NCAA Basketball is once again right around the corner. School is back in session, schedules are being finalized, and dreams of a run in the NCAA Tournament are beginning. Today I preview the Southland Conference.
I'll go into more detail while briefly breaking down each of the leagues 13 teams. Earlier this summer I put out my initial Power Rankings (below), which I've altered slightly now that rosters are complete. I've also included pre-season award winners.
1. Stephen F. Austin
Last season the Lumberjacks (27-7, 14-4) were the favorites to win the Southland Conference, and should be this year as well. While they didn't win the regular season, they accomplished one of their primary goals. Qualifying for the NCAA Tournament, and were minutes away from knocking off 3-seed Texas Tech. SFA returns the bulk of their team, including 70% of their scoring and three potential SLC Player of the Year candidates in G/F Kevon Harris (14.5 PPG, 5.5 RPG), G Shannon Bogues (15.4 PPG), and F TJ Holyfield (12.9 PPG, 6.4 RPG). Third year head coach Kyle Keller will have to replace a few key pieces however. Gone is Ty Charles, their long-time floor leader, as well as Leon Gilmore and Ivan Canete. Gilmore was arguably the best defender for the Lumberjacks, who as a team led the NCAA in steals, steals per game, AND turnovers forced per game. A strength Keller and the staff will be relying on again.
Also back is starting PG and assist leader Aaron Augustin and backup guard John Comeaux. The two combined for 96 steals in 2017-2018.
Keller scored a big graduate transfer in Davonte Fitzgerald (6'8, 220, Texas A&M/Minnesota), who could step in and provide an immediate impact for the 'Jacks. A lineup with two athletic big men in Fitzgerald and Holyfield, combined with Bogues and Harris...is why I have the Lumberjacks as my preseason favorite.
Also return: F Nathan Bain, F Samuli Nieminen, C Jovan Grujic.
Also add: Mitchell Seraille (HS, ESPN 4-star) and Jock Hughes (HS)
2. Southeastern Louisiana
Led by head coach Jay Ladner, the SLU program appears to be revived. Coming off it's first 20-win season since 2004-2005, the Lions look prepared to challenge for a 2nd consecutive regular season title. SFA may have 3 potential POY nominees, but SLU could have the favorite in senior guard Marlain Veal. Last season Veal created havoc on the defensive end (1.9 SPG, DPOY), while racking up 12.8 PPG, 5.2 RPG, and a league best 6.1 APG.
He'll have a ton on his shoulders, as the Lions lose a significant chunk from last year's co-championship squad (22-12, 15-3). Gone is team leader Joshua Filmore, as well as their leading scorer Jordan Capps (in addition to Eddy Polanco and James Currington). They do however return Moses Greeenwood (10.2 ppg, 5.6 rpg) and Keith Charleston who played well down the stretch last year. And a big piece for SLU in 2018-2019, is the eligibility of transfers Von Julien (G/Tulane) and Maxwell Starwood (F/Texas State). Add in an instant impact freshman in Tyron Brewer, and the Lions have plenty of talent to compete for the SLC title once again.
3. Abilene Christian
Similar to the Lions, Abilene Christian has improved each season since entering the Southland Conference. Last season, Coach Golding led the Wildcats (16-16, 8-10) to their first ever conference tournament and postseason appearance (CIT). I was pretty high on ACU last year, and I am again this year. Mainly due to the returning trio of Jalone Friday (13.3 PPG), Jaren Lewis (13.2 PPG, 7.7 RPG), and Jaylen Franklin (10.5 PPG).
One thing that we've seen in the past, is teams with great chemistry can standout above the rest. If ACU wants to compete with the powers of the league, this year is their best team to do so if they can improve their consistency. Damian Daniels is a true freshman for the Wildcats to keep an eye on.
Also Return: G Payten Ricks, F Hayden Howell
Key loss: Tevin Foster (12.3 PPG)
4. Lamar
The Cardinals had high expectations last season, being picked second and just slightly behind SFA. While they did manage to beat the Lumberjacks twice, Lamar was very inconsistent in other league play (19-13, 11-7) and had a quick exit in the Southland Tournament.
Tic Price will have a tough job this year, after losing a significant portion of last years roster. Most notably, First-Team All-SLC Weisbrod (14.6 PPG, 8.1 RPG). Add the loses of Zjori Bosha (9.2 PPG, 5.2 RPG), James Harrison (8.6 PPG), and Joey Frenchwood (7.6 PPG, 4.2 APG) and it appears the Cards have some major holes to fill. However, Nick Garth (13.6 PPG) and Josh Nzeakor (12.5 PPG, 7.5 RPG) return, and Coach Price gets several key transfers eligible. Particularly, G Jordan Hunter who sat out last season after transferring from New Mexico. Also eligible are Laquarious Paige (G/Indiana State), Mike Kolawle (G/Illinois-Chicago), and V.J. Holmes (G/James Madison). That group alone could prove to be very tough in the Southland.
Also return: T.J. Atwood
Also add: Edwin Jeudy (Top 100 JUCO)
5. Central Arkansas
The biggest note out of the gate here on UCA (18-17, 10-8) is the obvious loss of Jordan Howard. Last year's conference Player of the Year and one of the best players in Southland history. How do you replace 25 points per game, and arguably the best shooter to ever play in the SLC? Well, you don't.
BUT, the Bears do return quite a bit of fire power. Guys like G Thatch Unruh (8.7 PPG) who helped torch SFA in Conway last year, returns. As does C Hayden Koval (8.7 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 105 Blocks), and PG DeAndre Jones (6.1 PPG, 4.5 APG), both whom were true freshmen last season. The issue for UCA remains consistency and defense. Last year the Bears were ranked 12th in the league in scoring defense, giving up nearly 80 a game.
Key Loss: G Mathieu Kamba (13.8 PPG)
Also Return: G Matthew Mondesir, F/C Tanner Schmit
Also Add: G/F Eddy Kayouloud (Oak Hill Academy)
6. New Orleans
Coming off of back to back postseason appearances (NCAA, CBI), Coach Slessinger is beginning to turn some heads in Louisiana. 2017-2018 was a solid season for the Privateers (16-17, 11-7), and proved that their 2016-2017 title wasn't a fluke. UNO was in the title race late in year, before an injury to their "all-everything guy" Travin Thibodeaux. And he literally did everything, leading the team in points, rebounds, steals, blocks, and assists. Thibodeaux is now gone, so UNO will desperately need someone to maintain that consistency.
The obvious selection is Junior G Bryson Robinson (9.5 PPG). Robinson came onto the scene following an explosive 31 point performance against McNeese State. Ezekiel Charles (.468 3PT%) will help provide a nice 1-2 punch, but the Privateers will need some young guys to step in a hurry. Sophomore Troy Green is a player to keep an eye on, as well as incoming JUCO PG Pierre Johnson.
Also Return: Jorge Rosa (missed 20-17-2018 due to injury)
Also Add: Jahmel Myers (HS) and Amari Haynes (HS)
7. Nicholls State
This was my hardest team to place. If any team has the most unknowns heading into the new season, it's the Colonels (21-10, 15-3) who lost almost everyone from last year's team. Literally.
And it starts at the top, with last year's SLC Coach of the Year Richie Riley moving on to South Alabama. In steps Austin Claunch, who spent the previous three seasons as an assistant under Riley. Which I think was a good hire, to attempt to keep some momentum going in Thibodaux.
But it gets more concerning. Gone is last year's Newcomer of the Year Roddy Peters, as well as Tavon Saddler (2nd Team All-SLC), Jahvaughn Powell, Lafayette Rutledge, AND Kimani Jackson. Which comes out to 64 PPG lost from last year's Co-Championship squad. Guard Kevin Johnson didn't put up huge numbers, but as a freshman earned 28 starts and led the team in minutes played. The Colonels will also rely on sophomore big man Ryghe Lyons, in addition to a slew of transfers including D'Angelo Hunter from West Virginia and Jaylan Robertson from Coastal Carolina. I'm also a big fan of JUCO SF transfer Danny Garrick. Nicholls will have a lot of talent and experienced players, but all newcomers who have never played together (and several that are on school number four or five). I like the roster, and I may regret placing them this low, but it's too early for me.
Also Add: Jeremiah Jefferson (Jackson St.), Dexter McClanahan (Savannah St.), Gavin Peppers (Central Michigan), Elvis Harvey, Jr. (JUCO)
8. Sam Houston
The Bearkats (21-15, 12-6) lost a good amount too, but on the flip side, Coach Hooten always has his teams playing at a high level. Winning 20+ games in 4 of the last 5 seasons is quite an accomplishment, but 0 SLC Titles and NCAA appearances have Bearkat fans feeling uneasy.
Sam Houston loses 3 of their top 4 scorers, including 1st Team All-SLC big man Chris Galbreath Jr. (14.8 PPG, 8 RBG), and starting PG John Dewey III (10.1 PPG, 4.4 APG) transferred out over the summer. Josh Delaney (8.1 PPG) was a solid contributor last season, but especially came through strong in the conference tournament, nearly leading the Bearkats to the finals. He and Marcus Harris (9.4 PPG) will be taking on much larger roles, along with a decent list of JUCO transfers that Hooten has brought in.
