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SUN BELT
R.J. Hunter’s three-pointer with less than 3 seconds left, propelling his 14-seed Georgia State team to a one point upset victory over 3-seed Baylor in the Round of 64, was one of the top highlights of March Madness last season. It was a magical victory for the Panthers, capping an amazing season that saw them win the Sun Belt Conference regular season and tournament titles as well. Unfortunately for Georgia State, Hunter and Ryan Harrow are two of four starters that moved on after the season, making a repeat of last season’s magic a lot less likely. However, another Sun Belt school could have the tools for its own magical season this year.
Louisiana-Lafayette won 22 games last season and earned a berth in the CIT. The Ragin’ Cajuns return all five starters from that team led by Shawn Long, who, with Hunter and Harrow gone, looks like the preseason pick for Sun Belt Player of the Year. His team has all the pieces and the experience for a strong season, and if things go right, Louisiana could even sneak its way into the bubble conversation if needed. Up to five other teams could challenge the Ragin’ Cajuns during the Sun Belt season, including the defending champions from Georgia State. Also, keep an eye on Louisiana-Monroe (which lost in the CBI championship series last season), Arkansas State, Appalachian State and a dark horse pick, South Alabama.
Predicted Order of Finish
1. Louisiana-Lafayette – The Ragin’ Cajuns are a potent, high-scoring team with tons of experience and all five starters back from last season. They are led by double-double machine Shawn Long, possibly the best player in the conference. All the pieces appear to be here to win the league and maybe even sneak into at-large bid talks.
2. Louisiana-Monroe – Four starters return for the Warhawks from last year’s CBI runner-ups. The team should have a balanced scoring attack and enough size down low to be right near the top of the conference standings all season long.
3. Georgia State – With R.J. Hunter and Ryan Harrow gone, it will be up to Kevin Ware, Markus Crider and Indiana transfer Jeremy Hollowell to lead the way.
4. Arkansas State – The Red Wolves should be vastly improved with their top nine players from last season all back, led by three double-digit scorers in Anthony Livingston, Cameron Golden and Sean Gardner.
5. Appalachian State – The Moutaineers could be in contention for one of the conference’s top spots with four starters and five key seniors overall back, led by Frank Eaves.
6. South Alabama – The Jaguars have a solid backcourt led by the trio of Ken Williams, Taishaun Johnson and Barrington Stevens. If they can get inside production from the likes of Georgi Boyanov and Loyola Marymount transfer Nick Stover, this could be the conference’s biggest surprise team.
7. Arkansas-Little Rock – The Trojans only return two starters, but they were the team’s top two scorers from last season, Josh Higgins and Roger Woods. They also welcome in a new head coach, former Bobby Knight assistant Chris Beard.
8. Texas State – Emani Gant will lead a strong frontcourt, but the Bobcats have huge question marks when it comes to outside scoring.
9. Texas-Arlington – Although their top three players from last year’s 16-15 team are gone, the good news is that there are no seniors among the projected starters. The experience gained this season could payoff in big ways next year.
10. Troy – Last year’s Sun Belt Freshman of the Year Wesley Person should star this season, but the lack of any real depth will be a major issue unless the newcomers can come through.
11. Georgia Southern – The Eagles won 22 games last season and advanced to the conference tournament title game. However, six of their top eight players from that team are all gone. This looks like it will be a rebuilding year in Statesboro.