Preseason Media Day Total Recap

The college hoops is so close, I can smell it. We've given you our conference previews and have broken down our preseason top-25. As of this week, all the conferences have had their media days and released their preseason polls and All-Conference teams. Below you will find all the results. But be warned, there is a lot of different information, and as usual, each conference marches to the beat of their own drum. That's why you end up with things like the Atlantic Sun's 12 member all-conference first team. Before we get to the analysis, use the following paragraphs as a disclaimer.

Conferences differ in their preseason voting styles. Some conferences chose to have only coaches vote, some have a mixture of coaches, athletic directors, sports information directors and other media-type vote. A few conferences have separate polls for the coaches and the media.

In each conference poll, teams are ordered by the number of votes they received, with first place votes being in parentheses. Not all conferences choose preseason Rookie of the Year or Newcomer of the year. Some conferences chose a Preseason All-Defensive Team or a Preseason Defensive Player of the Year and some do not. Not all the conferences released the outcome of voting, so numbers will only appear for conferences that released them to the public.

Enjoy!


Atlantic Coast Conference

It is no surprise that Duke was heavily favored by the media to win the 2011 ACC Championship. The defending national champions return Kyle Singler, the 2010 NCAA Tournament MVP and All-American, along with Nolan Smith, a 2010 All-American and All-ACC First Team member. The Blue Devils will add sensational guard Seth Curry who sat out last year after transferring from liberty. Duke will also have the services of freshman Kyrie Irving, one of the most sought-after recruits in the country. North Carolina was picked second, thanks to the addition of freshman Harrison Barnes and the return of big-man Tyler Zeller and John Henson. But don't sleep on Virginia Tech either. Yes they've been on the wrong side of the bubble for the last hundred years or so, but I just don't don't think a player like Malcolm Delaney is going to go down without a fight.

Media Poll:
Duke (61), Virginia Tech, North Carolina (1), North Carolina State, Florida, Maryland, Clemson, Miami, Georgia Tech, Boston College, Virginia, Wake Forest

All-Conference Team:
Kyle Singler F, Sr., Duke
Malcolm Delaney G, Sr., Virginia Tech
Nolan Smith G, Sr., Duke
Tracy Smith G, North Carolina State
Chris Singleton F, Sr., Florida State

Player of the Year:
Kyle Singler F, Sr., Duke (38)

Rookie of the Year:
Harrison Barnes, G, North Carolina (46)



Atlantic-10 Conference

The Temple Owls, Atlantic-10 Champions from a year ago, were selected by a group of coaches and media to win their 10th Atlantic-10 championship. The A-10 championship will be hotly-contested however. Xavier, a perennial conference powerhouse was picked to tie for second place with Richmond, led by preseason player of the year Kevin Anderson. Although the polls said it's Temple's conference to win, I think any of the top four teams could win the Atlantic-10.

Coaches/Media Poll:
Temple (19), Xavier (3), Richmond (3), Dayton (1), Rhode Island, St. Louis, Charlotte, Duquesne, LaSalle, George Washington, Massachusetts, St. Joseph's, St. Bonaventure, Fordham

All-Conference Team:
LaVoy Allen F, Sr., Temple
Kevin Anderson G, Sr., Richmond
Andrew Nicholson F, Jr., St. Bonaventure
Damien Saunders F, Sr., Duquesne
Chris Wright F, Sr., Dayton

All-Defensive Team:
Lavoy Allen F, Sr., Temple
Kevin Anderson G, Sr., Richmond
Dante Jackson G, Sr., Xavier
Andrew Nicholson F, Sr., St. Bonaventure
Damian Saunders F, Sr., Duquesne

All-Rookie Team:
C.J. Aiken, F, St. Joseph’s
Langston Galloway, G, St. Joseph’s
Jordan Latham, F, Xavier
Rob Loe, F, Saint Louis
Juwan Staten, G, Dayton

Player of the Year:
Kevin Anderson G, Sr., Richmond



Atlantic Sun Conference

(Note: A tie in voting resulted in 12 players making the all-conference first team, but only 3 received unanimous selections)

Preseason player of the year Adnan Hodzic leads the Lipscomb Bison on a bid for their second consecutive regular season championship in the Atlantic-Sun. Hodzic enters this season with the nation's longest active streak of scoring in double figures, at 57. Since the start of 2000, the streak ranks as the ninth-longest in nation. East Tennessee State, the reigning Atlantic Sun tournament champions were picked to finish second, while Belmont, former multiple-time conference and tournament champions, were picked to finish third.

Coaches/Media Poll:
Lipscomb (6), East Tennessee State (3), Belmont (1), Jacksonville, Kennesaw State, Campbell, North Florida, Mercer, Stetson, Florida-Gulf Coast, South Carolina-Upstate

Media Poll:
Lipscomb (23), East Tennessee State (9), Belmont (1), Jacksonville, Kennesaw State, Campbell, Mercer, North Florida, Florida-Gulf Coast, Stetson, South Carolina-Upstate

All-Conference Team:
Adnan Hodzic F, Sr., Lipscomb
Markeith Cummings G, So., Kennesaw State
Josh Slater G, Sr., Lipscomb

Player of the Year:
Adnan Hodzic F, Sr., Lipscomb



America East Conference

Boston University was chosen by league coaches as the favorites to win the America East Conference. The Terriers will be looking for their first conference championship since 2002. Stony Brook, the reigning regular season champions came in second place in voting, followed by Maine, who received the final first place vote.

Coaches Poll:
Boston (6), Stony Brook (2), Maine (1), New Hampshire, Vermont, Hartford, Binghamton, Albany, UMBC

All-Conference Team:
Greer Wright F, Sr., Binghamton
John Holland G/F, Sr., Boston
Jake O’Brien F, Jr., Boston
Gerald McLemore G, Jr., Maine
Evan Fjeld F, Sr., Vermont



Big-12 Conference:

For the first time in school history, Kansas State was selected first by the coaches to win the Big-12 Conference. Perennial favorites Kansas and Texas were picked second and third, followed by a Baylor team that has risen from the depths of the Big-12 to become a legitimate league power.

Coaches Poll:
Kansas State (10), Kansas (2), Texas, Baylor, Missouri, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, Colorado, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Iowa State

All-Conference Team:
LaceDarius Dunn G, Sr., Baylor
Cory Higgins G, Sr., Colorado
Marcus Morris F, Jr., Kansas
Curtis Kelly F, Sr., Kansas State
Jacob Pullen G, Sr., Kansas State

Player of the Year:Jacob Pullen G, Sr., Kansas State

Rookie of the Year:Josh Selby G, Kansas

Newcomer of the Year: Ricardo Ratliffe F, Jr., Missouri (Central Florida CC)



Big East Conference

Connecticut was picked tenth in the preseason coaches poll, the lowest they have ever been selected in a preseason poll. St. John's, with new head coach Steve Lavin, received one first place vote despite finishing in the bottom half of the Big East each of the past six seasons. The Pittsburgh Panthers were the unanimous selection as favorites to win the Big East Title, led by Ashton Gibbs, Gilbert Brown and Brad Wannamaker.

Coaches Poll:
Pittsburgh (12), Villanova (1), Syracuse (2), Georgetown, West Virginia, St. John's (1), Notre Dame, Louisville, Marquette, Connecticut, Seton Hall, Cincinnati, South Florida, Providence, Rutgers, DePaul

All-Conference Team:
Austin Freeman G/F, Sr., Georgetown
Kemba Walker G, Jr., Connecticut
Ashton Gibbs G, Jr., Pittsburgh
Jeremy Hazell G, Sr., Seton Hall
Corey Fisher G, Sr., Villanova
Kevin Jones F, Jr., West Virginia

Player of the Year:
Austin Freeman G/F, Sr., Georgetown

Rookie of the Year:
Fab Melo, F, Syracuse



Big Sky Conference

(Note: The Big Sky Conference has not released a preseason All-Conference team)

Despite suffering an epic collapse in last season's championship game to Montana, Weber State has once again been picked by the coaches to win the Big Sky championship. The Wildcats are the two-time defending regular season champions, and last reached the NCAA tournament in 2007. The media selected Northern Colorado second, while Northern Arizona drew the No. 2 slot from the coaches. Northern Colorado earned two first-place votes from the media while Northern Arizona garnered one first-place vote from the coaches. Northern Colorado was tabbed fourth by the coaches, while NAU was picked fourth by the media, earning one first-place vote.

Coaches Poll:
Weber State (6), Northern Arizona (1), Montana (2), Northern Colorado, Montana State, Eastern Washington, Portland State, Idaho State, Sacramento State

Media Poll:
Weber State (21), Northern Colorado (2), Montana (4), Northern Arizona (1), Montana State, Eastern Washington, Portland State, Idaho State, Sacramento State



Big South Conference

The Chanticleers of Coastal Carolina were selected as the favorites to win the 2010-2011 Big South championship. Radford, the back-to-back Big South champions lost Art Parakhouski to graduation and have been selected to finish ninth.

