GETTING INSIDE

It's hard to believe that the Bruins are actually ranked in the middle of the Atlantic Sun Conference pack, since they have become one of the more recognizable mid-major programs the last five years.

But that's the way it is for Belmont this season as it's picked fourth in the A-Sun preseason poll. There's a good reason for low expectations: The Bruins lost four starters, including Player of the Year Alex Renfroe.

However, coach Rick Byrd should never be underestimated. And he's playing the motivation card for all it's worth.

"This is a statement to our players that we will be an average team and that we have no one worthy to be mentioned among the top 10 players in our league," he said.

That could change if sophomore Scott Saunders, a 6-foot-10 sophomore who played as a freshman at Rice before transferring, lives up to his potential and gives Belmont the kind of post presence rarely seen in the A-Sun.

The top returnee is 6-9 senior Keaton Belcher, the prototype Bruin player in that he's intelligent, unselfish and shoots the 3-pointer very well.

NOTES, QUOTES

--Last year's A-Sun Player of the Year, G Alex Renfroe, recorded a triple-double in his first pro game in Latvia. Renfroe came close to triple-doubles on five different occasions last year.

--G Jon House is the team's top returning scorer at 8.3 ppg. Belmont lost its top four scorers from last year, all of whom averaged in double figures.

--G Jonny Rice could be the next sharpshooter in the Bruin program. In limited playing time last year, Rice was 14-of-30 from the 3-point line.

LAST YEAR: 20-13 overall, 14-6 in the Atlantic Sun.

HEAD COACH: Rick Byrd (career 561-316); 24th year at Belmont (469-261).

QUOTE TO NOTE: "In the last four years, we have been picked to win the league twice and did not. In the other two years, when we were not picked at the top, we did win." -- Coach Rick Byrd on why he places little stock in preseason polls.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

SCOUTING THE NEWCOMERS: With so many veteran players gone, the Bruins will have to get key contributions from the newbies. C Scott Saunders appears to be a lock to start, while athletic freshman F Blake Jenkins comes from a good high school program in Knoxville (Bearden) and should be ready to play. G Ian Clark was one of the top prep players last year in Memphis, which says a lot for his skill.

KEY EARLY-SEASON GAMES: Belmont starts with a pair of NCAA teams, Portland State and Washington, in the Huskies' season-opening tournament in Seattle. Before December is done, the Bruins also visit Ohio Valley Conference sleeper Eastern Illinois. Belmont finishes December with a trip to Rick Majerus' Saint Louis, a rematch with EIU and a visit to likely preseason No. 1 Kansas. So the Bruins will be well-tested before conference play begins.

PROGRAM DIRECTION: There might be a step down this year but it's hard to see Belmont ever being an A-Sun doormat because of the winning culture in the program. If Saunders has an instant impact and the holdovers step into increased roles, the Bruins will be dangerous come A-Sun tourney time.

PROBABLE STARTING LINEUP: PG Jonny Good, SG Jon House, SF Keaton Belcher, PF Mick Hedgepeth, C Scott Saunders.

ROSTER REPORT:

--G Ian Clark played on a power-packed AAU outfit that included three other Division I signees, including top 35 player Leslie McDonald, who's playing at North Carolina.

--C Scott Saunders is eligible this year after sitting out last season following his transfer from Rice. He started the last 12 games for the Owls in 2007-08 and scored 12 points against No. 1 Memphis.

--G Jon House can boast of a distinguished international career while playing for Canada in numerous international tournaments. House averaged 9 ppg in the 2007 FIBA U-19 World Championships in Serbia.

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CAMPBELL

GETTING INSIDE

The Camels have been walking in the Atlantic Sun desert for over a decade with no oasis in sight. But the end of the 2008-09 season offers real hope coach Robbie Laing's club might finally be ready to quench its championship thirst.

Playing with one of the youngest rosters in Division I basketball, Campbell surged in February and ended with 14 wins, including an 11-9 record in conference play. While a sixth place finish is forecast for the Camels, it wouldn't be a surprise if they threatened for the top four.

