a very good scorer. Fresno State has one of the best guards in the conference in Ja'Vance Coleman. He is an explosive, exciting player that can keep the Bulldogs in the game, but his subpar shooting percentage can also keep them out of games. His partners in the backcourt, Donovan Morris and point guard Kevin Bell, are solid performers. Morris is a great shooter, while Bell is excellent in the open court. Dwight O'Neil was a part-time starter than will also contribute in the backcourt. JC transfer Quinton Hosley is going to be a potential starter at one of the forward spots. Up front, Hector Hernandez will lead the way. He will need to increase his production by leaps and bounds if Fresno is going to make noise within the conference. Boise State has one of the best backcourts in the league in Coby Karl and Eric Lane. Karl is an all-conference candidate and is a very good all-around player that produces in all aspects of the game. Lane is a good on the ball defender that can also score and pass on the offensive end. Tezarray Banks returns as a starter up front. He needs to become a consistent option down low. Seth Robinson and Kareem Lloyd will also see major minutes in the post.

Rounding Out the Pack: New Mexico State is stockpiling Division-1 transfers for the next two years. Two of those transfers are eligible this season, and could make major impacts. Elijah Ingram is immediately one of the best point guards in the WAC. He averaged over 13 points per game for St. John's two years ago, more than holding his own in the Big East. Forward Tyrone Nelson, via Prairie View A&M, was a dominant performer in the SWAC. It might not be the same as the WAC, but he should still be a major contributor. The returning duo of Trevor Lawrence and Mike Mitchell is very good. Mitchell is a decent shooter that will run the team from the point, while Lawrence is a solid scorer and rebounder. San Jose State returns a solid backcourt in Donta Watson and Alex Elam. Watson is a decent option at the point, but needs to improve his shooting and defense if he wants to make a difference. Elam is a good scorer and is a pretty solid shooter. Freshman Devonte Thomas will see immediate playing time on the wing. Down low, 6-11 Matt Misko and 6-6 D.J. Brown return. Misko is a good rebounder, and could have a solid year in the post. Brown was a redshirt last season, but will give the Spartans a good scorer up front. Idaho returns two starters, both in the backcourt. Tanoris Shepard is an underrated guard within the conference, and is a very good all-around player and leader. Jerod Haynes' numbers don't jump out at you, but he was a good contributor, but needs to improve his offensive game. Mike Kale is the only returnee up front, and he needs to have a much better season than he did last year for the Vandals to have a chance. Newcomers Rob Pankowski and David Dubois have very good chances to start.

Prediction: Nevada should win both the regular season title and the automatic bid in the new-look WAC.. They have the best player in the league in Nick Fazekas and the best point guard in the WAC in Ramon Sessions. Throw in several very good role players, and that is the recipe for success. However, Louisiana Tech has a player in Paul Millsap that can hold his own against Fazekas, while Utah State and Hawaii have inside-outside combos that can rival Nevada's. However, the Wolfpack will take down both titles come March. Aside from the bottom two teams, however, the rest of the WAC is balanced and has several teams that can beat each other any given night.

Player of the Year: Nick Fazekas, PF, Nevada

All-Conference Team:
G- Ramon Sessions, Nevada
G- Ja'Vance Coleman, Fresno State
F- Nate Harris, Utah State
F- Paul Millsap, Lousiana Tech
F- Nick Fazekas, Nevada

Second Team:
G- Coby Karl, Boise State
G- Jaycee Carroll, Utah State
G- Matt Gibson, Hawaii
G- Elijah Ingram, New Mexico State
F- Julian Sensley, Hawaii

West Coast Conference Preview

FOR A COMPLETE PREVIEW OF THE 2005-2006 SEASON, CLICK HERE

The West Coast Conference had an underrated regular season title race last season. Everyone knew about Gonzaga, but St. Mary's only finished one game back of them and split their regular season meetings. The rubber match occurred in the conference tournament, which Gonzaga won. In the NCAA Tournament, St. Mary's lost in the first round to Southern Illinois, while Gonzaga had another classic underachieving postseason, and was bounced in the second round by Texas Tech. A familiar face is at the top of the league again this season, while there is not another team that seems ready to take the potential second bid for the WCC.