Coaches/Media Poll:
Coastal Carolina (10), Winthrop (5), UNC-Ashville (4), Presbyterian (4), High Point, Liberty (1), Charleston Southern, VMI, Radford, Gardner-Webb

All-Conference Team:
Nick Barbour G, Jr., High Point
Chad Gray F, Sr., Coastal Carolina
Al'Lonzo Coleman F, Jr., Presbyterian
Jamarco Warren G, Sr., Charleston Southern
Austin Kenon G, Sr., VMI

Player of the Year:
Nick Barbour G, Jr., High Point



Big Ten Conference

(Note: The Big-ten only lists the top three teams that receive votes. None of the voting results were released)


Michigan State was the unanimous selection by the media to win the Big-Ten championship in 2011. The Spartans have made it to back-to-back Final-Fours and are led by preseason player of the year Kalin Lucas. Purdue, picked third, likely would have competed for the top preseason vote, but lost star player Robbie Hummel three weeks ago when he injured his ACL.

Media Poll:
Michigan State, Ohio State, Purdue

All-Conference Team:
Demetri McCamey G, Sr., Illinois
Kalin Lucas G, Sr., Michigan State
JaJuan Johnson F/C, Sr., Purdue
E’Twaun Moore F, Sr., Purdue
Jon Leuer F, Sr., Wisconsin

Player of the Year:
Kalin Lucas G, Sr., Michigan State



Big West Coference

Media Poll:
UC-Santa Barbara (20), Long Beach State (2), Pacific (1), UC-Davis, Cal-Poly, UC-Irvine, CS-Fullerton, CS-Northridge, UC-Riverside

A panel of media members selected UC-Santa Barbara to successfully defend its Big West men's basketball title in the 2010-2011 season. The Gauchos return all five starters from last season's squad which won both the regular season title and conference title in the Big West Conference.

All-Conference Team:
Joe Harden G, Sr., UC Davis
Orlando Johnson G, Jr., UC-Santa Barbara
James Nunnally F, Jr., UC-Santa Barbara
T.J. Robinson F, Jr., Long Beach State
Casper Ware G, Jr., Long Beach State
Eric Wise F, Jr., UC-Irvine



Colonial Athletic Conference

Note: The CAA did not release the voting results of the coaches/media poll, just the predicted order of finish)

ODU, which has made six consecutive postseason appearances, is riding the momentum from its first CAA championship since 2005, including a first round win overt Notre Dame, 52-51 in last season's NCAA Tournament. The Monarchs return four starters from last year's 27-9 squad and were the commanding favorite to repeat, as chosen by coaches and media. But don't think that this conference is ODU's to win, as there are several teams that have a chance to make the 2011 NCAA tournament, wether it be from an auto-bid or an at-large selection. George Mason and Virginia Commonwealth both have plenty of post-season experience, elite-caliber coaches and a hefty chunk of returning starters. Don't be surprised if one of these teams is atop the CAA standing at the end of the year. But until that point, ODU has to be considered the favorite

Coaches/Media Poll:
Old Dominion, George Mason, Virginia Commonwealth, James Madison, Hofstra, Drexel, Northeastern, William & Mary, Delaware, Towson, Georgia State, UNC-Wilmington

All-Conference Team:
Chaisson Allen G, Sr., Northeastern
Denzel Bowles F, Sr., James Madison
Charles Jenkins G, Sr., Hofstra
Cam Long G, Sr., George Mason
Joey Rodriguez G, Sr., Virginia Commonwealth

Player of the Year:
Charles Jenkins G, Sr., Hofstra



Conference-USA

(Note: C-USA does not release a preseason coaches or media poll)


Despite not releasing preseason polls, it can be assumed that Memphis and UTEP will compete for the C-USA crown. The Tigers, led by second-year coach Josh Pastner, should be the favorites to win the conference after failing to do so last season. Pastner has a stellar recruiting class, headlined by Will Barton. But UTEP features preseason player of the year Randy Culpepper, and are coached by Tim Floyd, one of the most polarizing/notorious coaches in the game today.

All-Conference Team:
Randy Culpepper G, Sr., UTEP
Gary Flowers F, Sr., Southern Miss
Justin Hurtt G, Sr., Tulsa
Wesley Witherspoon G/F, Jr., Memphis
Brock Young G, Sr., East Carolina

Player of the Year:
Randy Culpepper G, Sr., UTEP

Rookie of the Year:
Will Barton, G, Memphis



Horizon league

Butler received all 48 first place votes to once again win the Horizon League. Even with the loss of Gordon Hayward, the Bulldogs return Matt Howard, the 2009 Horizon League preseason player of the year and Shelvin Mack, the current Horizon League preseason player of the year.

Coaches/Media Poll:
Butler (48), Detroit, Cleveland State, UW-Milwaukee, Wright State, UW-Green Bay, Loyola, Illinois-Chicago, Youngstown State

All-Conference Team:
Shelvin Mack G, Sr., Butler
Norris Cole G, Sr., Cleveland State
Matt Howard F, Sr., Butler
Rahmon Fletcher G, Sr., Green Bay
Brandon Wood G, Sr., Valparaiso

Player of the Year:
Shelvin Mack G, Sr., Butler



Ivy League

(Note: The Ivy League does not select preseason all-conference teams or player of the year.)

Princeton returns its top five scorers and top two rebounders, and was voted as the preseason pick to win the 2010-11 Ivy League championship. The Tigers recieved 12 of the 17 first-place votes from the media panel. Harvard, having lost superstar Jeremy Lin and is stil hoping for it's first Icvy League title, was picked second. Cornell was not voted as the preseason selection for the first time in three years, but did receive one first-place vote. They lose their top three players from a season ago, as well as their head coach Steve Donahue, who took the Boston College head coaching position.

Media Poll:
Princeton (12), Harvard (4), Cornell (1), Penn, Yale, Brown, Columbia, Dartmouth



Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference

For the first time in three seasons, Siena, the reigning MAAC champions, have not been selected as preseason favorites to win the conference. That honor goes to Fairfield, who made the MAAC tournament finals last season for the first time since 2003, and was semi-finalists in the CollegeInsiders.com post-season tournament. The Stags will be led by sophomore guard Derek Needham, who was selected as the 2009-2010 MAAC Rookie of the Year.

Coaches Poll:
Fairfield (6), Siena (3), St. Peter's (1), Iona, Rider, Loyola, Canisius, Niagara, Manhattan, Marist

All-Conference Team:
Derek Needham G, So., Fairfield
Scott Machado G, Jr., Iona
Wesley Jenkins G, Sr., Saint Peter's
Clarence Jackson G, Sr., Siena
Ryan Rossiter F, Sr., Siena

Player of the Year:
Ryan Rossiter F, Sr., Siena



Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference

It is no surprise that the Morgan State Bears was selected by 20 out of the 22 members of the panel that voted in the MEAC preseason poll. The Bears are led by Kevin Thompson, the MEAC preseason player of the year. Thompson is no stranger to conference accolades having earned the MEAC's Defensive Player of the Year and the Tournament's Most Outstanding Performer honor last season. In 2009-10, Thompson led the Bears to their second straight conference tournament title averaging roughly 13 points and 12 rebounds, fourth best in the NCAA. He was also selected to the National Association of Basketball Coaches All-District First-Team.

Coaches/Media Poll:
Morgan State (20), South Carolina State, Hampton, Bethune-Cookman (2), Delaware State, Norfolk State, Maryland-Eastern Shore, North Carolina A&T, Howard, Coppin State, Florida A&M

All-Conference Team:
C.J. Reed G, Jr., Bethune-Cookman
Darrion Pellum G, Jr., Hampton
Dewayne Jackson G/F, So., Morgan State
Kevin Thompson F, Jr., Morgan State
Kyle O'Quinn C, Jr., Norfolk State

Player of the Year:
Kevin Thompson F, Jr., Morgan State



Mid-American Conference

Despite losing the top three players from the team that won the MAC tournament last season as an 8-seed, then shocked the country by upsetting Georgetown in the first round of the NCAA tournament, the Ohio Bobcats were picked to finish first, along with the Ball State Cardinals, to win the Mid-American Conference. Ball State will return four starters from a team that finished tied for second in the MAC West Division last season.

Eastern Division Media Poll:
Ohio (12), Kent State (8), Akron (4), Miami, Bowling Green, Buffalo

Western Division Media Poll:
Ball State (12), Central Michigan (8), Eastern Michigan (2), Western Michigan, Northern Illinois (2), Toledo

Conference Tournament Champions Media Poll:
Ohio (10), Kent State (6), Central Michigan (4), Ball State (2), Akron (2)

Eastern Division All-Conference Team:
Brett McKnight F, Sr., Akron
Scott Thomas F, Jr., Bowling Green
Justin Greene F, Jr., Kent State
Julian Mavunga F, Jr., Miami
D.J. Cooper G, So., Ohio

Western Division All-Conference Team:
Jarrod Jones F/C, Jr., Ball State
Trey Zeigler, G, Fy., Central Michigan
Brandon Bowdy F, Sr., Eastern Michigan
Xavier Silas G, Sr., Northern Illinois
Flenard Whitfield F, Jr., Western Michigan



Missouri Valley Conference

Northern Iowa was the darling of last season's NCAA tournament, thanks to a remarkable victory against top-seeded Kansas in the second round. But the Panthers lost three of their top players, and it was the Wichita State Shockers who were the unanimous selection to win the MVAC championship this season. Despite receiving nearly all the preseason votes, the MVAC is anything but a one-horse race. Missouri State, picked second, return the top seven scorers from the team that won the college's first post-season basketball championship, the CollegeInsiders.com Tournament. Creighton is always in the running for the MVAC crown and will receive a boost from Rutgers-transfer Gregory Echinque.

