Sun Belt primer

A team-by-team glance at the Sun Belt heading into the 2008-09 season.

East Division

1. Middle Tennessee

Strengths: Experience and versatility give Middle Tennessee a chance to be a mid-major revelation come March. With their top eight players returning, the Blue Raiders have that been there, done that feel, the kind that means no situation should faze them. Junior forward Desmond "Boogie" Yates (6-feet-8) can score from the 3-point line or with his back to the bucket and averaged 18 points per game last season. Kevin Kanaskie and Nigel Johnson lead a senior-laden backcourt. While there's little size in the frontcourt other than center Theryn Hudson, there are many 6-4 and 6-5 guys who can play multiple positions, enabling coach Kermit Davis to play mix and match depending on matchups and hot hands. There will be nights where the Blue Raiders win on the basis of depth, which is important in a league like the Sun Belt, where you play 18 conference games in two months.

Weaknesses: There isn't much margin for error with the current roster, even given its experience and versatility. Oddly enough, the versatility borne of having a lot of swingman types could also be a curse in March because of the chance this team runs into an opponent that can moose it to death inside. While Johnson and Demetrius Green give MTSU better than average rebounders from the backcourt, it's still in danger of getting manhandled against some foes if the 6-10, 250-pound Hudson can't hold his own inside. And Hudson is coming along slowly in the preseason as he recovers from a foot injury. Yates' health bears watching, too. He sat out some early practices, nursing a hamstring. That's the kind of injury he must stay vigilant about, because a tear can cost you weeks and perhaps ruin a season. The Blue Raiders must have him to make any kind of run.

Scouting the newcomers: Five new faces dot the roster. While all the experienced returners mean there might not be much room for freshmen, don't be shocked if one or two break into the rotation. The most likely impact guy is 6-4 Eric Allen, a transfer from Marion Military Institute who is the kind of catch-and-shoot player who always has a place. Davis and the coaches have been pleasantly surprised by his toughness. Allen, who walked on at Kentucky in 2004-05, averaged 22.2 points last year in the juco ranks. Inside, Josh Jones and Montarrio Haddock have received extra work in the preseason due to injuries. The 6-9, 230-pound Jones could give the Blue Raiders some much-needed physical play inside if he can make the adjustment from junior college. Haddock is another juco guy who combines size (6-5, 235) with touch from the perimeter. He nailed 52 3-pointers last year and can bang underneath, although taller foes will have an easy time facing him up if they get position. The other fresh faces are a pair of guards -- 6-4 freshman DeMario Williams and 6-2 redshirt freshman Antwuan Boyd. Both offer the kind of versatility that Davis craves.

2. South Alabama

Strengths: Scoring punch is rarely a problem with a Ronnie Arrow-coached team and won't be here. With Domonic Tilford (12.5 ppg) and Brandon Davis (10.8) appearing ready to graduate from third and fourth options into first and second options, South Alabama should at least threaten last year's 75.1 ppg. Reasonably tall and bulky enough for the Sun Belt, the Jaguars are a good rebounding team. Last year, they owned a rebounding advantage of plus-6.4 over their opposition, enabling them to crank up the fast tempo Arrow prefers. USA shoots well from the field (47 percent), the 3-point line (36 percent) and at the foul line (70 percent). It has confidence in its system because it's used to winning. Although a couple of new faces will need to give the returners some help, there's no reason to believe they won't.

Weaknesses: Start with the backcourt. While Tilford is a good building block, this team did lose two guys who combined for 31.2 ppg in Demetric Bennett and Daon Merritt. Arrow does have an experienced replacement in B.J. Ford, but it's unlikely he'll have the offensive impact of Bennett or Merritt. Depth could be a concern if some newcomers don't come through or if experienced hands underachieve or get injured. The Jags will have to stay healthy if they're to push the tempo the way Arrow prefers. The assist-turnover ratio could be an issue, too. Last year, with experienced guards, they had just 53 more assists than miscues. Since Tilford is more of a shoot-first guy, there's reason to wonder if taking care of the ball might develop into a problem.

