Freshman of the Year John Brown @ VMI
hpe.com
1. High Point
Last Season: 17-14 (12-4), 1st in North, 1st round CIT
Top Returners: John Brown (6-8 F, 16.4 points, 6.1 rebounds), Allan Chaney (6-9 F, 14.5 points, 8.1 rebounds), Adam Weary (6-3 G, 10.2 points)
Outlook: With two of the best big men in the conference now having a year of experience under their belt, and the Panthers losing virtually none of their top players, there is no reason to think they won’t at least match their 12-4 Big South record. After getting their first taste of postseason play last year, the Panthers will be hungry for more.
2. Liberty
Last Season: 15-21 (6-10), 5th in North, 1st round NCAA Tournament
Top Losses: Tavares Speaks (6-4 G, 13.2 points)
Top Returners: John-Caleb Sanders (6-0 G, 14.4 points, 3.6 assists), Davon Marshall (5-11 G, 13.6 points)
Outlook: After a disappointing regular season, the Flames showed what they are capable of by winning the Big South Tournament. With one of the best backcourts in the conference, and a ton of options at forward, they look to duplicate the success they found at the end of last season.
3. Radford
Last Season: 13-19 (7-9) 4th in North
Top Losses: Blake Smith (5 points)
Top Returners: Javonte Green (6-4 F, 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds), R.J. Price (6-0 G, 13.6 points)
Outlook: Former VCU assistant Mike Jones has been quietly building a solid nucleus at Radford. With nearly all of last years’ contributors returning, the Highlanders should improve on last season’s 7-9 conference mark. They will be led by Javonte Green and the backcourt tandem of R.J. Price and Ya Ya Anderson.
4. VMI
Last Season: 14-7 (8-8) 2nd in North
Top Losses: Stan Okoye (6-6 F, 21.5 points, 9.4 rebounds)
Top Returners: D.J. Covington (6-9 F, 15.0 points, 7.2 rebounds), Rodney Glasgow (5-10 G, 11.7 points, 4.8 assists.
Outlook: Losing Big South Player of the Year Stan Okoye is a huge blow to the Keydets, but they have a pair of seniors (Covington and Glasgow) who can lead this squad. Duggar Baucom always seems to have his team competing in conference play.
Longwood hires Jayson Gee to be the new head coach
csnbbs.com
5. Longwood
Last Season:8-25 (4-12) 6th in North
Top Losses: Michael Kessens (6-9 F, 13.7 points, 8.8 rebounds)
Top Returners: Tristan Carey (6-4 G, 15.6 points, 5.1 rebounds), Jeylani Dublin (6-6 F, 10.0 points, 5.7 rebounds)
Outlook: After a miserable start to last season, the Lancers finished on a 5-3 run in the conference, and then had a solid showing in the BSC tournament. First year head coach Jayson Gee will be relying on Tristan Carey among 4 other starters, and even with the coaching change, the Lancers could see an improvement in their 2nd year in the conference.
New Campbell Head Coach Kevin McGeehan
richmondspiders.com
6. Campbell
Last Season: 13-20 (7-9) 3rd in North
Top Losses: Darren White (6-4 G, 21.8 points, 7.2 rebounds), Trey Freeman (6-2 G, 14.3 points, 5.8 assists), Darian Hooker (6-0 G, 10.2 points)
Top Returners: Marvelle Harris (6-6 F, 8.2 points, 6.4 rebounds)
Outlook: Under 1st year head coach Kevin McGeehan, the Camels will likely face a rebuilding season or two. Double figure scorers Darren White, Trey Freeman, and Darian Hooker are all gone.
There are some key players returning in the North division this year, as well as some new faces as head coach which should provide for an entertaining season. Both High Point and Liberty should compete for a conference championship, while the other 4 schools provide solid competition in the North division.
Continue to be watching as we preview the 2013-14 basketball season over the next few weeks.