Coaches/Media Poll:
Wichita State (33), Missouri State (1), Northern Iowa (3), Creighton, Bradley (2), Illinois State, Indiana State, Drake, Southern Illinois, Evansville

All-Conference Team:
Kwadzo Ahelegbe G, Sr., Northern Iowa
Kenny Lawson Jr. C, Sr., Creighton
Sam Maniscalco G, Sr., Bradley
Toure' Murry G, Jr., Wichita State
Kyle Weems F, Jr., Missouri State

Player of the Year:
Kenny Lawson Jr. C, Sr., Creighton



Mountain West Conference

BYU may have the league's best player in Jimmer Fredette, but the Aztecs of San Diego State the best team in the conference. Or at least that's what conference coaches and media members believe. SDSU returns all five starters team that amassed a 25-9 overall record and tied for third in the MWC regular season a year ago. The Aztecs captured their third conference tournament crown and received the league's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, marking the program's fifth consecutive postseason appearance. Led by forwards Kawhi Leonard and Malcolm Thomas, the Aztecs look to make it six consecutive post-season appearances.

Coaches/Media Poll:
San Diego State (21), BYU (5), New Mexico (3), UNLV (1), Colorado State, Utah, TCU, Wyoming, Air Force

All-Conference Team:
Jimmer Fredette G, Sr., BYU
Dairese Gary G, Sr., New Mexico
Kawhi Leonard F, So., San Diego State
Malcolm Thomas F, Sr., San Diego State
Tre'Von Willis G, Sr., UNLV

Player of the Year:
Jimmer Fredette G, Sr., BYU

Rookie of the Year:
Kyle Collinsworth, G, BYU

Newcomer of the Year:
Drew Gordon F, Jr., New Mexico



Northeast Conference

Quinnipiac, led by last season's NEC player of the year, Justin Rutty, recieved 11 of the 12 conference coaches. The Bobcat's senior center is conference's most dominant player, averaging close to a double-double a contest. Two-time defending NEC Tournament champion Robert Morris was tabbed second, followed by Long Island, which recieved the other first place vote.

Coaches:
Quinnipiac (11), Robert Morris, Long Island, Central Connecticut State, Mount St. Mary's, Fairleigh Dickinson, St. Francis (NY), St. Francis (PA), Sacred Heart, Monmouth, Wagner, Bryant

All-Conference Team:
Karon Abraham G, So., Robert Morris
Akeem Bennett G, Sr., St. Francis (NY)
Ken Horton F, Jr., Central Connecticut State
Justin Rutty F/C, Sr., Quinnipiac
Mike Scott G, Sr., Fairleigh Dickinson



Ohio Valley Conference

(Note: The OVC does not have choose an all-conference first or second team. Instead they list all the potential candidates end-of-the-year OVC First-Team All-Conference)

The Ohio Valley Conference features one of the most intriguing Mid-Major teams in the country in Murray State, along with one of the most intriguing Mid-Major players in the country, Morehead State's Kenny Faried. Murray State was picked to win the OVC for the second year in a row. Last season Murray State won an OVC-record 31 games on its way to the OVC regular season and tournament championship as well as a NCAA Tournament win over Vanderbilt, which, if you remember correctly, came in dramatic fashion. Morehead State's Faried was named both the OVC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year in 2009-10. Faried was second nationally in rebounding and double-doubles and 17th nationally in field goal percentage as he earned honorable mention All-American honors.

Coaches/Media Poll:
Murray State (18), Morehead State (2), Eastern Illinois, Austin Peay, Eastern Kentucky, Tennessee Tech, Tennessee State, Jacksonville State, Southeast Missouri, Tennessee-Martin

All-Conference Team:
Ivan Aska F, Jr., Murray State
Anthony Campbell F, Jr., Austin Peay
Isaiah Canaan G, So., Murray State
Kenneth Faried F/C, Sr., Morehead State
Demonte Harper G, Sr., Morehead State
B.J. Jenkins G, Sr., Murray State
Tyler Laser G, Sr., Eastern Illinois
Isaac Miles G, Sr., Murray State
Kevin Murphy F, Jr., Tennessee Tech
Nick Murphy G/F, Sr., Jacksonville State
Justin Stommes G/F, Sr., Eastern Kentucky

Player of the Year:
Kenneth Faried F/C, Sr., Morehead State



Pac-10 Conference

(Note: The Pac-10 does not select preseason all-conference teams or player of the year)

Last season the Pac-10 was awful. UCLA couldn't beat anybody, Arizona missed out on the tournament for the first time in what feels like 25 years, and we saw non-conference losses to teams like Portland and Seattle. This season things should be different, at least we hope so. For the first time in program history, the Washington Huskies were selected as preseason favorites to win the Pac-10. The team is led by standout guard Isaiah Thomas and forward Venoy Overton. They should receive a large impact from highly-touted freshman Terrence Ross. After Washington, the conference is pretty much up-in-the-air. Arizona should be solid, as coach Sean Miller has had a year to recruit heavily and teach his players the system. There is no way UCLA can be worse than they were last year. The name-brand talent may not be there, but Ben Howland will have his guys playing his way this year.

Coaches/Media Poll:
Washington (33), Arizona (1), UCLA (1), Arizona State, Washington State, Southern Cal, California, Oregon State, Stanford, Oregon



Patriot League

The 2010-2011 Patriot League should be an entertaining one, as five teams were separated by just 10 points at the top of the rankings by coaches and sports information directors. The Eagle of American U., winners of the 2008 and 2009 Patriot League received the most votes, but Bucknell, Lafayette and Holy Cross were closely behind. Lehigh, the conference champions from a season ago, were picked fifth.

Coaches/Media Poll:
American (7), Bucknell (3), Lafayette (2), Holy Cross (2), Lehigh, Navy, Colgate, Army

All-Conference Team:
Andrew Keister F, Sr., Holy Cross
CJ McCollum G, So., Lehigh
Jared Mintz F, Sr., Lafayette
Vlad Moldoveanu F, Sr., American
Mike Muscala F/C, So., Bucknell
Jordan Sugars G, Jr., Navy

Player of the Year:
CJ McCollum G, So., Lehigh



Southeastern Conference

Despite another spectacular recruiting class, John Calipari's Kentucky team was not able to garner the top spot in the SEC preseason polls. Florida, the last back-to-back National Champions, got that honor, due to a roster filled with experience, athleticism and talent. Preseason Player of the Year Trey Tompkins leads a Georgia squad that is as good as the program has fielded in years. Rick Stansbury's Mississippi State squad could pose a threat now that Renardo Sidney, John Riek and Dee Bost can be on the floor at the same time.

Media Poll:
Florida (8), Mississippi State (3), Kentucky (2), Tennessee (2), Georgia (1)

SEC East Poll:
Florida (13), Kentucky (3), Georgia (2), Tennessee (2), Vanderbilt, South Carolina

SEC West Poll:
Mississippi State (18), Ole Miss (2), Alabama, Arkansas, LSU, Auburn

Coaches All-Conference Team:
Dee Bost G, Jr., Mississippi State
JaMychal Green F, Jr., Alabama
Scotty Hopson G, Jr., Tennessee .
Travis Leslie G, Jr., Georgia
Chandler Parsons F, Sr., Florida
Marshawn Powell F, So., Arkansas
Jeffery Taylor F, Jr., Vanderbilt
Trey Thompkins F, Jr., Georgia
Chris Warren G, Sr., Ole Miss

Media All-Conference Team:
Brandon Knight G, Fr., Kentucky
Travis Leslie G, Jr., Georgia
Jeffery Taylor F, Jr., Vanderbilt
Trey Thompkins F, Jr., Georgia
Chris Warren G, Sr., Ole Miss

Player of the Year:
Trey Thompkins F, Jr., Georgia



Southern Conference

Wofford and Appalachian State are the favorites to capture the Southern Conference's divisional men's basketball titles in 2010-11, according to a vote by the leagues head coaches. Wofford were the Southern Division and SoCon Tournament champions last season and feature two of the conference's best forwards in Noah Dahlman and Jamar Diggs. Appalachian State advanced to the semifinals of the CollegeInsider.com Tournament last season but will see a replacement at the head coach position. Jason Capel, the brother of Oklahoma head coach Jason, replaces Buzz Petersen, who left to take the job at UNC-Wilmington.

Northern Division Coaches Poll:
Appalachian State (9), Western Carolina (3), Chattanooga, UNC-Greensboro, Elon, Samford

Southern Division Coaches Poll:
Wofford (10), Charleston (2), Davidson, Citadal, Furman, Georgia Southern

All-Conference Team:
Donald Sims G, Sr., Appalachian State
Cameron Wells G, Sr., The Citadel
Andrew Goudelock G, Sr., Charleston
Jeremy Simmons F, Sr., Charleston
Jake Cohen F, So., Davidson
JP Kuhlman G, So., Davidson
Drew Spradlin G, Jr., Elon
Amu Saaka F, Sr., Furman
Noah Dahlman F, Sr., Wofford
Jamar Diggs F, Sr., Wofford

Player of the Year:
Andrew Goudelock G, Sr., Charleston



Southland Conference

Stephen F. Austin, Nicholls and Southeastern Louisiana have been selected as the preseason favorites to win the Southland Conference in 2010-2011. Stephen F. Austin, winners of two of the last three regular-season titles, was ranked first in the West Division in both polls. Nicholls, tabbed as the favorites to win the Eastern division are led by two-time Southland first-team member Anatoly Bose.