With nearly every player of value back, Laing is much farther along this preseason than he was a year ago.

"We can get right to the meat-and-potatoes of what we're doing in practice, review fundamentals and get right down to the up-and-down part of the way we want to play," he said.

Three-year starter Jonathan Rodriguez is the top returning scorer, while Lorne Merthie is the reigning A-Sun Freshman of the Year. Junard Hartley has started at the point the last two years and has excellent court presence.

With experience, versatility and depth, Campbell figures to be a tough out in the A-Sun.

NOTES, QUOTES

--G Lorne Merthie was one of the most versatile players in the A-Sun as a freshman, hitting just over 40 percent from the 3-point line and also averaging 1.6 steals per game.

--F Jonathan Rodriguez has led the team in scoring since he arrived on campus three years ago, although his average slipped to 15.6 ppg last year. Rodriguez should still go over 2,000 points for his career.

--Campbell needs to become a better shooting team to take the next step. It hit just 43 percent of its field goal tries last year but showed it has the ability to make shots, canning 71 percent at the foul line.

LAST YEAR: 14-16 overall, 11-9 in the Atlantic Sun.

HEAD COACH: Robbie Laing (career 53-120); 7th year at Campbell.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "The margin for error is so small, a number six pick could become the first or second seed in the (conference) tournament. And the first or second could become the sixth." -- Coach Robbie Laing on the parity between the top six teams in the A-Sun this season.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

SCOUTING THE NEWCOMERS: With more experienced players returning, Campbell won't have to rely so heavily on freshmen this year. Nevertheless, it will lean on freshman F Larry Awosanya, an English import who has the kind of athleticism becoming more rampant on the Camels' roster. G Ricky Krainiak offers a reliable jumper from behind the 3-point line and surprising athletic skill.

KEY EARLY-SEASON GAMES: Five of the first six games are at home, including a Nov. 23 visit from Virginia Tech which could tell a lot about Campbell's level of improvement this season. The Hokies' visit to Buies Creek, N.C. is the highlight of an otherwise drab non-conference schedule which should help the Camels build up wins before heading into the meat of their A-Sun schedule.

PROGRAM DIRECTION: For the first time in more than a decade, it's on the way up and might stay that way for a while. The quality of athlete in this program is the best it's been during Laing's tenure and figures to stay that way with a real basketball facility in place. If the A-Sun has a sleeper team this year, Campbell might be it.

PROBABLE STARTING LINEUP: PG Junard Hartley, SG Lorne Merthie, SF Jonathan Rodriguez, PF Preston Dodson, C Kyle Vejraska.

ROSTER REPORT:

--F Olivier Siewe signed with the program this summer after a successful two-season stint at Piney Woods, one of the top prep schools in Mississippi.

Siewe averaged 19 ppg and 12 rebounds as a senior.

--F Jonathan Rodriguez needs just 369 points to become just the third A-Sun player to score 2,000 points in his career. He was named to the league's preseason all-conference team for the third time in his career.

--F Kyle Vejraska is a former A-Sun All-Academic pick. Vejraska also ranks seventh on the school's career leader board in blocked shots with 78, including a seven-block game last year against A-Sun tourney champ East Tennessee State.

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E. TENNESSEE STATE

GETTING INSIDE

The defending Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament champions have some rebuilding to do in order to repeat.

The Buccaneers lost the conference's most lethal 1-2 punch -- Courtney Pigram and Kevin Tiggs -- to graduation. Then they suffered a tragedy over the summer as 6-foot-11 center Seth Coy, who would have been a valuable cog in this team, died in an auto accident.

But veteran coach Murry Bartow still has enough athletes to threaten for a conference title, beginning with preseason all-conference pick Mike Smith, a 6-6 senior who can do just about anything needed.

Adam Sollazzo (6-6, so.) started about half the time last year and should step in at the point for Pigram, only the second 2,000-point scorer in A-Sun history. Sollazzo has worked on his outside shot, which could make him a tougher cover.

Isiah Brown (6-8, so.) is extremely athletic and only needs to stay out of foul trouble to realize his enormous potential, while 6-4 junior guard Micah Williams has the kind of shooting range to be dangerous any night he's out there.

East Tennessee State was picked fifth in the A-Sun preseason poll. If Smith has a Player of the Year type of season and a couple of the holdovers can step into bigger roles, the Bucs could contend for the automatic NCAA bid in March.

NOTES, QUOTES

--G Adam Sollazzo will honor the memory of the late Seth Coy by wearing Coy's No. 43 this season instead of No. 20, which he wore last year. Sollazzo and Coy were roommates last year.

--F Mike Smith will have to rein in some of his aggression for this team to play to its potential. Smith fouled out of four games last year, a stat he can't afford to duplicate this season unless less experienced players improve faster than expected.

--F Isiah Brown doesn't have much range, exhibited by his 40 percent foul shooting, but is deadly from in close, converting more than 67 percent of his field goals last year as a freshman.

LAST YEAR: 23-11 overall, 14-6 in the Atlantic Sun.

HEAD COACH: Murry Bartow (career 221-155); 7th year at ETSU (118-72).

QUOTE TO NOTE: "I think at programs like ETSU, there's a perception around college basketball that you have a couple of good years and move on. But I don't feel that way." -- Coach Murry Bartow after signing a two-year contract extension in July.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

SCOUTING THE NEWCOMERS: With three starting spots to fill, there are opportunities for fresh faces to insinuate themselves into the playing rotation. Alabama transfer Justin Tubbs figures to be a key part of the backcourt, as does freshman sharpshooter Bruce Grimm. Up front, redshirt freshman J.C. Ward has added an inch and 10 pounds to his frame, making the 6-6, 230-pounder a likely candidate to earn playing time.

KEY EARLY-SEASON GAMES: The Bucs are playing an NBA-type schedule early with seven games in the season's first 16 days, including trips to NCAA tournament participants Chattanooga and Louisville, as well as a visit to Arkansas. Also before Christmas, ETSU hosts College of Charleston, Ohio Valley Conference favorite Murray State and Atlantic Sun favorite Jacksonville. There are few gimmes on this schedule.

PROGRAM DIRECTION: There's bound to be a little downward arc after the graduation of Pigram and Tiggs, which combined for nearly 40 ppg last year. But there are enough good athletes on hand and a proven leader in Smith, so it's hard to see this team slipping farther than fourth or fifth in the conference. And with some breaks, they could again contend for the automatic NCAA bid in March.

PROBABLE STARTING LINEUP: PG Adam Sollazzo, SG Micah Williams, SF Mike Smith, PF Tommy Hubbard, C Isiah Brown.

ROSTER REPORT:

--C Seth Coy's death in late July rocked the program's core. A 6-11 sophomore, Coy was one of the team's most popular players. Coy played in almost every game off the bench and displayed a soft touch from in close.

--G Justin Tubbs transferred in from Alabama and should have a chance to make an instant impact. Tubbs played in 28 games as a freshman in 2006-07, then averaged 3.1 points as a sophomore in 2007-08.

--G Jocolby Davis returns to the program after having to miss last year, due to an elbow injury suffered in an apparent car-jacking in Atlanta. A healthy Davis gives this team a terrific on-ball defender who can also push the pace to Bartow's liking.

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FLORIDA GULF COAST U

GETTING INSIDE

In just their third year as an NCAA Division I program, the Eagles still aren't eligible for the NCAA Tournament. But there is a feeling of growth around the program that could sprout this winter.

With four of its leading scorers back from last year, when Florida Gulf Coast could count Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament champion East Tennessee State among its wins, the Eagles think they might do better than the eighth place finish predicted for them in the A-Sun.