Scouting the newcomers: Four players were added to the roster, including a point guard from the junior college ranks that Arrow's mined well during his successful career. Bryan Sherrer, a 6-0 junior, averaged 13.5 points and 4.5 assists for Three Rivers Community College in Kansas. Sherrer canned 40 percent of his 3-pointers and converted 87.1 percent at the foul line, numbers pleasing to Arrow's eye. DeAndre Hersey is a 6-6 forward who spurned some Southeastern Conference schools to sign with USA. Hersey averaged 20.4 ppg, 10.2 rebounds and 3.4 blocks as a high school senior, helping his team win 21 games and reach the state quarterfinals. Arrow went to Dallas to land 6-4 guard Damarius Jones, who hit for 19.1 ppg last year and helped his team reach the state playoffs. Jones has good bloodlines; he's a cousin of former Texas A&M All-American Acie Law. Forward LaShun Watson is just 6-5, 205 pounds, but mixes it up inside decently. He averaged over five rebounds per game for Okaloosa-Walton (Fla.) Community College and also contributed 12.7 points. His 4.3 assists further speak to his versatility and unselfishness.

3. Florida Atlantic

Strengths: The Owls have the ingredients for a conference contender with a strong inside presence in Carlos Monroe, an outside scorer and 3-point threat in Paul Graham III, and a veteran point guard in Carderro Nwoji, who also can shoot the 3 and is the team's best free-throw shooter. As seniors, all three give the program an experienced nucleus to build around. New coach Mike Jarvis also lends credibility and stability to the program after his long years at St. John's, George Washington, and Boston University.

Weaknesses: The Owls had problems with turnovers last season, finishing with 70 more than their opponents. Experienced depth also could be a major concern. Sanchez Hughley, who started 20 games last season as a redshirt freshman, might not play because of a lung problem. He has battled injuries the past two years.

Scouting the newcomers: Jarvis signed a potential backcourt for the future by getting prep school guards Alex Tucker from San Pedro, Calif., and Shavar Richardson from the Bronx. Tucker, however, is still waiting approval from the NCAA Clearinghouse and isn't practicing. Richardson starred at Brooklyn's Bishop Loughlin Memorial High before playing last season for New Creations Christian prep school in Richmond, Ind., where he averaged 17.6 points a game. Tucker played for Summit College Prep in Simi Valley, Calif., after earning All-CIF honors three years at Redondo Union High near Los Angeles. Nick Gagel is a sharpshooting guard out of Louisville, Ky., (Jeffersontown High) where he hit 49 percent from 3-point range, setting a school record with 210 treys. Chris Watson is a 6-6 freshman out of Daytona Beach who can use some seasoning but has athletic talent. He high-jumped 6-8 in high school. A fifth newcomer, Justin Davis, a 6-10 center out of Jacksonville, Fla., will sit out this season after transferring from Mercer.

4. Western Kentucky

Strengths: One thing that might be a positive of having so few bodies at the outset is improved chemistry. Players not being shuffled in and out of different units in practice every day tend to learn each other's moves better. This team figures to have better cohesion than most do at the season's start. In Jeremy Evans and A.J. Slaughter, they have two of the top 15 players in the Sun Belt. Evans can block shots and also has developed a nice touch inside the lane. Slaughter is a deadeye 3-point shooter who can also play passing lanes and make key steals. Steffphon Pettigrew can score, no question about it. With playing time a certainty, the 6-5 swingman could threaten 20 ppg if he can stay healthy. He has the strength and touch to score from anywhere on the court.

Weaknesses: Until some people get healthy, depth is absolutely nonexistent. While the nucleus isn't bad, it's hard for a team to go any length of time with just six players and not feel some effects. Just one leg cramp or one player picking up two quick fouls in the game's first five minutes can serve as a knockout blow. What's more, replacing first-round NBA Draft pick Courtney Lee just won't be done overnight. He was the type of versatile player who has a calming effect on his team, even when he wasn't having a good night. His consistency and excellence just made players around him better. Pettigrew could be Lee one day, but that day isn't here. Pace will also be key until reinforcements arrive. Western will have to pick its spots to run, press, etc. And that's not easy when players are conditioned to go all-out all the time.