Favorite: Gonzaga is the obvious frontrunner to win the league. They are a potential Final Four squad and are a near-consensus top six or seven team in the country. First-team All-American Adam Morrison leads the way. He has the best mid-range game that has come through the college ranks in years. He is not a great three-point shooter, but he has unbelievable scoring talent. Point guard Derek Raivio is one of the best point guards in the country, yet he is underrated and overshadowed by Morrison and co. He is a very good distributor and an excellent three-point shooter. His backcourt partner is Erroll Knight, a lockdown defender. He uses his athleticism to finish in transition and grab rebounds. Down low is all-conference candidate JP Batista. He is a load to stop on the low block, and can develop into one of the better back-to-the-basket players in the country. Returnee Sean Mallon, who lost his starting job midway through last season, and freshman Josh Heytvelt will battle for the power forward position. A glut of guards provide depth on the perimeter, including returnees David Pendergraft, Pierre Marie Altidor-Cespedes, Nathan Doudney and freshman Jeremy Pargo.

Contenders: Portland had a disappointing seventh place finish last season, but could make some noise this season. Pooh Jeter is an all-conference performer, and can carry the Pilots due to his versatile offensive game. Darren Cooper could develop into an all-WCC player by the end of the season. He and Jeter form one of the conference's best backcourts. Donald Wilson returns on the wing, and is a good defender. 5-6 Jeremiah Dominguez provides depth. Up front, Marcus Lewis could have a huge year in the starting five after coming off the bench last season. 6-10 Ben Sullivan is a good low-post player, while Oregon State transfer Kevin Field could push for a starting job. St. Mary's has the league's second best player in forward Daniel Kickert. He is one of the best inside-outside players in the country, with his ability to score in the post and shoot the three. Not much else returns, though. Two seven-footers should hold down the center position. Reda Rhalimi saw increased minutes down the stretch, and Blake Sholberg is a good defender. Several newcomers are expected to make an impact in the backcourt. Wayne Hunter will start at the point, while UNLV transfer John Winston will compete for minutes. Returning junior Brett Collins is a good scorer who will start on the wing.

Sleepers: San Diego loses a couple of very good forwards, but returns center Nick Lewis. He can shoot the three with the touch of a guard, and should be able to score some points down low this season. Michael Shepherd will join him in the frontcourt. The perimeter group is deep and talented. Floyd North is a good scorer and could have a big year in the points department. Michael Hubbard also returns on the wing. Corey Belser is one of the better defenders in the country, and can lock down some of the best players in the league. Freshman Brandon Johnson is expected to start at the point. San Francisco lost three starters, including two all-conference caliber players. They still have a good backcourt in hand, however. Jerome Gumbs could have a huge year on the wing. He is an athletic player that will be the unquestioned leader of the team. Next to him will be Miami transfer Armando Surratt, who started for two years with the Hurricanes before transferring. He is an excellent distibutor and is very quick. Johnny Dukes should get the nod at small forward. Down low, returning starter Alan Wiggins is a solid scorer and rebounder, while Northern Iowa transfer Vince Polakovic and senior Jason Carter will also play lots of minutes in the paint.

Rounding Out the Pack: Loyola Marymount would have been a legit sleeper pick in this conference had their best player, Matthew Knight, not tore his ACL in the summer. He is gone for the season. With him out, athletic forwards Daryl Pegram and Dustin Brown will have to take on bigger roles up front. John Haywood and Chris Ayer will also see more minutes. That quartet is going to have to step up their production this season after being role players a year ago. In the backcourt, Brandon Worthy, an all-conference candidate, is back. He is a solid all-around player that can score and distribute. Wes Wardrop joins him on the perimeter. He is a very good defender and shooter. Damian Martin played well at the point a year ago, while wings Adoyah Evans-Miller and Jon Ziri will also play major roles. Santa Clara has an all-WCC player in forward Travis Niesen. He is the Broncos' go-to-guy that is also a very tough competitor. Forward Tristan Parham and center Sean Denison will start beside Niesen on the baseline. Denison is a big body in the middle, while Parham is a versatile and effective player. Brody Angley returns in the backcourt after starting 22 games a season ago. He is a decent distributor that should improve his production with more minutes. Brandon Rohe will start on the wing after missing last season with a back injury. Several newcomers will provide depth. Pepperdine loses their top three players from last season, and they all just happened to be studs in the frontcourt. The backcourt should be in good hands, however. 5-7 Kingsley Costain is a good shooter and can run the team well. Marvin Lea and Chase Griffin will also see time in the backcourt. Freshman Gregg Barlow could see immediate time at the 2-guard. He is a very good scorer. In the frontcourt, 7-foot Russell Hicks will lead the way. He is an excellent shot blocker, and could become one of the best big men in the conference. Jarrad Henry and Derick Grubb will need to step their production up from last season.