"We still have a lot of hard work in front of us but we continue to get better every day," FGCU coach Dave Balza said.

The backcourt figures to be this team's strength, with Reed Baker (13.4 ppg) and Reggie Chambers (8.6 ppg, 81 assists) returning. Baker started all 31 games last year, while Chambers was an A-Sun All-Freshman team pick.

On the front line, Kyle Marks (9.6 ppg) and Derrick O'Neil (9.2 ppg, 7.3 rebounds) are back. Marks is also a defensive force, as he was second in the conference in blocked shots.

If the Eagles stay healthy, keep developing and get contributions from freshmen, they could surprise some of the A-Sun's top teams this season.

NOTES, QUOTES

--Coach Dave Balza made an effort to beef up his recruiting by hiring Tae Norwood as an assistant coach. Norwood was a Georgia Southern assistant last year and brought in what one on-line entity called the Southern Conference's top recruiting class.

--G Reed Baker is pretty close to automatic at the foul line, at least by Atlantic Sun Conference standards. The 6-foot-1 redshirt junior led the league in free throw shooting, canning more than 84 percent of his attempts.

--F Kyle Marks provided a physical presence for the Eagles last year, as he finished second in the A-Sun with 51 blocked shots. Marks rejected at least four shots in three games, swatting six in a conference game with Mercer.

LAST YEAR: 11-20 overall, 7-13 in the Atlantic Sun.

HEAD COACH: Dave Balza (career 135-80); 8th year at Florida Gulf Coast.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "He understands the level of commitment it's going to take for us to be successful." -- Coach Dave Balza on G Reed Baker, considered the leader of this team.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

SCOUTING THE NEWCOMERS: Five freshmen and a transfer are looking to make an impact on the Eagles this winter. Most likely to do so is 6-8 junior forward Charlie Lytle, a transfer from Santa Fe (Fla.) College who can contribute on both ends of the court. G Brett Williams pumped in nearly 300 3-pointers in his high school career, while F Anthony Banks averaged 16 points and 12 boards a game in his senior year.

KEY EARLY-SEASON GAMES: Florida Gulf Coast isn't easing into the season, visiting Tom Izzo's Michigan State for the opener on Nov. 13. The Eagles also visit Atlantic Coast Conference foe Miami and host DePaul of the Big East Conference in other intriguing non-conference dates. FGCU will have to be tough on the road early in conference play, leaving Alico Arena for its first four A-Sun games.

PROGRAM DIRECTION: Slowly trending upward as Balza improves the quality of athlete in the program. This program is just three years old as a Division I entity, so it's hard to expect it to be the power it had been in Division II. If the Eagles can improve to 13-14 wins and threaten the .500 mark in A-Sun play, that would be a satisfactory season.

PROBABLE STARTING LINEUP: PG Reed Baker, SG Reggie Chambers, SF Derrick O'Neil, PF Charlie Lytle, C Kyle Marks.

ROSTER REPORT:

--F Charlie Lytle transferred in from Santa Fe (Fla.) College and should have a pretty good chance to earn a starting spot this season. Lytle was a second team all-conference pick last year and brings an element of intimidation, as he swatted 44 shots in 27 games.

--G Sherwood Brown signed late with FGCU, but coach Dave Balza says he could be this recruiting class' sleeper. Brown averaged 11.2 ppg and 5.6 rebounds for Olympia High School in Orlando, helping it reach the 2009 Class 6A championship game.

--G Hunter Miller set the Tennessee state scoring record in a game for a freshman four years ago with 44 points. Miller scored a school record 2,092 points for Christ Presbyterian Academy in Nashville, helping it reach its first-ever state tournament.

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JACKSONVILLE

GETTING INSIDE

From one win to an NCAA Tournament berth in four years? If Atlantic Sun media are right, that will be the Dolphins' destination this season.

With three preseason All-Conference picks on the team, Jacksonville has been picked to win the A-Sun title and complete a journey from college basketball's basement -- a one-win season in coach Cliff Warren's first year -- to March Madness.