Eastern Division Coaches Poll:
Nicholls (5), Southeastern Louisiana (3), Northwestern State (1), Lamar (2), McNeese State (1), Central Arkansas

Western Division Coaches Poll:
Stephen F. Austin (8), Sam Houston State (2), Texas State (1), Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (1), Texas-San Antonio, Texas-Arlington

All-Conference Team:
Anatoly Bose G/F, Sr.,Nicholls
Gilberto Clavell F, Sr., Sam Houston State
Eddie Williams G, Sr., Stephen F. Austin
Devin Gibson G, Sr., Texas-San Antonio
Cameron Johnson F, Sr., Texas State



Southwestern Athletic Conference

Jackson State received the majority of first place votes as favorites to win the SWAC championship. The Tigers went 17-1 in the league last season, but were upset in the opening round of the SWAC Tournament by Arkansas-Pine Bluff, the eventual tournament champions, who were picked to finish second.

Coaches/Media Poll:
Jackson State (11), Arkansas-Pine Bluff (4), Alabama State, Prairie View A&M (1), Texas Southern (2), Alabama A&M (2), Mississippi Valley State, Grambling State, Southern, Alcorn State

All-Conference Team:
Rod Melvin G, Jr., Jackson State
Donald Qualls G, Sr., Grambling State
Travele Jones F, Sr., Texas Southern
Grant Maxey F, Sr., Jackson State
Amos Studivant C, Jr., Mississippi Valley State

Player of the Year:
Travele Jones F, Sr., Texas Southern

Defensive Player of the Year:
Chris Duncan C, Sr., Alabama State



Summit League

Oakland is once again the overwhelming favorite to win the Summit League, and its due in large part to Keith Benson, the conference's choice as preseason player of the year. The Golden Grizzlies set Summit League records for league victories (17), league winning percentage (.944) during the 2009-10 campaign and equaled the all-time record for consecutive league wins with 16 en route to their regular season and tournament titles. Benson, the team's leader and towering center, was awarded the Lou Henson Award in 2010 for being the Nation's Mid-Major Player of the Year by CollegeInsider.com.

Coaches/Media Poll:
Oakland (29), Oral Roberts (3), IUPUI (2), North Dakota State, South Dakota State, IPFW, Western Illinois, UMKC, Southern Utah, Centenary

All-Conference Team:
Keith Benson C, Sr., Oakland
Ceola Clark III G, Jr., Western Illinois
Michael Craion F, Sr., Oral Roberts
Dominique Morrison F, Jr., Oral Roberts
Michael Tveidt F, Sr., North Dakota State
Alex Young F, Jr., IUPUI

Player of the Year:
Keith Benson C, Sr., Oakland



Sun Belt Conference

Western Kentucky and North Texas were chosen as favorites to win the Sun Belt Conference in 2010-2011. The Green Terror of North Texas received all 12 first places votes to win the Eastern Division while the Hilltoppers of Western Kentucky received all but one vote to win the Western division. North Texas won the Sun belt tournament last season but fell to Kansas State in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

East Division Coaches Poll:
Western Kentucky (11), Florida Atlantic (1), South Alabama, Middle Tennessee, Florida International, Troy

West Division Coaches Poll:
North Texas (12), Arkansas State, Denver, Louisiana-Lafayette, Alabama-Litte Rock, Louisiana-Monroe

All-Conference Team:
George Odufuwa F, Sr., North Texas
Josh White G, Sr., North Texas
Tim Williams G, Sr., South Alabama
Sergio Kerusch F, Sr., Western Kentucky
Steffphon Pettigrew F, Sr., Western Kentucky

Player of the Year:
Sergio Kerusch F, Sr., Western Kentucky



West Coast Conference

(Note: The WCC does not chose a first team and section team. Instead they list the candidates for the all-conference teams posted at the end of the year.)

Gonzaga has won ten consecutive WCC titles and were selected by coaches to win their 11th in a row. The vote was not unanimous, as both Loyola Marymount and Saint Mary's received first place votes. Loyola Marymount made its first post-season appearance in 20 years last season, making the field of the CollegeInsiders.com Tournament. Saint Mary's, which was picked third, is coming off its first NCAA Sweet 16 appearance in school history and the 2010]WCC Tournament Championship.

Coaches Poll:
Gonzaga (6), Loyola Marymount (1), Saint Mary's (1), Santa Clara, Portland, San Francisco, Pepperdine, San Diego

All-Conference Team:
Steven Gray G, Sr., Gonzaga
Elias Harris F, So., Gonzaga
Vernon Teel G, Sr., Loyola Marymount
Drew Viney F, Jr., Loyola Marymount
Keion Bell G, Jr., Pepperdine
Jared Stohl G, Sr., Portland
Matthew Dellavedova G, So., Saint Mary's
Mickey McConnell G, Sr., Saint Mary's
Kevin Foster G, So., Santa Clara
Marc Trasolini F, Jr., Santa Clara



Western Athletic Conference

Both the coaches and media agree that Utah State is the favorite to win the conference, just like they did a year ago. New Mexico State, the winners of last season's conference tournament were picked to finish second in both polls. The coaches and media did differ on conference player of the year voting. The coaches believe Utah State's Tai Wesley is the conference’s best player while the media believes Adrian Oliver of San Jose State is.

Coaches Poll:
Utah State (8), New Mexico State (1), Nevada, Boise State, Fresno State, San Jose State, Louisiana Tech, Idaho, Hawaii

Media Poll:
Utah State (19), New Mexico State (8), Nevada (2), San Jose State (1), Fresno State, Boise State, Louisiana Tech, Idaho, Hawaii

All-Conference Team:
Troy Gillenwater F, Jr., New Mexico State
Wendell McKines F, Sr., New Mexico State
Adrian Oliver G, Sr., San Jose State
Greg Smith C, So., Fresno State
Tai Wesley F, Sr., Utah State

Coaches Player of the Year:
Tai Wesley F, Sr., Utah State

Media Player of the Year:
Adrian Oliver G, Sr., San Jose State

Newcomer of the Year:
Brockeith Pane G, Jr., Utah State

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The Only Conference Preview You Need To Read: The WAC

Summer officially ends on September 22nd, but for me, the end of summer always coincided with the end of August. Or when I had to go to school. (That first day was always the worst, wasn't it?) Anyway, school is right around the corner, which means that college basketball season is around the corner, down the street, through two lights, and on the left. Since we've all had a fight with our GPS at one time or another, we at BIAH will take this week to roll out our way-too-early, all-encompassing conference previews.

To browse through the other conferences, click here.


Preseason Awards

Player of the Year: Adrian Oliver, San Jose State

Oliver averaged 22.5 ppg to lead the WAC in scoring last season, and there is no reason he cant put up the same numbers again. He doesn't always have the greatest efficiency numbers, and a lot of times he is forced to take tough shots, but that is more a result of a lack of offensive firepower surrounding him. How good is this kid? The Spartans lost basically every except for Oliver and Justin Graham, their starting point guard, from a team that was under .500 and 6-10 in conference play, good for sixth in the league. And they are actually being predicted to be better this season than last season. Trust me when I say its not a result of a recruiting class filled with all-americans.

Ed. Note: For those asking, leaving the Player of the Year off of the all-conference first-team was intentional. Maybe its because I grew up following the Big East (they always put six on the first team), but its the way I've always done it. Its not an oversight.


And a close second goes too: Tai Wesley, Utah State

Wesley deserves some notoriety on a national level. He's a big, strong power forward with some athleticism and a ton of energy. He rebounds the ball well, he can score in the paint, he was second on the team in assists last season and led them in blocks. He's the best player on a team that will garner top 25 votes all season long. The Aggies are deep and they are talented, which means that Wesley won't necessarily put up the numbers that others in this conference will, but that shouldn't have a bearing on how good of a player he is.

Breakout Star: Troy Gillenwater, New Mexico State

Its a shame that most people only know Troy Gillenwater for one of two reasons: either because he spent the first two-thirds of New Mexico State's season academically ineligible last year, or because he was the guy that committed the lane violation late in the Aggie's first round loss to Michigan State. And while Gillenwater has put up impressive numbers in his first two seasons with the Aggies, he was always the third or fourth option, behind Jahmar Young, Jonathon Gibson, and Wendell McKines. With Young and Gibson gone, Gillenwater will have a chance to be one of the focal points of Marvin Menzies' attack. He's a versatile scorer, a 6'8" forward that can score inside and out. Expect Gillenwater to make a national name for himself this season.


All-Conference First Team:

• G - Olu Ashaolu, Louisiana Tech, Jr.
  
• F - Wendell McKines, New Mexico State, Sr.
  
• F - Troy Gillenwater, New Mexico State, Jr.
  
• F - Tai Wesley, Utah State, Sr.
  
• C - Greg Smith, Fresno State, So.

All-Conference Second Team:

• G - Deonte Burton, Nevada, Fr.
  
• F - Bill Amis, Hawaii, Sr.
  
• F - Daequon Montreal, Boise State, Sr.
• F - Olek Czyz, Nevada, Jr.
• C - Nate Bendall, Utah State, Sr.
  

Newcomer of the Year: Deonte Burton, Nevada, Fr.

Burton is walking into a seemingly ideal situation at Nevada. He's a big time scoring guard that isn't afraid to take a lot of shots on a team that is losing quite a few of their shot takers this season. He's an athletic finisher, a tough penetrator, and has range out beyond the college three point line. Burton has the potential to be the next great guard for the Wolfpack.


What Happened?:

• The MWC raids the WAC: It started with Boise State's decision to leave. Then, after Utah left the MWC for the Pac-10, Fresno State and Nevada were poached as well, leaving the WAC without their premiere football program and two of their best basketball programs. More on this in a bit.


• Roster turnover: It really is quite incredible how different the WAC is going to look this season. With the exception of Utah State (who returns the majority of their WAC title team) and New Mexico State (who brings back their front line), every team in this conference is going to run out a line-up that will look totally different from last season. Sure, San Jose State will still have their star Adrian Oliver, but his supporting cast -- save Justin Graham -- will be completely different. Nevada may as well be a completely different program from the one that Mark Fox left in 2009. Fresno State brings back their starting center, and that's about it. (You get the point, right?) Continuity is not the WAC's strong suit, I guess. Unless you're Utah State. All they do is win.


• Coaching changes: Longtime Mark Few assistant Leon Rice has been tabbed as the new head man at Boise State. Not a bad mentor when it comes to building a program outside of the Big Six. Gib Arnold, a former USC assistant coach, got the head job at Hawaii this offseason. Both will have their work cut out for them, as Hawaii's program is in need of a serious jump start, while Boise State football is the equivalent Gonzaga basketball.


• Senque Carey leaves the college game: At least he did it on his terms this time. Carey was suffered a pretty severe spinal cord injury back in 2002 that essentially ended his playing career. He eventually became a D-I assistant coach, and last season spent the year with Fresno State. But Carey decided to leave his post in October to take over a local coaching position in order to spend more time with his family.


• Players behaving badly: La'Shard Anderson of Boise State was arrested after police were called to his apartment for a loud house party. He has to do some community service and pay a fine.
  
  Utah State's Anthony DiLoreto didn't get off so easily. You remember this kid, the seven-foot bank robber? Stew Morrill gave him a shot to turn things around, and DiLoreto promptly got busted for pot and kicked off the team.
  
  Hawaii's Dwain Williams spent much of last season suspended, and finally decided to part ways with the university in May. He turned pro.


• Williams wasn't the only one to go pro: Obviously, Luke Babbitt, Paul George, and Armon Johnson left and were NBA bound. Two other notable players were the professional route as well. New Mexico State's leading scorer Jahmar Young decided not to return for his senior season, although its unclear how much an arrest for battery of a peace officer had to do with that decision.
  
  CJ Webster of San Jose State also decided not to return for his senior season, although his decision was influenced by the birth of his daughter in February.


• New Orleans player resurfaces: JL Lewis, who was a forward for New Orleans last year, will play for Louisiana Tech next season. New Orleans, unfortunately, is being forced to drop to D-III athletics.
  

What's Next?:

• What will the WAC look like in 2011?: So Boise State, Fresno State, and Nevada are all leaving the WAC, or attempting to leave the WAC, after this season. The WAC sued both Fresno State and Nevada for a $5 million exit fee (which apparently is being negotiated), but it doesn't too outlandish to assume that the two schools will be gone come July 2011. So the question becomes who replaces them? Texas State? UT-San Antonio? Denver? UC Davis? There have been a lot of names thrown about, but can any of those schools really replace the athletic void left by Boise, Fresno, and Nevada? Will the WAC be able to survive these losses?


• Can anyone catch Utah State?: Utah State is one of the most underrated basketball programs in the country. They just keep winning -- 23 or more W's the last 11 years, nine years with WAC titles (either regular season or tournament or both), and seven trips to the NCAA's. This year, they bring back the majority of their roster. They also have one of the best home courts in the country. The Aggies get slept on a bit because they don't play an incredibly tough schedule, but this team is good. Ask BYU. They lost by ten at the Spectrum last season.
  

Power Rankings

1. Utah State: Utah State is arguably the most underrated program in the country. They've won at least 23 games each of the past 11 years, with nine of those seasons resulting in either a WAC regular season or tournament title and seven seeing them earn NCAA Tournament bids. Last year, USU won 27 games, went 14-2 in the WAC, won the conference by three full games, and earned an at-large bid to the dance. And, for the second straight season, they only graduate one senior, meaning that this is going to be a very good, very experienced group once again. The 2010-2011 version of the Aggies will center around their bigs. Tai Wesley has proven himself to be one of the best players in the conference. He's a high energy guy that can rebound and score in the paint, while also finishing second on the team at 3.3 apg. Joining him up front is Nate Bendall, a 6'9" senior that did an admirable job filling in for Gary Wilkinson last season. Brady Jardine and Matt Formisano should provide solid minutes once again off the bench, while freshman Ben Clifford has the make-up -- 6'8" face-up forward with some athleticism and a jump shot -- to be a solid player in the offense. In the back court, the loss of Jared Quayle, who was arguably the best all around point guard out west last season, is going to hurt, but there are some pieces here to fill that void. It starts with returning starters Tyler Newbold and Pooh Williams. Newbold is more of a shooter while Williams is more of a slasher (and an excellent defender), but both are going to need to be more aggressive and selfish this season on the offensive end to pick up some of the scoring slack. At the point, there are a few options. Brian Green seems like he could slide into the position, while JuCo transfer Brockeith Pane may also be good enough to fill this role. JuCo transfer Antonio Bumpus and James Walker should give the back court a boost in athleticism, while Preston Medlin, EJ Farris, and Leon Cooper will also provide depth. Once again, Utah State is going to be deep and talented.


2. New Mexico State: When last season ended, New Mexico's Aggies looked like they might sneak above Utah's Aggies as the favorite in the WAC. NMSU was as good as anyone in the conference once they got Wendell McKines and Troy Gillenwater academically eligible, making a run to the WAC tournament title. They lost in the first round of the dance on a controversial lave violation, but nonetheless, there was a lot of hope heading into this season. That changed when leading scorer Jahmar Young decided to go pro a year early, leaving head coach Marvin Menzies without his terrific back court as Jonathon Gibson graduated. Where last year's group was centered around back court play, this year the Aggies will feature a strong front court. Gillenwater and McKines are both versatile forwards that can make a play on the perimeter, score in the paint, and knock down a three ball. 6'11" Hamidu Rahman has gone from a walk-on to one of the better centers in the conference, while there is some potential on the bench in the form of Abdoulaye N'doye, Tshilidzi Nephawe, and Renaldo Dixon. Bandja Sy is more of a perimeter player, but he has enough potential to warrant a profile on Draft Express, and Tyrone Watson is undersized but tough enough to earn minutes on this team. The back court will be more of a question mark. Hernst Laroche proved to be a capable point guard last season, although his scoring will need to see a bump this year. Gordo Castillo is a knockdown shooter from deep that should help spread the floor for the big guys inside. Christian Kabongo should provide some quality minutes in the back court as well.


3. Nevada: The last two offseasons have not been good to the Wolfpack. Last summer, they lost their head coach to Georgia, one player to transfer, one player to legal issues, and two recruits to academics. This summer? Their two best players graduated and two other starters graduated, as did their sixth man, which is not a good sign for a team that had, at most, a seven man rotation. Dario Hunt, a 6'8" junior, started last season and gets after it on the glass, but he needs to develop his offensive repertoire. Marko Cukic is a 6'9" post that played in every game last season, but he averaged less than nine minutes per game on a team with a short bench. The good news is that there is help on the way. Olek Czyz, who transferred to the Wolfpack from Duke, is an athletic, 6'7" forward that will make an impact when he becomes eligible after the first semester. Devonte Elliot, a 6'10" post player that was a three-star recruit in 2009, has finally been cleared academically by the NCAA. Illiwa Baldwin is a 6'11", 24 years old JuCo transfer and native of Papua New Guinea that received some high major interest. Another big man, Kevin Panzer, a 6'9" forward, is a versatile and athletic four man with a nice stroke from the perimeter. While there will be a couple of familiar faces up front, the back court looks like it will be completely new. Deonte Burton looks like he could end up being a star for the Wolfpack. An undersized two-guard, the 6'1" Burton is explosive, both athletically and as a scorer. Burton is the jewel of the class, but there is a lot coming in on the perimeter to surround him. Derrell Conner is a JuCo point guard that signed with the program days before London Giles decided to transfer. Malik Story, a transfer from Indiana, and Jordan Finn, who prepped for a year at the Air Force Academy, are off-guards that bring size, toughness, and an all-around game. Jordan Burris, a freshman, and Jerry Evans, a redshirt freshman, bring some length and athleticism to the wing spot -- both are about 6'7". There are pieces on this Nevada roster, the question is whether David Carter can put the puzzle together.


4. Fresno State: Despite having a lottery pick on their roster in Paul George, the Bulldogs struggled to a below .500 finish overall and in WAC play. It will be difficult not only to replace George, but to replace Sylvester Seay, the team's second leading scorer and rebounder, as well as transfers Michael Ladd and Brandon Sperling. There are some pieces, however. The biggest, literally and figuratively, is Greg Smith, a 6'11" center that was the WAC's freshman of the year a season ago. Originally an Arizona commit, Smith should be the centerpiece of the Fresno attack as a sophomore. Also back for the Bulldogs is junior point guard Steven Shepp, who proved to be a capable distributor in his first season with the job. Sophomore swingman Jerry Brown should see increased minutes with the departure of George and Seay, while big man Nedeljko Golubovic will return up front. There will also be quite a few newcomers on this roster. New Mexico transfer Jonathan Wills should be a rotational player, while freshman big man John Ryan will see time. Another freshmen, Tyler Johnson, will get time in the back court as well, but perhaps the most important newcomer is Tim Steed, a big time scorer on the wing transferring into the program from an Illinois JuCo.