Scouting the newcomers: Two members of coach Ken McDonald's first recruiting class are going to play all the minutes they can handle early. Sergio Kerusch is a 6-5 swingman from Memphis who averaged 18.9 points and nine rebounds for Itawamba (Miss.) Community College last year. A well-built 215 pounds, Kerusch grabbed 14 rebounds in Western's first exhibition game. He'll overpower most guards and might outquick most forwards. Anthony Sally will likely start at the point. A 6-2 junior who transferred in from Motlow State CC in Tennessee, Sally isn't a big scorer but can run the offense and defend like a demon. He averaged 3.4 steals a game last year and is the older brother of former West Virginia standout Tyrone Sally.

5. Florida International

Strengths: The Panthers have a strong defender in the middle in 7-foot Russell Hicks, an all-conference preseason pick, and added muscle up front in 6-10 freshman Freddy Asprilla. Those two also should help the Panthers maintain their own on the boards. Last season, Hicks blocked 60 shots, leading the conference with his average of 2.1 per game. He also averaged 12.5 points and 6.1 rebounds.

Weaknesses: FIU struggled to a fifth-place finish in the Sun Belt East last season, and the outlook is for more of the same. The Panthers haven't had a winning season since they won 16 games in 1999-2000, and that doesn't figure to change. Injuries have wrecked the roster and taken out last year's leading scorer Alex Galindo and potential starting PG Josue Soto (broken thumb) for most of the season. Guard play will be a big question. The Panthers simply have no depth. Their shooting last year was undistinguished, and they came out on the short end in both rebounding and turnovers. A schedule that is perhaps a bit overly ambitious also could beat them down early.

Scouting the newcomers: Asprilla, a 6-10 center from Colombia who played at Paterson Prep School in North Carolina, is a prize catch for FIU. He originally signed with Miami in the fall of 2006 but went to prep school instead. Junior college transfer J.C. Otero, a 6-7 small forward from Miami-Dade Community College, could have made a immediate contribution but is injured. Michael Dominguez is a shooting guard from Northeastern Junior College in Colorado who likely will see immediate action considering the situation in the backcourt. Harley Fuller, another junior college transfer (SUNY-Cobleskill) may have to pick up the pace much earlier than expected with the thumb injury to Soto, who sat out last season after transferring from Florida State and was ticketed to start. Other freshmen are T.Y. Hilton out of Miami Springs and walk-on Jonas Karosas, a Lithuanian who played at Pendleton School in Bradenton, Fla. Both are guards.

6. Troy

Strengths: Troy has high expectations for its guards in an offense predicated on perimeter success. There will be a lot of pressure on newcomers Richard Delk and Regis Huddleston, but both have experience and will deal with those expectations just fine. Delk started 40 of 56 games in two seasons at Mississippi State before transferring to Troy. Coach Don Maestri hasn't just been around the block, he was there when the block was built. Maestri has accumulated 436 wins in 26 seasons at Troy.

Weaknesses: The Trojans lose their top three scorers (guards O'Darien Bassett and Jerome Odem and wing Justin Jonus) and a fourth starter (forward Jarvis Acker). The team hasn't had a standout big man in some time and rebounding will remain a battle. For a team that will take a lot of quick, long shots, making improvement on the glass measures as a must.

Scouting the newcomers: The Trojans welcome Mississippi State transfer Richard Delk, a 6-4 guard who sat out the 2007-08 season. Delk's experience against top 25 competition -- he will gladly discuss checking the star-studded Florida Gators of three seasons ago -- should make him a cinch to be this team's standout. Delk is one of five first-year Trojans who hit the practice floor in October knowing they would have prominent roles in the playing rotation. The depth at guard might lead Maestri to play a three-guard lineup. Newcomers Travis Lee and Huddleston should push Michael Vogler and Brandon Hazzard.

West Division

1. North Texas

Strengths: Start with shooting, particularly in the backcourt. Returning guards Josh White and Collin Dennis combined for 27.5 ppg and 100 3-pointers. What's more, they teamed to hit nearly 44 percent from the bonus arc, an indication that they just weren't heaving up any shot that came to mind. Thanks in large part to White and Dennis, North Texas shot 39.8 percent from the 3-point line -- 12th in Division I. It also converted acceptably from the field (46 percent) and the foul line (71.9), an indication it knows something about shot selection. The Mean Green were solid on the boards, too, outrebounding opponents by more than six per game. While the top two rebounders graduated, the transfers and 6-10 freshman center Ben Knox give them a good chance to be a glass-eating squad again.

