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MEDIA DAY PRESEASON POLL:
- Nicholls
- New Orleans
- SELA
- Northwestern State
- McNeese
- TAMUCC
- Incarnate Word
- Houston Baptist
COMMENTS FROM DAVID:
-With Sam Houston State, Abilene Christian, and Stephen F. Austin departing the league, it doesn’t appear to be nearly as strong at the top as what we’ve seen in recent years, and chances are the winner of this league will end up in the First Four.
-Nicholls has had a good run the last two years, and posted an impressive 14-2 regular season record last year before losing in the finals. Only two starters are back, but they add some pretty impressive looking transfers and are the favorites to win the league again this year.
-New Orleans has four starters back from a team that played well down the stretch last year and ended up finishing ahead of most of the teams who are still in the conference, so there is reason for UNO fans to be optimistic. They have strength in both the frontcourt and the backcourt, and quite a bit of depth as well.
-SELA has had a rough couple of seasons and only finished 9th last year, but expectations are a little higher this year with three starters back, including some guys that can really score: we could see quite a bit of improvement this year.
-Northwestern State had a modest 9-7 record in league play last year and is looking to replace some of their key pieces. They could still finish in the top half of the league but I’d say they are a long shot to win it.
-McNeese is rebuilding after a 10th place finish a year ago. Just one starter is back, and only four total players from last year’s roster are returning. They’re hoping to get some help from several transfers and incoming freshmen.
-TAMUCC had a rough season a year ago where they won only five games, and while three starters are back and we should see some improvement, they’re likely in for another rough year this year.
-Incarnate Word returns three starters, but none were double digit scorers. They have brought in some grad transfers and will be relying on them this year.
-I love Houston Baptist’s uniforms. Four (at least semi-regular) starters are back, and I hope that translates into some improvement, because…well…I really do like their uniforms.