https://sunbeltsports.org/news/2019/10/3...onors.aspx

Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. South Alabama (8) – 138 points
2. UTA (2) - 124
3. Georgia Southern (1) - 121
4. Texas State (1) - 110
5. Louisiana - 92
6. Georgia State - 76
7. Coastal Carolina - 75
8. ULM - 72
9. Appalachian State - 40
10. Arkansas State - 33
11. Little Rock - 32
12. Troy - 22

Preseason Player of the Year
Trhae Mitchell, South Alabama (RSr., F, Austell, Ga.)

Preseason All-Sun Belt First Team
Quan Jackson, Georgia Southern (RJr., G, Tallahassee, Fla.)
Josh Ajayi, South Alabama (RSr., F, El Monte, Calif.)
Trhae Mitchell, South Alabama (RSr., F, Austell, Ga.)
Brian Warren, UTA (Sr., G, Indianapolis, Ind.)
Nijal Pearson, Texas State (Sr., G, Beaumont, Texas)

Preseason All-Sun Belt Second Team
Justin Forrest, Appalachian State (Jr., G, Decatur, Ga.)
DeVante Jones, Coastal Carolina (So., G, New Orleans, La.)
Ike Smith, Georgia Southern (RSr., G, Gainesville, Fla.)
Kane Williams, Georgia State (Jr., G, Douglasville, Ga.)
Michael Ertel, ULM (Jr., G, Indianapolis, Ind.)

Preseason All-Sun Belt Third Team
Isaac Johnson, Appalachian State (Sr., F, Charlotte, N.C.)
Isaiah Crawley, Georgia Southern (Sr., F, Ripley, Tenn.)
Cedric Russell, Louisiana (Jr., G, Alexandria, La.)
JD Williams, ULM (Sr., G, Birmingham, Ala.)
Don Coleman, South Alabama (RSr., G, North Augusta, S.C.)

Can't wait for this season to start. Go Jags!

Behind App State for crying out loud. Good grief.


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I know Troy lost a lot of players to graduation, and then the transfer portal (which was a good thing)... but geez... 22 total points? That's very low.

No way, no how that Scott Cross lets this team finish last place.

We haven’t won anything yet, but it’s nice to be highly thought of in hoops again. South has not had a longer NCAA drought than the one we are in now (last appearance was in 2008) and it would be awesome if we could end that streak soon.

(11-01-2019 01:14 PM)CardinalBlackTrojan Wrote:  Preseason Player of the Year
Trhae Mitchell, South Alabama (RSr., F, Austell, Ga.)

How is Trhae Mitchell preseason player of the year after having one decent year that still wasn't as good as any of Nijal Pearson's 3 seasons?

I understand South Alabama at #1 in the poll due to all the new talent. I don't understand overlooking the only 1st team player returning from last year for PPOY for a 3rd team guy that might not even be the best player on his own team?

Cool to see a first place vote after all the years of being in the basement.

Who is the most underrated team in the conference this year?

ULM will finish much higher than 8th, so I see them as the most underrated.

(11-01-2019 04:06 PM)Chief Yankee Wrote:  ULM will finish much higher than 8th, so I see them as the most underrated.

I actually agree with that. I don't know if they're the most undervalued, but I agree they are more likely to finish in the top 4 than bottom 4.

I agree. Just a lot of new players, but with serious size. I don’t see Richard having a team anymore that finishes that low. He is a heck of a coach and we are lucky to have him. He has said that he is more excited about this team than any since he has been here and he has had some good teams.

When is the last time ULL wasn't in the top 4? I would assume they're up there again if not marlin night have some issues. Most underrated probably Troy. Cross knows his stuff

Not surprised that we are 11th although I would’ve thought we were going to be 12th. We certainly can be better than that with the potential and talent on the roster but I’m not so confident in our coaches yet.

(11-01-2019 03:33 PM)PushRCA Wrote:  Who is the most underrated team in the conference this year?

I'd say Troy. And not because they're my team.

Cross has been working these players hard. And he brought in some big, talented players... from Florida, Texas, and even New York.

ULM is something it hasn't been in a long time: taller & bigger. Especially taller. Last year's center will be at forward where he belongs.

Hopefully it'll all jell by the time conference play begins.

(11-01-2019 01:29 PM)CardinalBlackTrojan Wrote:  I know Troy lost a lot of players to graduation, and then the transfer portal (which was a good thing)... but geez... 22 total points? That's very low.

No way, no how that Scott Cross lets this team finish last place.

Wouldn't surprise me if we did. Not looking forward to this year. Like how Cross is talking but that's talk. But still not sold yet.

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(11-01-2019 03:33 PM)PushRCA Wrote:  Who is the most underrated team in the conference this year?

App State, new coach, Gregory will be fun to watch as a freshman.

6th for Georgia State is pretty fair. Expect up and down games this year with freshmen starters in the post. As big and athletic as they may be, growing pains with regards to rookie mistakes and frustrating penalties will be unavoidable. The season will progress as fast as their developments throughout the season.

One thing for sure, I'm glad Georgia State game won't be circled in with a big red bullseye target by every school in the conference. Last year, everyone freakin' brought their A games against the Panthers, and looked better than advertised. Gladly will pass on that role to South Alabama. I prefer to have my team be under the radar until the end.

Make no mistake, the whipping you guys have given the last few years to the rest of us, you will still be circled. The crown is still yours until it is taken away in March.

As for underrated, I have said over and over again, Troy won't finish last. I'm not saying they will be top 4 or 2 or anything, but won't be last. The problem I see is that half the conference thinks they are underrated, but someone has to finish 1-12. 12 teams finishing 8-8 isn't likely.

As for USA number 1, I'm shocked. Usually that kind of placement comes from returning, proven players. Many teams in the college and pros have a great collection of talent, but a terrible team. I don't doubt they will be improved over #8, but preseason number 1...?

I agree with BokoBobcat1919. Preseason honors are usually a reflection of previous years. I would have expected Pearson to have that honor. But in the end, preseason what nots are nothing more than talking points prior to the season. UTA was picked last in the previous season (a spot it earned prior to the start) and it meant nothing in the end. You need to beat who is in front of you. End of statement.