"This is a tremendous honor for this program to be recognized by the coaches in this league and the media that cover us," Warren said. "While the accolades are nice, we know that we still have to prove ourselves on the court."

That shouldn't be too difficult, since the Dolphins have the league's preseason Player of the Year, PG Ben Smith, back to run the show. Smith led the team in scoring (16.9 ppg), assists (4.0) and steals (2.2).

Forwards Lehmon Colbert and Ayron Hardy also made the conference's 10-man preseason squad. The Colbert report last year topped out at 21 double-figure scoring games, while Hardy was the league's Defensive Player of the Year.

JU not only has the talent, but the motivation of consecutive blowout losses in the A-Sun tourney finals to fuel it. Anything less than an NCAA appearance would be a disappointment to this program this season.

NOTES, QUOTES

--Coach Cliff Warren is receiving recognition for his work, being honored by Athlon Magazine as one of its top 10 "Coaches Under the Radar." Jacksonville administration agrees, tacking on two more years to his current contract this summer.

--F Ayron Hardy might be the most versatile player in the Atlantic Sun Conference. He was the league's only player last year who ranked in the top 10 in rebounds, steals and blocked shots.

--To become a championship-level team, the Dolphins must improve on defense. Opponents last year made nearly 46 percent from the floor and more than 37 percent from the 3-point line.

LAST YEAR: 18-14 overall, 15-5 in the Atlantic Sun.

HEAD COACH: Cliff Warren (career 52-67); 5th year at Jacksonville.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "As leaders on this team, they know they can't rest on this. They have to work each day to get better in order to make our team better." -- Coach Cliff Warren on G Ben Smith, F Lehmon Colbert and F Ayron Hardy, all of whom were named preseason All-Atlantic Sun Conference.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

SCOUTING THE NEWCOMERS: Jacksonville inked five players for this season, with 6-3 guard Jimmy McMurrin of Las Vegas the one who might fill a specific need quickly. McMurrin is a deadeye 3-point shooter, canning 48 percent as a high school senior. Local standout Chris Rozier also signed with the Dolphins after averaging 20 points and eight rebounds for Wolfson High School, helping it win 25 games. He might get action in the frontcourt.

KEY EARLY-SEASON GAMES: Coach Cliff Warren has scheduled big to start the season, pitting his team against Florida State, California and South Carolina in the first three games -- all on the road. In fact, JU plays seven of its first eight away, with the only home game against Billy Donovan's Florida.

PROGRAM DIRECTION: Clearly, the Dolphins' arrow is pointing north. With experience throughout the lineup and a hot young coach lining up an ambitious non-conference schedule, this program is shooting for the A-Sun version of the stars -- an NCAA tourney trip. It's hard to believe this team won just once four years ago.

PROBABLE STARTING LINEUP: PG Ben Smith, SG Travis Cohn, SF Ayron Hardy, PF Lehmon Colbert, C Szymon Lukasiak.

ROSTER REPORT:

--G Ben Smith has his handprints all over the JU record book. Smith ranks among the school's career leaders in made free throws (412), steals (164), assists (395) and made 3-pointers (139).

--F Lehmon Colbert joined Smith in the 1,000-point club last year and has 1,122 points as he enters his senior season. Colbert has been one of the team's top two rebounds each of his first three seasons.

--G Travis Cohn provides a reliable option from the 3-point line when opponents focus too much on Smith or Colbert. Cohn sank nearly 38 percent from long distance last year.

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KENNESAW STATE

GETTING INSIDE

The Owls took lots of lumps last year, committing to young, inexperienced players in a year where the Atlantic Sun Conference boasted plenty of experienced teams.

It resulted in a 22-loss season and just three conference wins, but there is hope for modest improvement this season, as the team returns four starters. In addition, Kennesaw State is now eligible for postseason play for the first time as its probationary period has been passed with flying colors.