5. San Jose State: San Jose State's season is going to rest squarely on the shoulders of their senior back court. Adrian Oliver is as good of a scorer as you are going to come across at this level. The Washington transfer led the WAC in scoring last year at 22.5 ppg, and there is no reason to believe he can't do it again. Oliver went for 30 eight times last season, and is good enough that he can single-handedly carry the Spartans. Justin Graham will once again be his back court mate. While Graham's shooting and scoring numbers have dipped as he has battled wrist problems (he shot 43% from three as a freshman), he has developed into a solid distributor and cut down on his turnovers. He'll need to provide more of a scoring output this season because of the seven players that averaged more than seven minutes a game last year, Oliver and Graham are the only returnees. Who steps up? Chris Jones, a 6'4" sophomore guard, is the only returner that can even be considered a rotation guy, and he fell out of favor during conference season. Joe Henson is the only big returning that even sniffed the court, and he didn't even play 100 minutes. Wil Carter and Brylle Kamen are JuCo transfers that should be able to help inside. Keith Shamburger joins SJSU after backing out on a commitment to Portland. Neither Derek Brown or Calvin Douglas, both back court players, seem like the answer. Oliver is one of the best players out west, and Graham is an above average guard in the WAC. But unless those two get some help, it will once again be a struggle for the Spartans to come up with wins.


6. Louisiana Tech: Last year was a weird year for the Bulldogs. Not much was expected of them in the preseason, but after taking care of business early in the season and starting the year with a 17-2 record, it seemed as if this team had a shot at earning an at-large berth into the tournament. But a lack of depth and injuries did them in. Graduation hit Louisiana Tech pretty hard this season, as they lost their three leading scorers (all of whom averaged over 30 minutes per game) and the only bench player that saw significant minutes. This year's club will likely be built around Olu Ashaolu, a 6'7" swingman that is very good on the glass and around the rim. If he can improve on his ability to knock down shots from the perimeter, he can be a dangerous player in the WAC, and could very well average a double-double. The Bulldogs will have a lot of new faces up front. Antwond Roshell is big-body that can defend and hit the glass, Romario Souza is a 6'9" Brazilian that is more comfortable on the perimeter, and James Johnson is a 6'7" freshman that may not quite be ready to contribute significant minutes at this level yet. They also added J Lewis, a transfer from New Orleans. The back court, however, could end up being a strong suit. DeAndre Brown, a 5'11" senior that averaged double figures at the point last season, will return. Kenyon McNeaill, a talented three star freshman from Arkansas, will also see minutes in the back court, although he is a point guard as well. Brandon Gibson, a tough, 6'5" guard should be healthy after breaking his foot last season and will, along with freshmen Lonnie Smith, Cordarius Johnson, and Darius Redding, provide some size on the perimeter. Jamison Sterns is an combo guard in the mold of a Nate Robinson -- short, but athletic, talented scorer -- but it appears he is ineligible this season (he's not listed on the roster).


7. Boise State: This is going to be a bit of an awkward season in the WAC in general, but particularly for Boise, who was the first school to jump ship to the Mountain West. The Broncos made the 2008 NCAA Tournament, but by now are in full on rebuilding mode. Former Gonzaga assistant Leon Rice should help that process -- working with Mark Few for 11 years should teach you a thing or two about building a competitive program. Its a good team for Rice to start with -- the top four are all seniors -- as he begins to bring his players into the program. One of Boise's issues last season was that they lacked a real go-to player, and losing leading scorer and rebounder Ike Okoye certainly won't help that. JuCo transfers Daequon Montreal, a 6'8" power forward, and Robert Arnold, a 6'6" wing forward, both proved to be capable of playing in the paint in the WAC. Throw Paul Noonan, who appears to be the only legitimate shooting threat Boise has on their roster, into the mix up front and Boise has a decent front line. 6'10" Zack Moritz should see minutes as well. The back court will be a bigger question mark. La'Shard Anderson has shown the potential to be a big-time scorer, but he has been maddeningly inconsistent. Point guard, and former WAC freshman of the year, Anthony Thomas gradautes, meaning that Westly Perryman, who missed much of last year with an injury, will likely be moved into the starting role if he can beat out JuCo transfer Tre Nichols. Nichols is one of seven newcomers on this Boise State roster (four true freshmen, two redshirt freshmen), which means that while Rice will have a mostly young and inexperienced bench, he will have a chance to develop some talent for the future.


8. Hawaii: The Rainbows will be in full-on rebuilding mode next season. Coming off of a disappointing year in which they finished last in the WAC, Hawaii will lose much of their roster and will have a new head coach in Gib Arnold. They will begin the season with just three returnees (only one of whom saw consistent minutes last season) on the roster. That said, the cupboard is not completely bare. Senior guard Hiram Thompson will be back, as will Bill Amis, a 6'9" forward that averaged 10.7 ppg and 6.4 rpg in 2008-2009. Throw Arizona transfer Zane Johnson into the mix, a 6'6" shooter that started 13 games in Tucson in 2008-2009, and Arnold has a capable and experienced core to work with. Beyond that, Arnold will be forced to work with nine newcomers next season. Anthony Salter, a JuCo transfer with two years of eligibility left, could slide into the starting role at the point, although freshman Bobby Miles will compete for playing time as well. Jordan Coleman, Bo Barnes, and Trevor Wiseman will also compete for minutes in the back court. Joston Thomas and Vander Joaquim, both of whom come to Hawaii after spending one season at a JuCo, look to be the likely candidates for the majority of the front court minutes alongside Amos. Once Dominick Brumfield recovers from a fractured knee cap, he should make a push for minutes as well.


9. Idaho: The Vandals had a disappointing season in 2009-2010, which is saying something considering the state of that program before Don Verlin took over -- 2009 was the program's first winning season in a decade, which resulted in their first postseason win since 1982. With four seniors in the starting lineup, including star Mac Hobson, Idaho had the look of a sleeper in league play. But after winning at Utah to kick off the season, everything went downhill. Whether it was a result of injuries, inconsistency, or team chemistry, the bottom line was that the Vandals did not live up to expectations -- having "expectations", however, is a step in the right direction for the program. This year, there may not be as many expectations. Four starters and five of the team's top six scorers graduate. There is some potential on this roster, however. 6'7" senior Luiz Toledo showed flashes of being an above-average scorer in the paint in the WAC, while redshirt sophomore Kyle Barone, a 6'10" center, could be primed for a breakout season. Brandon Wiley missed last season with a back injury, but was an excellent glue guy and a starter in 2008-2009. The x-factors up front will be JuCo transfers Djim Bandoumel and Renado Parker. Bandoumel is a run-and-jump, 6'8" forward while Parker is 6'6" bully on the block. The back court minutes seem to be up for grabs. Jeff Ledbetter (a shooter) and Shawn Henderson (a scrappy defender) are the senior returners. Landon Tatum, Deremy Greiger (the two players who will likely compete for the starting point guard role), and Idell Bell (an intense competitor and scorer from the wing) are the JuCo transfers. Matt Borton, Stephen Madison, and Gary Winston are the freshmen.

Continue reading...

The Only Conference Preview You Need To Read: Colonial

Summer officially ends on September 22nd, but for me, the end of summer always coincided with the end of August. Or when I had to go to school. (That first day was always the worst, wasn't it?) Anyway, school is right around the corner, which means that college basketball season is around the corner, down the street, through two lights, and on the left. Since we've all had a fight with our GPS at one time or another, we at BIAH will take this week to roll out our way-too-early, all-encompassing conference previews.

To browse through the other conferences, click here.


Pre-season Awards

Player of the Year: Charles Jenkins, Hofstra

There are a number of quality options here, but Jenkins is the guy. He is not only the reigning CAA player of the year, but he is the two-time reigning Haggerty award winner, as the New York Metropolitan region's player of the year. Jenkins was banged up at the start of last season, but once he got healthy, Hofstra became unstoppable. The Pride finished the season with wins in 10 of their last 11 games, and Jenkins averaged an absurd 24.8 ppg during that stretch. He was one of just five players in the country last season to average 20 ppg, 4 rpg, and 3 apg. He's a big time scorer, but he is unselfish enough to be considered a leader and a play maker for this club. Hofstra will have a new coach without a ton of talent around Jenkins, but this is still a team that will finish in the top half of the CAA. He's that good.


Ed. Note: For those asking, leaving the Player of the Year off of the all-conference first-team was intentional. Maybe its because I grew up following the Big East (they always put six on the first team), but its the way I've always done it. Its not an oversight.

And a close second goes too: Chaisson Allen, Northeastern

Many people would put James Madison's Denzel Bowles in this slot, which would be tough to argue with given his numbers. But it is the intangibles Allen brings to the table that matter. Allen, who was runner-up to Jenkins in player of the year voting last season, is the lone returner from the Huskies NIT team last season. He's a point guard that can score, that can knock down a three, that can find an assist, and that can defend. But more importantly, he is going to be the senior leader on a team full of freshmen and sophomores. A great year from Allen -- and I'm not just talking statistics -- and the Huskies could very well end up in the top four of the CAA, which would be a mighty feat considering how much talent they lost. And how much talent did they lose? Allen averaged more points than the rest of the Northeastern returners combined.