Prediction: Gonzaga will win the regular season title as well as the conference tournament. They have a chance to go undefeated in conference play, although it's doubtful that it will actually happen. In addition, it's unlikely that the WCC will repeat their two-bid season of a year ago. No other team is anywhere close to Gonzaga in this league. Portland has the personnel to make some noise, but they are light years behind the Bulldogs. St. Mary's will likely be in the thick of things late in the season. Expect a heated fight for second place in the West Coast Conference.

Player of the Year: Adam Morrison, SF, Gonzaga

All-Conference Team:
G- Derek Raivio, Gonzaga
G- Pooh Jeter, Portland
F- Adam Morrison, Gonzaga
F- Daniel Kickert, St. Mary's
C- JP Batista, Gonzaga

Second Team:
G- Brandon Worthy, Loyola Marymount
G- Darren Cooper, Portland
G- Jerome Gumbs, San Francisco
F- Travis Niesen, Santa Clara
C- Nick Lewis, San Diego

Sun Belt Conference Preview

FOR A COMPLETE PREVIEW OF THE 2005-2006 SEASON, CLICK HERE

The regular season in the Sun Belt Conference last season went down to the final weeks, and Denver ended up with a one game lead over UL-Lafayette, and a two-game lead over Arkansas Little-Rock. The conference tournament came down to UL-Lafayette winning the title game, and then giving Louisville all they could take in the first round of the NCAA Tournament before falling. Western Kentucky and Denver went to the NIT. Overall, the league was a very underrated conference in which several teams had a chance to win on any given night. It should be more of the same this season.

Favorites: Western Kentucky returns plenty of talent from a team that made it to the second round of the NIT. Anthony Winchester is one of the best mid-major wings in the country, shooting over 45 percent from beyond the arc. He also put up over 18 points and 7 rebounds. His partner on the wing is all-conference candidate Courtney Lee, who is a very good shooter and scorer. Ty Rogers is also decent on the perimeter. At the point will be two newcomers, Orlando Mendez and Joemal Campbell. Up front, Elgrace Wilborn could blossom into a dominant post player. Junior forward Boris Siakam and Daniel Emerson and Mike Walker, who have no collegiate experience, will also help in the frontcourt. Denver is home to the best player in the conference in center Yemi Nicholson. He is a load to stop in the post, and is an excellent shot blocker as well. He will carry the Pioneers. Forward Antonio Porch combines with Nicholson to give Denver the best frontcourt in the league. He is an all-league candidate. Depth needs to be found behind the two baseline players. On the perimeter, Andrew Carpenter leads the way. He is a good defender and all-around performer. Redshirt junior Alex Cox is expected to start at the point, while Brett Seger and DaShawn Walker will compete for the final starting spot.