"We've had this carrot dangling in front of us for four years and now it's time to grab it," coach Tony Ingle said of being eligible for the postseason. "It's a dream of our program to get to the postseason."

For this year, the Owls' realistic postseason hopes should be confined to the A-Sun tourney, as only the top eight teams in league play make that event. The media has picked Kennesaw State ninth in its preseason poll, so there is clearly work to be done.

The top returnees are guards Kelvin McConnell (11.9 ppg) and Kurtis Woods (10.5), along with F Jon-Michael Nickerson (10.0 ppg, 5.6 rebounds). Woods was an A-Sun All-Freshman team pick.

Forward Jonathan Whipple and guard Spencer Dixon combined for 42 starts last year, giving the Owls five players with a returning 127 starts. If experience means anything, that should help this team pick up a few more wins.

NOTES, QUOTES

--G Kelvin McConnell has one of the sweetest jumpers in the Atlantic Sun Conference, proven by his 38 percent accuracy from the 3-point line. His next step is to take better shots, though, as he made just under 39 percent from the floor.

--F Zadrian Gibson didn't offer much scoring (4.0 ppg) but did give Kennesaw State a shotblocker, rejecting a team-high 33. Gibson could earn more playing time if he can improve his shooting (48 percent at the foul line).

--The Owls struggled terribly on offense last year, scoring just 58.3 points per game and hitting less than 40 percent of their field goal tries. Kennesaw State only got to the line about 13 times a game, largely because it had no post presence to command a double team.

LAST YEAR: 7-22 overall, 3-17 in the Atlantic Sun.

HEAD COACH: Tony Ingle (career 227-191); 10th year at Kennesaw State (157-121).

QUOTE TO NOTE: "It's time to get going and no looking back." -- Coach Tony Ingle on the upcoming season and erasing the memories of last year's dismal campaign.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

SCOUTING THE NEWCOMERS: Of the four new faces, G Cortez Irby might offer the most immediate help. Irby averaged 9.3 ppg and 6.8 rebounds for Shelton State Community College in Alabama, helping it win 32 games. F Markeith Cummings has the body (6-7, 230 pounds) and the game to give the frontcourt an instant boost. He redshirted last year after scoring 14.3 ppg as a high school senior in Birmingham.

KEY EARLY-SEASON GAMES: After a couple of confidence-builders against North Greenville and North Georgia, the Owls take on Saint Louis and Notre Dame back-to-back on the road. That will be followed by an opening set of A-Sun home games against Belmont and Lipscomb. Later in December, Kennesaw State will take on nearby Georgia Tech for the first time.

PROGRAM DIRECTION: After last year's 22-loss marathon, the Owls have to rise because it's hard to figure it will be worse. With five returning starters, they should win a few more games. Ingle is one of the league's better bench coaches but hasn't had much material the last two seasons. Getting eligible for the postseason has to help the feeling around this program.

PROBABLE STARTING LINEUP: PG Spencer Dixon, SG Kelvin McConnell, SF Kurtis Woods, PF Jon-Michael Nickerson, C Jonathan Whipple.

ROSTER REPORT:

--G Cortez Irby transferred in from Shelton State Community College in Alabama, which went 32-4 during his season there, including a 31-game winning streak, Irby averaged 9.3 points and 6.8 rebounds on the balanced squad.

--G Romain Henry has transferred to Kennesaw State from Division II Fort Valley State after starting just five of 57 games there the last two years. Henry will sit out this season and be eligible to play in 2010-11.

--F James McRae averaged 14.5 points and 10 rebounds as a high school senior for Brunswick (Ga.) High School. McRae graduated atop his class with a 3.66 grade point average and was also recruited by Auburn and Stanford.

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LIPSCOMB

GETTING INSIDE

Following a furious finish to last season, it looks like the Bisons are Jacksonville's toughest challenger for the Atlantic Sun Conference title.

