2008 Sun Belt Hoops Preview

1. Middle Tennessee (17–15, 11–7)

By the end of last season, the Blue Raiders became the team nobody wanted to play. They start this season the same way with five starters among nine lettermen returning to a squad that knocked off NCAA at-large invitee South Alabama on its home floor in the league tourney semifinal before extending Sweet 16-bound Western Kentucky in the title game. It starts with junior forward Desmond Yates (16.0 ppg), a 6'7" muscular league MVP candidate who glides on the inside but can also hit mid-range jumpers. Senior guard Kevin Kanaskie (11.7 ppg) is a three-year starter and team leader.

2. South Alabama (26–7, 16–2)

The Jaguars didn’t miss a beat last season when former coach Ronnie Arrow returned to replace Arkansas-bound John Pelphrey, becoming the league’s first NCAA tourney at-large invitee since 1994. USA won’t be knocked easily from the division perch of three seasons with three starters back, including senior all-league performers like forward Brandon Davis (10.8 ppg, 6.2 rpg) and guard Domonic Tilford (12.5 ppg).

3. Western Kentucky (29–7, 16–2)

Former head coach Darrin Horn scurried off to South Carolina after the Hilltoppers posted a season to remember, making the Sweet 16 in thrilling fashion. Enter former Clemson, WKU, Georgia and Texas assistant Ken McDonald, who takes over the reins at 38 years old. Gone are four seniors, including first-round NBA Draft pick Courtney Lee, and about 60 percent of the scoring. Slender junior forward Jeremy Evans, a league all-tourney performer, slinks around the basket.

4. Florida Atlantic (15–18, 8–10)

After a five-plus-season run at St. John’s ended dubiously five years ago only six games into the season, veteran coach Mike Jarvis resurfaces at FAU to replace Rex Walters, now at San Francisco. In 19 seasons, Jarvis has won 363 games, including stops at Boston University and George Washington. Jarvis inherits a talented team that includes league MVP candidate Carlos Monroe (15.4 ppg, 9.5 rpg), a senior forward who led the league in rebounding last season.

5. Florida International (9–20, 6–12)

Fifth-year coach Sergio Rouco figures his team can make a move up the league standings behind seniors Alex Galindo (13.3 ppg, 6.7) and Russell Hicks (12.5 ppg, 6.1 rpg). Galindo is a banger, while Hicks, a 7-foot center, is the stopper.

6. Troy (12–19, 4–14)

With no freshmen or sophomores, it would be easy to surmise that the Trojans are loaded with experience. But there is the chance all five starters could be newcomers. Much will be expected of junior guard Richard Delk, a Mississippi State transfer.

WEST DIVISION

1. Arkansas-Little Rock (20–11, 11–7)

With five starters back from the first 20-win season in more than a decade, it’s easy to pick the Trojans. Then again, they were one of only three teams in the nation that did not have a double-figure scorer, making their co-division title even more improbable. Guard Steven Moore (9.9 ppg) can be that needed lead scorer after shooting 43.3 percent on threes and upping his league scoring average (11.6 ppg).

2. North Texas  (20–11, 10–8)

The Mean Green may have the league’s best backcourt in sophomore Josh White (13.9 ppg) and senior Collin Dennis (13.6 ppg), the league’s 2007-08 Freshman and Newcomer of the Year, respectively. Their up-tempo play fits into Johnny Jones’ preferred style. And they can shoot — White set a school record by hitting 45.8 percent on 3-pointers; Dennis shot 42.1 percent.

3. Louisiana-Lafayette (15–15, 11–7)

With four starters returning to a team that won six of its last eight regular-season games, the Ragin’ Cajuns seem poised to become a Sun Belt contender again. But there is no true lead player — instead a quartet of solid returning starters led by sophomore Chris Gradnigo, the team’s top scorer (9.6 ppg) last season.

4. Denver (11–19, 7–11)

It’s still a building process under second-year coach Joe Scott, whose team has no seniors and one junior — 6'5" swingman Nate Rohnert (8.5 ppg), an all-around player who started every game last season. A pair of sophomores, 5'11" point guard Kyle Lewis (8.4 ppg, 40 percent on threes) and forward Rob Lewis (8.7 ppg), also return after showing promise as true freshmen.

5. Arkansas State (10–20, 5–13)

Not only did ASU change its nickname from Indians to Red Wolves, but it also changed coaches. The dean of Sun Belt coaches, Dickey Nutt, was replaced by the former dean of SEC coaches, John Brady. The two-time SEC Coach of the Year at LSU finds three of the top four scorers back.

6. Louisiana-Monroe (10–21, 4–14)

After being picked to finish first in the West, the Warhawks slumped last season. Senior guard Tony Hooper (15.1 ppg) plays bigger than his 5'11" stature and is one of the league’s better offensive players. After that, scoring could be scarce. 

7. New Orleans (19–13, 8–10)

The Privateers return to their home court of Lakefront Arena, but second-year coach Joe Pasternack might need a roster to keep up with eight newcomers. The lone returning starter is senior swingman Kyndall Dykes (13.6 ppg), a good athlete and decent mid-range shooter.