Contenders: Louisiana-Lafayette return three players that they weren't expected to have this season. Guard Dwayne Mitchell was granted another year by the NCAA, and he should be an all-Sun Belt performer. 6-11 Chris Cameron, a perimeter threat as a big man, received an extra year due to academics. 6-11 center Michael Southall hasn't played in two seasons due to off-the-court problems. He is a potentially dominant post player. Wings Spencer Ford and Lucian Graham are the frontrunners to get the two available jobs in the starting lineup. New Orleans returns the best scoring guard in the conference in Bo McCalebb. He is explosive off the dribble and is near-impossible to defend. Four other starters also come back for the Privateers. Wings Chad Barnes and James Parlow are good shooters and scorers on the perimeter. James McNeilly also returns in the backcourt. He could have a breakout season in the starting lineup. Inside, Ben Elias and Shawn Malloy are back. Malloy could be a 12 and 9 guy every night out, while Elias is a big body down low. Nathaniel Parker and Jacob Manning provide depth. Florida International has the best forward tandem in the conference, including one of the better power forwards you've never heard of in Ivan Almonte. His partner up front is Ismael N'Diaye. Almonte averaged a double double a season ago, and should repeat his first-team all-conference status. N'Diaye is a solid scorer, rebounder, and defender. Kenny Simms also returns up front. In the backcourt, point guard Jayce Lewis returns as the starter, but St. Francis (NY) transfer John Quintana and Alan Guyton will push him for that spot. Cesar Chavez-Jacobo could start on the wing.

Sleepers: Arkansas State returns a slew of talented players, but it is the addition of two newcomers in the backcourt that will bolster the Indians. Junior college teammates Elvin Jones and Korrel Henderson are expected to either start or see extended playing time immediately. Returning point guard Dereke Tipler is a good defender and very solid distributor that averaged over 5 assists per game. 6-6 wing Jerry Nichols was nearly a double figure scorer, while Lorenzo Hampton is a decent option. In the frontcourt, all-conference candidate Kitus Witherspoon could have a breakout season. He is an excellent rebounder. Isaac Wells and Marcus Ardison also return after posting good numbers a season ago. South Alabama has an abundance of quality players up and down the roster, led by all-conference choice Mario Jointer. He can do everything on the court. Jeff Collins returns on the wing after posting decent offensive numbers last season. Point guards Steven Cowherd and Carlos Smith will run the team, but need a better assist to turnover ratio from both of them. Transfers Chey Christie (Clemson) and Demetric Bennett (SMU) are expected to make immediate impacts. Christie will form a very good wing duo with Jointer. In the frontcourt, forwards Michael Phillips and Richard Law are solid scorers and rebounders, while JC transfer Jason McGriff should make an impact down low. Middle Tennessee returns a solid trio in guard Fats Cuyler, wing Michael Morrison, and big man Kyle Young. Cuyler is a good shooter and passer, while Morrison could develop into a star in the Sun Belt. Young provides a big body down low. Several newcomers will need to step in and play significant minutes immediately. Forwards Tim Blue and Brian Lake (injured last season after six games) and guards Bud Howard, Kevin Kanaskie, and Calvin O'Neil will see time right away.

Rounding Out the Pack: Arkansas Little-Rock returns Zack Wright as the lone player that was in the main playing rotation. He is going to be the go-to-guy. Jarryd Knight and several newcomers will get the majority of the minutes on the perimeter. Up front, Rashad Jones-Jennings and Byron Ray are two JC transfers that should step up and have a significant impact. North Texas has a bevy of perimeter players leading the way. Calvin Watson could develop into an all-conference-type player, while Isaac Hines lead the team in rebounding, assists, and steals from his point guard position. Michael Sturns also returns on the wing, but Arkansas transfer Kendrick Davis will start. He can do everything and play any perimeter position. Post players Jeffrey Simpson and Justin Barnett are above average performers down low when they are healthy. Both should improve their numbers this season. Quincy Williams returns at forward. Troy has one of the best all-around guards in the league in Bobby Dixon. He was a very good shooter that also put up numbers across the board. His backcourt mate is Jacob Hazouri, who returns is a starter. He is a decent shooter but doesn't venture into the lane that often. Newcomers are going to fill out the rest of the starting lineup. Boo Ramsey and Josh Williams should see minutes on the perimeter. Sammy Sharp, Todd Martin, and C.J. Jackson will get long looks up front, although returnees Richard Damous and Jarvis Acker are solid players.

Prediction: Western Kentucky looks to have the best team in the league on paper, with Anthony Winchester and Courtney Lee on the perimeter, and Elgrace Wilborn on the inside. However, there is up to five other teams that have a legitimate chance at winning the league, based on personnel. The regular season title should be won by Western Kentucky, but the conference tournament is going to be wide open. WKU will prevail, though, and will win the automatic bid from the Sun Belt, with a handful of teams nipping at their heels. It will be an exciting race to watch.

Player of the Year: Yemi Nicholson, C, Denver

All-Conference Team:
G- Mario Pointer, South Alabama
G- Anthony Winchester, Western Kentucky
G- Bo McCalebb, New Orleans
F- Ivan Almonte, Florida International
C- Yemi Nicholson, Denver

Second Team:
G- Dwayne Mitchell, Louisiana-Lafayette
G- Courtney Lee, Western Kentucky
G- Bobby Dixon, Troy
F- Antonio Porch, Denver
F- Ismael N'Diaye, Florida International

Southern Conference Preview

FOR A COMPLETE PREVIEW OF THE 2005-2006 SEASON, CLICK HERE

The Southern Conference was home to the lone undefeated-in-conference team in Division 1 a season ago. Davidson went 16-0 during conference play, then proceeded to lose to Chattanooga in the conference tournament. They wasted a perfect season and ended up going to the NIT. UT-Chattanooga beat UNC-Greensboro in the conference championship to go to the NCAA Tournament. They gave Wake Forest a nice run in the first round, but lost steam in the second half and lost. The league is going to be home to a host of good teams, although a familiar face should be atop the standings at the end of the regular season. As last year proved, however, the conference tournament is a different story.

Favorites: Davidson probably won't go undefeated in the regular season again, but they return enough to make the NCAA Tournament. Player of the Year Brendan Winters leads the way. He is an excellent shooter and scorer, and can dominate a game if he needs to. Winters is one of the most underrated players in the country. The rest of the perimeter has a multitude of options. Kenny Grant averaged almost six assists per game and is one of the best point guards in the conference. Matt McKillop is a good shooter that provides solid all-around play. Sixth man Jason Morton averaged double figures off the bench for the Wildcats. Up front, Ian Johnson will shoulder the load. He didn't start last season, but he could have a huge year in the lineup. The job next to him is up for grabs. Returnees Boris Meno and Thomas Sander and newcomers Stephen Rossiter and Andrew Lovedale will fight for the spot.

Contenders: Chattanooga is looking to repeat their NCAA Tournament appearance from a season ago. Their backcourt is deep and balanced. Casey Long is a good scorer and shooter on the wing, while Steve Cherry also returns as a starter. Ricky Hood provides a little bit of everything, and Jerice Crouch is a decent point guard. Newcomers Kedric Mayes and Jaycen Herring will make impacts on the perimeter. Up front, Alphonso Pugh could be an all-conference player if he plays to his potential. Charles Anderson returns as a starter who improved as the season went on, while Matt Malone will provide depth. UNC-Greensboro returns the league's best duo in guard Ricky Hickman and forward Kyle Hines. Hickman is an excellent scorer that will boost his scoring average this season, while Hines is a dominant post player. He is a top notch rebounder and shot blocker. The supporting cast could use some work, though. Guards Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Oleksiak are decent, but have to improve their shooting. Forwards Brian Beckford and Dustin Everette will take on more of a role, while freshman David McClenny is expected to make an immediate impact down low. Furman may have the most offensive talent in the league, giving them a legitimate chance to make a run at the league title. The backcourt trio of Tony Carter, Robby Bostain, and Eric Webb all averaged at least nine points per game and complement each other's games very well. Carter is a quick guard that is a decent scorer and passer; Bostain is the best long-range shooter on the team, in addition to being a good defender and assist man; and Webb is a very good shooter and distributor. Wing Gerad Punch also sees plenty of playing time. Up front, Moussa Diagne returns. He could be an all-conference player by the end of the season if he progresses the way he should. He's tough to stop down low. Redshirt newcomer Stan Jones could start next to Diagne, while several other players will vie for time in the froncourt.