Lipscomb has been picked second in the league's preseason media poll. The league's coaches have taken it a step farther, picking it to win the conference tournament and automatic NCAA Tournament bid.

"We have lofty goals for our team this year with a lot of guys coming back," Bisons coach Scott Sanderson said.

Four starters return, with the key guy being 6-foot-9 junior center Adnan Hodzic. A 255-pound Serbian whose heft makes him hard to guard for most anyone, particularly A-Sun posts, Hodzic averaged 17.1 points and 7.1 rebounds per game last year, shooting 58 percent from the floor.

Guard Josh Slater contributed 11 ppg, 4.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists last season, while junior Fs Michael Teller and Brandon Brown are also back. The team needs to find a point guard after the graduation of Michael Lusk.

George Washington transfer Johnny Lee is favored to fill the void. If he does so adequately and Hodzic remains unstoppable in the post, Lipscomb might just overtake Jacksonville for the conference title.

NOTES, QUOTES

--C Adnan Hodzic was a high school teammate of Eric Gordon, a starting guard for the Los Angeles Clippers. Their high school team played for the Class 4A state title in Indiana when both were seniors.

--G Josh Slater finished in the top 10 in the A-Sun in assists and steals. Slater's versatility makes him one of the tougher covers in the league and allows the Bisons to use him as part of every lineup combination.

--For Lipscomb to turn from contender to champion, it must take better care of the basketball. It had 74 more turnovers than its opponents last year, committing more than 16 per game. That's a reflection of careless decisions at every position on the court.

LAST YEAR: 17-14 overall, 12-8 in the Atlantic Sun.

HEAD COACH: Scott Sanderson (career 247-164); 11th year at Lipscomb (163-139).

QUOTE TO NOTE: "We can't afford for him to get silly fouls during the game because he is tired. He has to be very, very smart and to be smart, he has to be in great condition." -- Coach Scott Sanderson on the importance of C Adnan Hodzic's fitness and presence to his team.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

SCOUTING THE NEWCOMERS: There will be help from newcomers if the Bisons are to achieve their goals. They have seven, with the most notable Johnny Lee, a George Washington transfer who could fit into their only hole at point guard. Up front, Centenary transfer Justin Glenn brings a 6-8, 235-pound frame that could be a nice complement to Adnan Hodzic. G Jacob Arnett could beat out Lee for the point guard position with a good preseason.

KEY EARLY-SEASON GAMES: Sanderson is scheduling like a coach who believes his team will be playing in the middle of March. Among their non-conference games are trips to Nashville neighbor Vanderbilt, Ohio State, Cincinnati and Arizona. Lipscomb scored a landmark win last year at Indiana in Hodzic's homecoming game, so the Bisons won't be intimidated by playing in TV league atmospheres.

PROGRAM DIRECTION: Rising towards the conference's top, Lipscomb appears to be Jacksonville's toughest out. It has the most automatic post scorer in the league, good shooters surrounding him and rebounds the ball very well. The key will be getting mistake-free play from whoever plays at the point. If that happens, the program may just rise to its first NCAA bid.

PROBABLE STARTING LINEUP: PG Johnny Lee, SG Josh Slater, SF Michael Teller, PF Brandon Brown, C Adnan Hodzic.

ROSTER REPORT:

--G Johnny Lee has transferred in from George Washington, where he became a starter at the point towards the end of the 2007-08 season. Lee playing prep ball in Nashville, so this is a homecoming for the 5-9 senior.

--F Justin Glenn is in his first year with the Bisons after transferring from Division I independent Centenary. Glenn averaged 4.1 ppg and 4.0 rebounds for the Gents in 2007-08, and has the size to give Adnan Hodzic a breather when needed.

--G Brandon Barnes certainly seems to have the bloodlines for the game. Barnes' father, Rod, is a former SEC Coach of the Year at Ole Miss who currently runs the program at Georgia State.

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MERCER

GETTING INSIDE

Playing at home doesn't always assure a team of winning a conference tournament title, but it doesn't hurt one's chances. The Bears will have that opportunity this year with an experienced team expected to challenge in the Atlantic Sun.

