Ken Pomeroy’s kenpom.com has rolled out it’s preseason rankings, and the numbers junkie is predicting Liberty to have its best season since he began his national ranking service for the 2001-02 season.
After finishing 211th nationally in last season’s Pomeroy computer standings, the Flames begin this season as the 175th best team according to the site. Kenpom has an 18-10 projected record and an 11-7 conference finish, but due to yet-to-be-determined Paradise Jam and New Orleans Shootout matchups, that first number is missing three regular season games.
Previous end of season Liberty Kenpom rankings (head coach)
2016-17 : 211 (McKay)
2015-16 : 292 (McKay)
2014-15 : 333 (Layer)
2013-14 : 283 (Layer)
2012-13 : 266 (Layer)
2011-12 : 289 (Layer)
2010-11 : 231 (Layer)
The Flames are predicted to finish in a 3-way for 2nd in this season’s Big South behind UNC Asheville (14-4) and tied with Winthrop and Radford at 11-7.
The Paradise Jam, which will be played at Liberty’s Vines Center, features 3 top 100 rated Kenpom teams (Wake Forest #57, Houston #64, Colorado #97). Other top non-conference matchups features #57 Wake Forest on November 14th, #111 Mercer in the first round of the Paradise Jam on November 17th, and #161 UNC Greensboro in Lynchburg on December 2nd.