Sleepers: Georgia Southern has the best scorer in the conference in Elton Nesbitt. He is explosive on the offensive end and had up to 43 points and 11 three pointers in a game. The 5-9 guard is difficult to stop, but he is also a very good defender. His partner in the backcourt is Donte Gennie, a combo guard capable of running the team. He is a decent scorer and passer. Anthony Marshall and Dwayne Foreman will also see time on the perimeter. Up front, Louis Graham could have a huge year after coming off the bench a season ago. Willie Dunn and Sean Olivier return as frontcourt contributors. JC transfer Lafayette Lofton will also make an impact. College of Charleston loses the bulk of their team, but the Cougars return a talented cast of players. The backcourt of Dontaye Draper and Drew Hall is very good, and is one of the best in the conference. Draper came off the bench last season, but was one of the best all-around players in the SoCon. Hall takes excellent care of the ball, and is a solid point guard. Richmond transfer Jose Garcia should help on the wing. In the frontcourt, Josh Jackson could have a breakout year, while Virginia Tech transfer Philip McCandies might start down low. Returnees J.R. Hairston and Jermaine Johnson and JC transfers Renardo Dickerson and David Lawrence will also get time up front. Appalachian State returns numerous players that had contributions a season ago, led by all-conference performer D.J. Thompson. He is tough to stop when he has the ball, and is also a good defender. The 5-8 point guard was one of the best passers in the league and can shoot well from deep. Nathan Cranford, a good shooter, and Demetrius Scott, a tough defender, will also start on the perimeter with Thompson. 6-3 Derek Thomas could get a starting job due to his athleticism. The inside spots are up for grabs. Jeremy Clayton should get one of them. He is a good all-around post player. Douglas McLaughlin-Williams and Lennox Marshall will get chances to start, as well.

Rounding Out the Pack: Elon has one of the best --albeit one of the most underrated-- players in the conference in post man Jackson Atoeybi. He went down with an injury in the fourth game of the season, effectively ending the Pheonix's chance of making any noise in the SoCon. The rest of the inside game isn't too shabby, either. Chris Chalko is a good low-post option, while Colin Wyatt and Rasmi Gamble also contributed last season. On the perimeter, Brian Waters and Scottie Rice are good scorers and Le'Vonn Jordan is a nice inside-outside player. Western Carolina has one of the best big men in the conference in center David Berghoefer. He can dominate a game from the low block. Joining him in the frountcourt is Cory Muirhead, a solid scorer and rebounder. A trio of good perimeter players all return in Kyle Greathouse, Trey Hopkins and Antonio Russell. Hopkins could develop into a go-to-guy in the backcourt. Wofford has an all-conference candidate in forward Howard Wilkerson. Wilkerson went down with an injury in January, but should be healthy. He is a near-impossible match-up for the defense. Tyler Berg is his partner down low, and proved he can be a go-to-guy as well. Eric Marshall is an excellent shooter on the wing, while Drew Gibson and Byron Fields are a decent duo at the point. Former MAAC Freshman of the Year Shane Nichols, a St. Peter's transfer, will have an impact on the perimeter. The Citadel has a nice returning group of players. The brother duo of Warren and Donny McLendon lead the way. Forward Warren is a very good inside-outside player that should be all-conference at the end of the season. Guard Donny is a good scorer. Donny's backcourt mate, Kevin Hammack, is a very good point guard. He takes good care of the ball and is a good distributor. Forwards J'mel Everhart and Matt Davis are very solid contributors for the Bulldogs.

Prediction: Davidson should repeat as the regular season champions, given their experience and the presence of Brendan Winters. The conference tournament is a different story. UNC-Greensboro has the best duo in the league; Georgia Southern has the best scorer; Furman is loaded on offense; Chattanooga won it last season; Appalachian State may have the best team out of all the contenders. After Davidson, the league is wide-open. Even the bottom feeders have some of the best players in the league. Top to bottom, the Southern Conference is going to be strong yet underrated throughout the season. Prepare for a competitive and entertaining year.

Player of the Year: Brendan Winters, SF, Davidson

All-Conference Team:
G- Elton Nesbitt, Georgia Southern
G/F- Brendan Winters, Davidson
F- Jackson Atoyebi, Elon
F- Kyle Hines, UNC-Greensboro
C- David Berghoefer, Western Carolina

Second Team:
G- Kenny Grant, Davidson
G- Ricky Hickman, UNC-Greensboro
F- Warren McLendon, The Citadel
F- Moussa Diagne, Furman
F- Howard Wilkerson, Wofford