Breakout Star: Kent Bazemore, Old Dominion

Bazemore isn't going to wow you with stats, but the junior guard is the ultimate glue guy. At 6'5", he is arguably the best defender in the conference, routinely drawing the assignment of the opponent's best player. He goes to the glass hard to rebound. He led the team is both assists and steal last season. And he averaged 8.4 ppg on a defensive-minded team that only saw one player average more than 9.2 ppg. With the Monarchs needing to fill the scoring void left by Gerald Lee, expect Bazemore to get more opportunities, and expect more production. He may never be a household name, but in a conference whose best teams wins through defense and teamwork, Bazemore is as valuable as anyone.


All-Conference First Team

• G - Chaisson Allen, Northeastern, Sr.
  
• G - Jawan Carter, Delaware, Sr.
  
• G - Joey Rodriguez, VCU, Sr.
  
• F - Frank Hassell, Old Dominion, Sr.
  
• F - Denzel Bowles, James Madison, Sr.
  

All-Conference Second Team

• G - Cam Long, George Mason, Sr.
  
• G - Kent Bazemore, Old Dominion, Jr.
  
• F - Julius Wells, James Madison, Jr.
  
• F - Quinn McDowell, William & Mary, Jr.
  
• F - Robert Nwankwo, Towson, Sr.
  

Newcomer of the Year: Mike Moore, Hofstra

Mike Moore can score, and while Charles Jenkins is going to dominate the stat sheet most nights, without a secondary option defenses are going to be able to collapse on him. You need that second option, and Moore can be that guy. Think about it like this -- Moore hit for 20 seven times as a sophomore at Fordham in 2008-2009. In one six game stretch, he went for 21 against UMass, 24 at Xavier, 28 against URI, 25 against Richmond, and 20 at Charlotte. That's impressive. With defenses focusing on Jenkins, Moore is going to have ample opportunities to score.


What Happened?:

• Turnover at Hofstra: It started when the Pride lost head coach Tom Pecora to Fordham, a struggling program in the Atlantic 10. When Pecora left, it also cost Hofstra two of their best freshmen. Point guard Chaz Williams bolted for UMass, while Halil Kanocevic left for St. Joe's.
  
  Hofstra made a big splash with their first coaching hire, landing former Providence head coach Tim Welsh. That lasted about a month before Welsh was arrested, and eventually fired, for a DUI. Hofstra finally settled on assistant Mo Cassara for their head coaching gig.


• That wasn't it for Hofstra news: Australian guard Brad Kelleher lost over two-thirds of his Division I career over eligibility issues. Read about it here, Kelleher got royally screwed.


• Drexel players arrested: Over the summer, Drexel's leading scorer Jamie Harris and back-up big man Kevin Phillips were arrested after breaking into a student's apartment and attempting to rob her at gun point. Clearly, both are now off the Drexel team.


• Matt Brady gets sued: When James Madison head coach Matt Brady signed a contract with his previous employer, Marist University, he agreed that if he broke his contract to go to a different school, he would not recruit the players he had recruited for Marist. Well, he broke his contract, and then he started recruiting the kids he was after at Marist. Marist sued him, and they won.


• Buzz Peterson lands at UNC-Wilmington: The former Tennessee and Appalachian State head coach wound up with the Seahawks after their extensive coaching search.
  


• Notable transfers: Other than the two from Hofstra, perhaps the most notable transfers from the CAA this summer were Kevin Foster, a redshirt freshman at George Mason, who left school to be closer to his Florida home. UNC-Wilmington big man John Fields left the Seahawks and will head to Tennessee to finish up his eligibility. He had finished undergrad, meaning that Fields will not have to sit out a year after transferring.

What's Next?:

• Multiple bids?: The CAA is a very good, very competitive league. Seemingly every season, they are in the discussion to get multiple bids to the NCAA tournament. Last season it didn't work out, as the league's best team -- Old Dominion -- earned the auto-bid and their best at-large hopeful -- William & Mary -- had their hopes dashed with a late three game losing streak. This year, there are at least three team with a shot at getting an at-large bid -- George Mason, VCU, and Old Dominion. The biggest deterrant? The overall strength of the league. It is going to be very tough for more than one team to make it through with just two or three conference losses, which is likely what it would take to get an at-large bid.


• Dominant program?: Is there one? ODU would probably be the popular choice, as they have made three of the last six NCAA Tournaments, won both league titles last season, and are seemingly always finishing in the top three. But what about VCU? They've been in the tournament as well, and they have sent two players to the NBA's first round the last two years. George Mason made a Final Four, and they look primed to be back in contention for the league title. The ironic part? Its a long shot for the CAA player of the year to come from one of those three teams this season.


• Richmond Coliseum: The CAA Tournament will remain in Richmond through the 2014 season.
  

Power Rankings

1. Old Dominion: You know what you are going to get when you play the Monarchs -- a big, physical team that wins by beating you up defensively and on the glass. With six of their eight rotational players returning, its tough to envision ODU being much different next season. Obviously, the big change is going to be on the offensive end, where they won't be able to rely on the talents of Gerald Lee. While his presence in the post will obviously be missed, ODU brings back five guys that averaged between 7.0 ppg and 9.2 ppg. On a team that is built around teamwork and executing sets, I don't envision this being a huge problem. Up front, 6'5" Ben Finney and 6'9" Frank Hassell, the team's two most rugged players, are both back. Keyon Carter, a part-time starter last season, should slide into the starting spot vacated by Lee, while Chris Cooper, Nick Wright, and freshmen Richard Ross and Anton Larsen should provide more than enough depth. The back court could be the key to how good this team ends up being. Junior Kent Bazemore could be primed for a break out season. A versatile 6'5" wing, Bazemore led the team in steals and assists while averaging 8.4 ppg. He was also the team's shut down defender. Senior Darius James looks capable of becoming a reliable starting point guard, while freshman Dimitri Batten was a three-star recruit and should have an immediate impact. ODU will once against bang and scrap their way to a top four finish in the CAA.


2. VCU: How long until VCU starts getting mentioned in the same breath as the Xavier's and the Gonzaga's of the world? The past two seasons, they have sent a player to the first round of the NBA Draft. Their last two coaches have ended up at Oklahoma and Alabama. Last season, they won 27 games despite losing seven conference games by five points or fewer, two of which came in over time. Despite all of that, the Commodores Rams (Ed. Note: Not sure why, but I always think VCU is the Commodores. Apologies, VCU fans.) will once again be a favorite to win this league. It will start with point guard Joey Rodriguez, who is one of the most underrated players in the country. Last year, he averaged 12.9 ppg and 5.8 apg admirably replacing Eric Maynor. Joining him in the back court will be 6'2" senior Brandon Rozzell and 6'6" junior Bradford Burgess, giving VCU arguably the best back courts in the conference. Ed Nixon is a tough defender on the perimeter. Darius Theus and a couple of freshmen -- Rob Brandenburg and Reco McCarter -- should also see time in the back court. Up front, its going to be tough to replace a talent like Larry Sanders, but there are some pieces there. Senior Jamie Skeen is a tough, experienced senior, and junior Toby Veal -- who originally enrolled at Colorado -- should also step in and contribute significant minutes. After that, there is a lot of inexperience -- three freshmen and a redshirt sophomore that played in just nine games -- up front, but there is potential. 7'0" DJ Haley was a late, under-the-radar signee that could develop like Sanders. Heath Houston originally signed with Auburn before Jeff Lebo resigned. Juvonte Reddic is an explosive athlete that could also see immediate minutes. VCU will, once again, be a very tough out.


3. George Mason: The Patriots were supposed to be rebuilding last season, as seven of their rotation players were underclassmen. But thanks to a splendid January, Mason looked like they had a chance to make a run at a league title. Those hopes faded with a 2-7 February, but the groundwork was laid for a big year in 2010-2011 as Jim Larrananga is getting his entire starting five back. It starts with senior Cam Long, who, with an improvement in his ability to shoot from the perimeter, could turn into a first team all-CAA guard. Joining Long in the back court will be Andre Cornelius, a 5'10" sharpshooting junior. The starting front court will be quite balanced, as junior Ryan Pearson -- the team's second leading scorer and leading rebounder -- will be the main weapon, joined by Mike Morrison (a 6'9" shot blocking presence) and Luke Hancock (a promising, versatile sophomore). There is depth -- youthful, but talented -- as well. In the front court, sophomore Johnny Williams, redshirt freshman Paris Bennett, and true freshman Jonathon Alredge should fight for minutes, while sophomore Sherrod Wright, redshirt freshman Ventrail Vaughns, and true freshman Bryon Allen -- who could be the x-factor -- are all good enough to be rotational players. Throw senior Isaiah Tate in the mix as well, and Larrananga is going to have some vicious practices while he hashes out playing time and depth charts. Mason is going to be a tough team to beat in the league this year.


