2008 Southland Hoops Preview

1. Texas-Arlington (21–12, 7–9)

With the inside-outside duo of Anthony Vereen (13.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg) and Rog’er Guignard (99 3-pointers), mixed with a healthy Brandon Long (12.3 ppg) and highly touted newcomer Marquez Haynes, the Mavericks may be better than last season’s NCAA Tournament team. Vereen, a 6'7", 230-pound senior, was the MVP of the SLC Tournament and scored at least 20 points in five of the Mavs’ final six games. Still searching for its first outright SLC title, UTA will have improved outside shooting (Dwight Gentry and Armani Williams) and better post defense (Trey Parker) than last year for coach Scott Cross.

2. Lamar (19–11, 13–3)

If the Mavs stumble in their effort to win the West, the Cardinals will be there to step by them. Coach Steve Roccaforte returns two starters and one double-digit scorer from last season’s East Division champs. Kenny Dawkins, voted the SLC Newcomer of the Year, brings 14.6 points to the table, while senior forward Tristan Worrell will need to increase his scoring. The Cardinals have seven returning lettermen, while junior college transfer Brandon Moton is expected to bring instant offense.

3. Sam Houston State (23–8, 10–6)

The Bearkats lose four seniors who compiled an 84–39 record over four years, but reload with enough talent to contend for the SLC West title. DeLuis Ramirez (9.2 ppg) is the highest-scoring returnee for coach Bob Marlin, although Ashton Mitchell and Reggie Rawlins saw significant playing time last season. Expected to help on the perimeter and with scoring is junior college transfer Kendrell Thompson.

4. Texas-San Antonio (13–17, 7–9)

Devin Gibson, only the third freshman in NCAA history to lead the nation in steals (with 3.3 per game), could be a shining star for coach Brooks Thompson. He’s joined by senior forward Travis Gabbidon (13.9 ppg, 5.8 rpg) and Joe Shank in a starting lineup that could also include Omar Johnson, who missed last season with a leg injury.

5. Texas State (13–16, 6–10)

The Bobcats return their top three scorers from last season in Brandon Bush (14.6 ppg, 7.2 rpg), Brent Benson (12.7 ppg) and Ryan White (7.3 ppg), but it may not be enough for coach Doug Davalos to make waves in the league. A lot hinges on whether Kilgore (Texas) Junior College signee Emmanuel Bidias a Moute can fit in quickly and add some scoring punch.

6. Texas A&M CC (9–20, 6–10)

After coming off consecutive 20-win seasons, the Islanders found the going tough last year, their second in SLC play, finishing last in the West. Gone is Chris Daniels, but returning starters Justin Reynolds (11.7 ppg, 7.2 rpg), Horace Bond and Kevin Perkins (10.3 ppg) should give coach Perry Clark a solid core to build upon.

EAST DIVISION

1. Stephen F. Austin (26–6, 13–3)

With preseason Player of the Year Josh Alexander (16.1 ppg) and Matt Kingsley (15.7 ppg) in the lineup, the Lumberjacks should be the favorites to win the SLC East. Alexander is a big guard who causes match-up problems in the SLC, while Kingsley is a workhorse, starting all 32 games. Coach Danny Kaspar has four returning starters and brought in a highly regarded recruiting class, headlined by forward Zach Williams.

2. Northwestern State (15–18, 9–7)

With no dominant player returning, it may take the Demons a while to find their identity. Coach Mike McConathy lost Trey Gilder and Colby Bargeman, who combined to average 27.8 points per game, but returns a solid group of contributors. A tough non-conference schedule, which includes games at Oklahoma State and Arkansas, should help the Demons’ ensemble cast grow up quickly.

3. McNeese State (13–16. 7–9)

The Cowboys will build around 6'11" center Kleon Penn, who was fourth in the nation last season in blocked shots (4.0 per game). John Pichon (9.6 ppg) is the only other returning starter for coach Dave Simmons. Diego Kapelan, Stephan Martin and C.J. Collins could figure into a starting role as Simmons tries to continue building McNeese into an SLC title contender.

4. SE Louisiana (17–13, 9–7)

The strength of the Lions will be in the paint with returnees Warrell Span (12.2 ppg., 5.4 rpg) and junior center Patrick Sullivan (10.0 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 2.0 bpg) holding down the fort. Coach Jim Yarbrough’s key additions include guard Brandon Fortenberry, the Biloxi Sun-Herald Player of the Year, forward Desmond King and swingman DeShawn Patterson.

5. Central Arkansas (14–16, 4–12)

If the Bears can advance higher than the middle of the SLC East pack, they’ll need Marcus Pillow (11.9 ppg) to step up his game. Coach Rand Chappell lost top scorer Nate Bowie, who averaged 17.5 points per game last year.

6. Nicholls State (10–21, 5–11)

A young Colonels team grew up fast last year, even though Nicholls fell to a fifth-place finish in the SLC East. Four starters return for coach J.P. Piper, led by Michael Czepil (11.6 ppg), Ryan Bathie (13.6 ppg, 4.1 rpg) and Anatoly Bose (10.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg).