Sun Belt: Western Kentucky (East) and North Texas (West)


Sergio Kerusch returns for his senior season. He missed 14 games last season, and the Hilltoppers went 7-7 in those games. They went 14-6 with him in the lineup. The other returning leader is Steffphon Pettigrew. Both Kerusch and Pettigrew could be first-team All-Sun Belt selections. Juan Pattillo, who transferred from Oklahoma, is a high-major player. The Hilltoppers also added a few talented Juco transfers with a couple of topflight freshmen in Brandon "Snap" Peters and Kene Anyigbo.


Meanwhile, North Texas returns four starters, and look for it to make some nonconference noise. The Mean Green play Texas Tech on Nov. 16, visit Kansas on Nov. 19 and travel to LSU on Dec. 22. I would not be surprised to see North Texas win two of those three. At 5-11, point guard Josh White is back to run the show. Tristan Thompson is a 6-5 swingman who can score and stretch a defense. Dominique Johnson is an explosive weapon who will also see time at the point after an injury-plagued 2009-10 season. Inside, the Mean Green can jump onto the formidable shoulders of George Odufuwa, who can carry the load. As he refines his game, UNT will win big.

Others in the hunt: South Alabama, Arkansas State, Florida Atlantic

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/preview201...id=5788744