Weaknesses: No proven inside scorers, at least at the season's outset, mean White and Dennis will probably have a tougher time shaking free for clean looks against defenses that are aimed to contain them. If someone on the roster doesn't develop as a decent option in the lane, it will be hard for White and Dennis to duplicate last year's efficiency. Another task for White and Dennis is to improve their ball-handling. The duo combined for 75 assists and 121 turnovers, which was a main reason the team finished with 466 turnovers and just 336 assists. And the leading assist man from last year, Ben Bell, is no longer around to get them the ball. North Texas must also get tougher away from the Super Pit. It was 15-2 at home, 5-9 in road or neutral-site games.

Scouting the newcomers: Four players could offer some kind of immediate help. Point guard Dominique Johnson transferred in from Arkansas-Fort Smith, where he averaged 9.4 points and 5.1 assists as the Lions won 28 games. In keeping with the Mean Green's strength, Johnson canned nearly 40 percent of his 3s last year. He has a good chance to play right away, even though it means the team could start three guards 6-2 or smaller. Eric Tramiel scored 15.9 points and averaged 8.6 rebounds at Paris (Texas) Junior College last year. The 6-7, 225-pound power forward could fit right into the lineup as North Texas lost its top rebounders to graduation and has no proven scoring underneath. Ben Knox is thin and raw, but at 6-10 and 215 pounds, has the height and athleticism to possibly get minutes if he can progress enough in preseason. Knox hit for 10 points, grabbed nine rebounds and blocked three shots per game for Grace Prep in Arlington, Texas. Finally, George Odufuwa becomes eligible after sitting out last season following his transfer from Arizona State, where he played sparingly in 13 games as a freshman. At 6-8 and 240 pounds, Odufuwa could give the Mean Green a physical presence inside.

2. Arkansas-Little Rock

Strengths: With all five starters returning, including their point guard, UALR shouldn't rattle easily. It proved last year it could win 20 games with defense and solid rebounding, and should only be better across the board. Point guard Steven Moore is the lead man; he was last year's top scorer at 9.9 points per game. Moore proved deadly from distance, canning 43 percent of his 3-pointers, and should become a double-figure scorer with more experience and understanding as to when he can get a good shot for himself. There is a team-wide commitment to defense and rebounding. The Trojans owned a plus-five advantage on the boards last year despite not having anyone average more than 5.4 per game. They also have just two players taller than 6-7. That tells you this is a team that blocks out with fervor, whether it's the point guard or the center.

Weaknesses: As consistent as UALR is on the defensive end and in rebounding, it needs to improve in many facets offensively if it is to contend for an NCAA tournament berth. It made less than 43 percent of its field goal tries last year and averaged just over 65 ppg, a number that it likely needs to increase to 70. Another way to score more points is to improve the assist-turnover numbers. The Trojans made 107 more turnovers (506) than assists (399), a hideous ratio for a 20-win team. Just two players on the roster averaged more than two assists per game. UALR will again have to deal with not having a lot of size underneath, making avoiding foul trouble or injuries inside a priority. And its foul shooting, a mediocre 65.9 percent last year, needs to spike to about 70.

Scouting the newcomers: A transfer and three freshmen give UALR a recruiting class that could add more depth to a team with plenty of experience already on hand. Forward Wayne Burton and his 6-8, 224-pound frame could earn instant action for a team that doesn't have much proven size inside. Burton averaged 10 points and six rebounds last year at Western Texas College. Guard Lionel Foster brings the defensive background that excites Shields, having averaged three steals a game last year at Alief Hastings High in the Houston area. Foster also added 11 points and 6.5 assists. Forward Courtney Jackson (6-6) joins the program after posting 23 ppg and 15 rebounds for Paris (Texas) High. TexasHoops.com rated him as the 15th best player in the state, making him a good get for the Trojans. A sleeper might be 6-2 guard Curtis Jackson of Philadelphia, a great guard city. Jackson averaged 14.5 ppg as a senior at Imhotep High, scoring a school-record 44 points in one game and leading his team to the state tournament's second round.

3. Louisiana-Lafayette

Strengths: Depth and size should be this team's major allies. Nine letter-winners are back, and Louisiana added four players who stand 6-8 or taller. That should improve this team's weak rebounding from last year and also aid an already solid defense. And if one of them proves to be a post-up scoring threat, even better. Chris Gradnigo showed near the end of last year that he could be a bona fide No. 1 option on offense, scoring 20 or more points three times in the final five games. The 6-7 sophomore has 3-point range and the kind of body that should allow him to get a good shot in almost any situation. With so many bodies around, coach Robert Lee can keep players fresh and not have to play anyone more than 30 minutes a night, enabling the Cajuns to go hard on the defensive end for 40 minutes.

Weaknesses: This team has to do a much better job in every facet on offense. It shot badly from the field (less than 42 percent), wasn't particularly great from the 3-point line (34 percent) and hit less than 65 percent at the foul line. Factor in an assist-turnover ratio of greater than -100 for the year and you understand why this team scored just 65 ppg. That explains why Louisiana went just .500 despite allowing less than 66 points a night. No matter how well a team plays defensively, you have to produce something offensively to threaten good competition. And it would also help if a team with good size by Sun Belt standards started rebounding like it. The Cajuns lost the rebounding battle by nearly three per game. If that happens again this year with all the 6-8 bodies on hand, it would be inexcusable.

Scouting the newcomers: Lee hit the junior college ranks hard to solve the team's deficiencies inside and came up with four players at least 6-8 or taller. The headliner is 6-9, 260-pound Jeremy Barr, a top 75 recruit nationally when he committed to Southern California three years ago. The Bahamian, who led his prep school to three state titles, will start in the middle, barring injury. Emmanuel Adeife (6-10, 235) has scant playing experience at two Division I schools -- Houston and UNLV. Adeife blocked eight shots in his first game with the Cougars but has barely played since averaging 13.5 ppg and 10 rebounds at Polk (Fla.) JC in 2006-07. Lamar Roberson (6-8) also played at Houston and UNLV, starting six games as a Houston freshman in 2005-06 and scoring 25 points in one game. Roberson appeared in 13 games last year with the Rebels. Lee didn't forget the backcourt, adding 6-0 point guard Ryan McCoy. In an interesting change of heart, McCoy originally chose West Division foe North Texas but never enrolled after hitting 54 percent of his 3s for Midland (Texas) JC.

4. Arkansas State

Strengths: The frontcourt looks like it will be the focus of Arkansas State's offense. The team's top returning scorers (Yima Chia-Kur and Shawn Morgan) are both forwards, as is highly touted junior college transfer JeJuan Brown. It could get 40 points per game from that threesome this year. Point guard Ifeanyi Koggu also returns after starting 22 games last year. While he isn't much of a scoring threat, he does keep turnovers to a minimum and had an excellent assist-turnover ratio of 2.6-1. He should be able to create plenty of scoring chances for the frontcourt. Adding Brown and a handful of 6-7, 6-8 players to an otherwise small, slender team should help the Red Wolves' inside presence and depth. This team blocked few shots last year and gave up plenty of easy baskets, evidenced by opponents' high shooting percentages.

Weaknesses: This team stunk in nearly every facet on defense, allowing the opposition to shoot an inexcusable 48 percent from the field, as well as make almost 41 percent of its 3-pointers. No matter what level of basketball you play, it's impossible to consistently win if your foes hit nearly half their shots. Another problem is the lack of backcourt scoring with the loss of Adrian Banks and Brad Wedel, who combined for 33.5 ppg last year. Koggu, Mike Lance or P.J. Keaton need to add a little bit of point production to their game so that opponents can't sag around the forwards inside. Finally, this team could stand to get to the foul line more often. It averaged fewer than 18 free throws a game, largely because it had a lot of jump shooters. Brady will preach aggression with this squad from day one.

Scouting the newcomers: The marquee name is 6-7, 232-pound forward JeJuan Brown, who played at Vanderbilt as a freshman and then transferred to Los Angeles Southwest College. Brown averaged 17 points and seven rebounds a game last year, earning first team all-conference honors. Eric McKinney, a 6-8, 235-pound forward, also arrived from the juco ranks. He averaged 11 points, seven boards and four blocked shots a game in 2007-08 for Cowley (Kan.) College. McKinney helped Cowley win 31 games last year. Freshman guard Trey Finn might have worked his way into the playing rotation, but suffered a foot injury just before practice started in October and won't be available until at least the first of December.

5. Denver

Strengths: The Pioneers return six of their top seven players having learned lessons about running the Princeton offense. Coach Joe Scott laid the foundation for a successful second season. While opponents will be more familiar with the slow-paced offense, Scott has added new wrinkles and the repeat players should be more lethal as sophomores. The Pioneers overcame a lack of depth and experience and the loss of their two leading scorers during last season. They have a feisty, competitive identity, especially at home and could be a surprise contender.

Weaknesses: How do the Pioneers replace Adam Tanner, the team's leader in points, assists and minutes played in 2007-08? Denver just didn't have the numbers to keep pace. Inexperience took a toll on the Pioneers especially down the stretch when the Pioneers closed with seven consecutive losses.

Scouting the newcomers: Scott scored big with the Lewis Connection last season. The standout freshmen, no relation, are the anchors for the future of the Pioneers. Rob Lewis and Kyle Lewis were both lightly recruited. Both came from smaller high schools in Colorado. Both quickly became invaluable to Scott in his "transition season." Scott added to that mix with a whopping seven freshmen (and a redshirt freshman, Adam Hooper, joins the Pioneers). Yes, DU remains on the green side. Scott's roster doesn't list a senior and has just two juniors, including captain Nate Rohnert. The Pioneers have nine players from Colorado and 11 underclassmen.

6. Louisiana-Monroe

Strengths: The Warhawks return a veteran guard in Tony Hooper, who averaged 15.1 points a game last season and led the Warhawks with 47 steals. He also hit 62 3-pointers. More important, his leadership will be most critical for a team that has seven newcomers. ULM shot 721 3-pointers last season, but it should be a more balanced team with sophomore posts Rudy Turner (6-8) and Mitchell Hampton (6-7). Senior power forward Afam Nweke also and strength and experience down low.

Weaknesses: First and foremost, ULM has to keep its point guards healthy. Junior Brandon Roberts is coming off an ACL injury and has only played 39 games in three years. His backup, Brandon Williams, is a freshman. There also is a question as to where the points will come from. ULM lost perimeter players Jordan Payne (13. ppg), Jonas Brown (13.1) and Lance Brasher (7.1). ULM also has to improve playing on the road where it went 3-14 overall and 1-7 in the Sun Belt in 2007-08.

Scouting the newcomers: Freshman point guard Brandon Williams should provide immediate help in the backcourt. With Roberts coming off the knee injury, Williams could even start early in the season. Junior guard Jarvis Hill signed out of high school at Southern Mississippi, where he spent one season before transferring to East Mississippi Community College. He should provide instant help in the backcourt. Junior Malcolm Thomas, a 6-6 wing who transferred from Tyler (Texas) Junior College, has good range and should be a tough matchup for opponents.

7. New Orleans

Strengths: They should finally have a semblance of home, which isn't to underscore the nomadic existence of the program since Hurricane Katrina, but rather to highlight the playability of the team's home floor, Lakefront Arena. Coach Joe Pasternack is 31 and believes in his hometown school. While recruiting won't be a cinch, stability is an added benefit he didn't have when he first arrived as the team's third coach in three years in 2007.

Weaknesses: New Orleans has just two seniors on its current roster. Six seniors, five of them critical to the team's 19 wins last season, are gone. The biggest hole on the roster was left by guard Bo McCalebb, who finished his career as the Sun Belt's all-time leading scorer and passed former Navy great David Robinson for 21st place on the NCAA all-time scoring list with 2,679 career points. UNO will miss his scoring but will also miss his toughness and his willingness to do whatever it took to win, especially late in the game.

Scouting the newcomers: Coach Joe Pasternack has 11 new faces on a 14-man roster. The fresh faces bring a lot of energy, little experience, but represent the foundation and future of a program starting from the ground floor. Arguably the best collection of new talent is in the post. Johann Mpondo was originally destined for Rhode Island and another freshman, Jacolby Pittman, has the ability to become a strong inside presence with natural rebounding skills. A pair of junior college transfers will pad the inside, and point guard Darrian McKinstry could be a steal at point guard. He's a junior who handled the ball and headed the defense at Fullerton College last year.