4. William & Mary: The Tribe had a fantastic season in 2009-2010, finishing third in the CAA, making the NIT, and knocking off Maryland and Wake Forest. It is going to be tough to build on that success, however, as W&M will lose their leader in David Schneider, as well as key seniors Danny Sumner and Sean McCurdy. Next season, this is going to be junior Quinn McDowell's team. Also returning will be the underrated Marcus Kitts as well as big men JohnMark Ludwick and Kyle Gaillard. Beyond that, there are going to be a lot of new faces for this club. That shouldn't be a huge issue, as the system that head coach Tony Shaver runs doesn't rely purely on individual talent as much as it does team play and three point shooting. Last year was a story book season for the Tribe in every sense of the word, and that is going to be tough to match. But there is no reason that William & Mary can't compete with the big boys in this conference once again.


5. Northeastern: Bill Coen did a fantastic job building this program into a contender, one that won 14 games and came a couple of tough losses in league play short of title. Now, Coen will have to rebuild this program, as he loses four of his top five scorers, including all-time leading scorer Matt Janning, Manny Adako, and Nkem Ojougbouh. The good news, however, is that Coen will get one more season with Chaisson Allen, a senior point guard that was runner-up to Charles Jenkins in CAA player of the year voting. Alwayne Bigby, a 6'5" swing man, and Kauri Black, a 6'7" forward, both return for their sophomore seasons and will be counted on for a big bump in production. After that, its a bit of a crapshoot. Redshirt freshman Chris Avenant and sophomores Jonathon Lee and Joel Smith should be able to help fill the void left by Janning, while sophomores Dinko Marshavelski and Vinny Lima, JuCo transfer Ben Felix, and three star freshman Ryan Pierson should battle for minutes in the front court. Given the return of Allen and Coen's defensive minded style, its tough to envision Northeastern sliding to the bottom of the league, but it will be a year or two before this group is contending again.


6. Hofstra: Hofstra loses head coach Tom Pecora and a couple of vital role players, but overall it was a good offseason for the Pride. Why? Because Charles Jenkins -- the reigning CAA player of the year and the best player in the New York Metro region -- didn't opt to go pro. Jenkins got out to a slow start last season, and thus so did Hofstra, finding themselves sitting at 9-12 on January 23rd. But once Jenkins got healthy, he caught fire. Hofstra won 10 of their last 11 games on the season, a stretch that saw Jenkins average almost 25 ppg. He can score, he can rebound, and he will make the extra pass. With Jenkins on the roster, Hofstra is always going to be a contender. The question is whether this will be more than just a one man team. After Jenkins, four of the next six top scorers -- all of whom started 20 or more games last season -- are gone. Nathaniel Lester is a tough, physical senior perimeter player that will help provide leadership for some of the younger, inexperienced kids, while senior center Greg Washington will be counted on for a big boost in his production in the paint. Dwan McMillan, a JuCo point guard, should be able to contribute minutes immediately, while 6'5" wing and Fordham transfer Mike Moore will provide a shooter to play alongside Jenkins. Sophomore Yves Jules and senior Brad Kelleher (if he can ever get eligible) should both also see the floor. The question is going to be up front. After Washington, there are three freshmen and a sophomore -- David Imes, who played all of 21 games last season -- to provide depth. Is there enough help for Jenkins for the Pride to compete for a CAA title?


7. James Madison: The Dukes are going to be a team to keep an eye on this season. For starters, they return the best 1-2 punch in the conference with Denzel Bowles and Julius Wells. Bowles, a transfer from Texas A&M, averaged 20.9 ppg and 9.8 rpg after getting eligible in December, while Wells scored over 16 ppg on the season. Wells did struggle a bit once Bowles came into the fold, but a full season of those two working together should yield impressive results. Devon Moore, a member of the 2009 CAA all-freshmen team before missing all of last season, will be healthy on the wing while Andrey Semenov, a versatile 6'7" forward that played just four games last year due to injury, should be healthy as well. There is some depth on this team as well, as 6'11" Trevon Flores and 6'6" JuCo transfer Rayshawn Goins should provide quality minutes up front while James Millen (a JuCo transfer), Ben Louis (junior), Alioune Diouf (sophomore), and Chad Jackson (freshman) should all see some time. The question mark is going to be at the point, where Pierre Curtis graduated. All in all, there is talent on this roster, but there was last season as well. The Dukes were plagued by struggles on the road (2-14) and in close games. They also had a tendency to coast during the season. If they can learn how to play hard for 40 minutes, this team should be in the upper half of the conference standings. If not, who knows.


8. Towson: Towson had some talent on their team last season, but due to injuries and suspensions, they couldn't find any kind of a rhythm until the end of the season -- 14 different starting lineups breeds nothing but inconsistency. With their two leading scorers graduating this offseason, Towson will looks to Robert Nwankwo, a 6'8" force in the paint. Nwankwo nearly averaged a double-double in CAA play, while also swatting over three shots a game. Maryland transfer Braxton Dupree will be joining Nwanko up front, as will sophomores Erique Gumbs and Isaiah Philmore as well as senior David Brewster. The back court has shown promise as well, with Troy Franklin and RaShawn Polk both posting a couple big games down the stretch. Add seniors Josh Brown and Brian Morris, freshman Fred Conner, and JuCo transfer Cephas Oglesby to the mix, and Towson has a decent team. I don't think this group will compete for a league title, but I could see them winning a few games they shouldn't in league play.


9. Delaware: The Blue Hens went just 7-24 last season, but there is reason to be hopeful next year. The biggest reason is the smallest man on the floor. Brian Johnson, who was a starter at the point from the second he stepped on the Delaware campus, blew an acl before the season started and was granted a medical redshirt. With a bit of luck, he will be back to his junior year form, when he averaged 10.0 ppg, 5.0 apg, and had a 2:1 assist-to-turnover ratio. With Johnson out, Jawan Carter had to handle the ball handling duties. And while Carter put up fantastic numbers (18.2 ppg, 4.9 apg) and proved himself a star in this league, Delaware relied on him way too heavily, a reason they were near the bottom of the CAA in both FG% and assists. With Alphonso Dawson -- a double digit scorer who, at 6'4", is one of the better all around player -- and to a lesser extent DJ Boney, also returning in the back court and two good freshmen (Kaleb Clyburn and Devon Saddler) joining the mix, the Blue Hens will have a solid perimeter rotation. The front court is the bigger question. There is a lot of youth up front. Kelvin McNeil and Jamelle Hagins both had promising freshmen seasons, while sophomores Josh Brinkley and Hakim McCullar also return, but somewhere in that group a post scoring threat will need to develop. Delaware didn't lose a single senior off of last year's club, and there is some talent on this roster. But the CAA is a tough league. An improvement should be expected, but with tempered expectations.


10. Drexel: The Dragons had what looked to be a promising season go up in flames with a 1-4 finish to league play. Drexel was going to have a lot of talent return before they suffered a huge blow when leading scorer Jamie Harris and Kevin Phillip were arrested for armed robbery. There is still reason to be hopeful, however. Harris may be gone, but his void should allow CAA freshman of the year Chris Fouch to develop into a star. Gerald Colds is back to provide senior leadership as well, and sophomore Derrick Thomas could be ready for a big year. Samme Givens, a tough 6'5" forward, is back as well, giving the Dragons a solid core. Two freshmen, Stefan Manojlovic and Frantz Massenat, could also see time. The issue is going to be up front, where Bruiser Flint will lose Leon Spencer and Evan Neisler. Daryl McCoy, a 6'9" sophomore that started down the stretch, still needs some development. Freshmen Dartaye Riffin and Goran Pantovic should provide some minutes, as well as senior Yannick Formbor, but there is not a lot inside on this team. Drexel will, once again, be a tough defensive team on the perimeter that is going to rely on their perimeter players. But if the front court doesn't develop, Drexel is going to have a tough time repeating last year's performance, even if you factor in their collapse.


11. Georgia State: This could be a long season for the Panthers. Last year was supposed to be the year, as the top five scorers were all seniors. And despite a solid back court duo, the Panthers never were able to find an offensive rhythm. Now? They've lost basically everyone from a team that went just 5-13 in league play, meaning that Rod Barnes will, essentially be starting over this season. The only starter that returns is NC State transfer Marques Johnson. Johnson isn't a big time scorer, but he is a floor leader. James Fields, Jihad Ali, and Dante Curry also return in the back court. Curry, who had a good sophomore season after transferring from South Florida, should see a bump in production, while Ali showed some flashes of scoring potential toward the end of the season. There will be a number of freshmen and JuCo transfer joining the back court as well, the best of which seems to be freshman point guard DeVonta White. Up front there will be even more question marks. The only returnee is 6'10" James Vincent, a sophomore that struggled to see minutes as a freshmen. Eric Buckner was a highly regarded JuCo recruit, while Harold Doby and Brandon McGee also join the mix. This will essentially be a new team this season, and it is tough to see them improving on last year's finish.


12. UNC-Wilmington: The hiring of Buzz Peterson as head coach means the future looks bright for the Seahawks, the question is how far in the future will they see that success. Five seniors who started games last year graduated and John Fields, the rock inside for UNCW, transferred to Tennessee, depleting a roster that only mustered nine wins last season. The good news is that Chad Tomko, the point guard and leading scorer for the Hawks, does return. Senior guard Ahmad Grant and sophomore forward Keith Rendleman, who looked promising down the stretch of last season, also return. Trevor Deloach, Darryl Felder, and Jeremy Basknight should help provide some depth on the perimeter while Matt Wilson gives Peterson some size inside. There are some freshmen in the mix as well - Tanner Milson, Donte Morales, and Keegan Pace in the back court, with Shane Reybold up front. The Seahawks will be rebuilding this season.

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