Also Return: G Cameron Delaney, G/F Albert Almanza
Also Add: Chad Bowie (JUCO), ZaQwaun Matthews (JUCO), RJ Smith (JUCO)
9. McNeese State
The Cowboys actually have a ton of upside and aspects to look forward to. Which you may think is a stretch for a program that hasn't had a winning season since 2011. Almost everything is new for McNeese State (11-17, 8-10).
Heath Schroyer was named as the new Head Coach in March, and obviously has a huge task ahead of him. Most recently an assistant at BYU, Schroyer brings a lot of experience to Lake Charles including a stint at UT-Martin where he lead the Skyhawks to back-to-back 20-win seasons and back-to-back appearances in the CIT.
Right now I have the Cowboys pretty low, but consider them a strong contender to make the Southland Tournament. McNeese unfortunately lost their biggest star in Kalob Ledoux (15 PPG, Transferred to LaTech), and then lost who I considered the best player in the Southland that nobody mentioned...Quatarrius Wilson (10.9 PPG, 10.2 RPG, Transferred to SEMO). Jarren Greenwood (13 PPG, 3 APG) is the key returning piece, along with another list of JUCO incomers. This may not be the year for Schroyer, but Cowboy fans should be very excited about the future. Oh, and they have a tremendous new arena that will be worth a visit.
Also Return: G James Harvey (10.4 PPG)
10. Texas A&M Corpus Christi
The Islanders could have been a pre-season contender with the return of Ehab Amin (16.9 PPG, 6.6 RPB and national leader in steals in 2016-2017) combined with Kareem South and the Rhea brothers. Instead, Amin transferred to Oregon, and Sean Rhea (9.4 PPG, 5.6 RPG) and Deion Rhea also left the program.
The other bad news for Corpus (11-18, 8-10), is their NCAA dunk champion Joseph Kilgore (18.6 PPG, 5.6 RPG) has also graduated.
South (11.4 PPG) will undoubtedly have a lot on his shoulders, but in my opinion is one of the most underrated players in the league. Elijah Smith is a returning contributor that could add more to the mix. Otherwise, the Islanders will too be relying on JUCO transfers to fill some spots. They do however, have some of my favorite uniforms in the Southland.
Also Return: G Tre Gray, F Perry Francois
11. Houston Baptist
Much like my rankings last year, the bottom 3-4 teams were difficult to place, as they are to begin this season. Another rough season for the Huskies (6-25, 2-16) last year, but I think they actually have some pieces that could bring them close to the Top 8.
Losing SLC Freshman of the Year David Caraher (16.2 PPG, 7.2 RPG, transferred to St. John's) is a huge blow, but the best news for HBU is they get Josh Ibarra back. An All-SLC type player that went down early last year with an injury, stands at 6'11 and is ready for a break out year. Ian Dubose was another freshman last year that played a huge role (12.5 PPG, 5.5 RPG) and then Jalon Gates is also back after knocking down 75 three pointers last season.
Also Return: G Braxton Bonds (10.3 PPG)
Also Add: Ryan Gomes (transfer, Mount Saint Mary's)
12. Northwestern State
Jalan West is no longer playing for the Demons. Pretty sure.
Northwestern State hasn't been the same since he went down with a knee injury years ago. And overall they haven't come close to resembling the video game-like offense that we once knew under Mike McConathy.
Last years 4-21 finish was an all-time low of late, which included 2 non-D1 losses. Even with All-SLC Forward Ishmael Lane returning (13.7 PPG, 7.2 RPG), the Demons only have two other returning players with more than 1 year in Natchitoches. LaTerrance Reed is a JUCO transfer (Niagara County) that could be an impact player.
Also Return: C Larry Owens (6.3 PPG, 4.1 RPG), G C.J. Jones (5.4 PPG)
Also Add: Alex Comanita (HS, Toronto, Canada)
13. Incarnate Word
A lot of people forget that Incarnate Word was above average when first entering the league. The problem was they weren't eligible to participate in post-season play (would have been 4-Seed in 2015-16). Now that they are, they've descended down the Southland table.
Unfortunately, there's not much right now that shows me that they will be competing this season. Long time head coach Ken Burmeister was let go following last years 7-21 campaign. The Cardinals do return leading scorer Charles Brown III (13.5 PPG, 5.2 RPG), but lost Shawn Johnson (12.1 PPG, 6.8 RPG) and Jalin Hart (8.4 PPG). Keaton Hervey had a great freshman year (8.0 PPG), and incoming freshman Romello Wilbert could be a spark for UIW.
Also Return: G Graham Cody
Player of the Year: Kevon Harris (Stephen F. Austin)
Newcomer of the Year: Davonte Fitzgerald (Stephen F. Austin)
Freshman of the Year: Tyron Brewer (Southeastern Louisiana)
Defensive Player of the Year: Marlain Veal (Southeastern Louisiana)
Coach of the Year: Kyle Keller (Stephen F. Austin)
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