Picked to finish third in the preseason poll, Mercer returns the league's most explosive scorer and its top rebounder. And it will host the conference tournament as well, giving it an ace in the hole come March.

"These polls show people realize what our guys did last year," Bears coach Bob Hoffman said. "The preseason polls are more about what you did last year and what you have returning for the upcoming year."

Which, in Mercer's case, is a lot. G James Florence averaged 20.8 ppg last year in Hoffman's high-tempo system and is the league's top returning scorer. F Daniel Emerson contributed 13 ppg and a league-high 10.7 rebounds.

The key will be what the Bears get around those two. G E.J. Kusnyer is a reliable third scorer, hitting for 10.5 ppg, but it wouldn't hurt if either he upped his production a bit or they found someone else to chip in 10 ppg.

If that happens and this team can avoid injuries, it could parlay homecourt advantage in the conference tournament into an NCAA Tournament bid.

NOTES, QUOTES

--F Daniel Emerson is more than a "legacy" player for Mercer. His two older brothers each played at the school and earned all-conference honors earlier this decade. Emerson is in position to do the same with a good senior year.

--G James Florence has a knack for getting to the foul line, as he took 209 free throws last year. If he could up his 69.9 percent accuracy rate to 75 percent or better, it would make him an even tougher cover for any opponent.

--Shot selection and turnovers are the keys for the Bears to become a better team. They hit just 43 percent of their field goal tries last year and committed 84 more turnovers than the opposition. With their athletic style of play, they should at least force as many turnovers as they make.

LAST YEAR: 17-15 overall, 11-9 in the Atlantic Sun.

HEAD COACH: Bob Hoffman (career 417-185); 2nd year at Mercer (17-15).

QUOTE TO NOTE: "We look forward to competing with them for the conference championship." -- Coach Bob Hoffman on Jacksonville and Lipscomb, picked ahead of Mercer in the Atlantic Sun race.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

SCOUTING THE NEWCOMERS: There are six freshmen on the roster, including perhaps James Florence's successor in 5-11 Tevin Swann, a lightning-quick point guard from the same Hampton, Va. high school which produced Allen Iverson. The only frontcourt player among the freshmen is 6-6 F Jake Gollon, a Wisconsin product who was rated as a top 10 player in the state when Mercer inked him two years ago.

KEY EARLY-SEASON GAMES: The Bears may have the toughest non-conference schedule in the A-Sun, as they will play at Providence, Georgia Tech, Vanderbilt and Alabama before Christmas while hosting Florida State. Mercer also has key A-Sun games in early December at home against the Nashville schools -- Lipscomb and Belmont. So there's no easing into the season for this crowd.

PROGRAM DIRECTION: Going up on the A-Sun elevator with Hoffman, a proven winner and developer of high-scoring offensive teams, in charge. Getting to host the conference tournament for the next two years is a step forward for the program as well, as it gives it a better chance to earn an NCAA berth. This should be one of the league's most exciting teams.

PROBABLE STARTING LINEUP: PG James Florence, SG E.J. Kusnyer, SF Brian Mills, PF BeJay Corley, C Daniel Emerson.

ROSTER REPORT:

--G R.J. Miskimon played his entire senior season at a Ft. Worth, TX high school with a broken nose, yet still produced more than 17 ppg. Miskimon's father was a college basketball player at Hawaii.

--G Ted Price averaged 15 ppg as a high school senior in Forest, Va., but scored nearly as high in the classroom with a 4.35 grade point average. Price plans to major in biomedical engineering at Mercer.

--G Chris Smith scored 15 ppg for his 31-1 high school team which won a Class AA championship in Dublin, Ga. He also averaged four rebounds and two steals per game.

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NORTH FLORIDA

GETTING INSIDE

There's a new coach in town, but there's not a new talent level yet, so the first year of the Matthew Driscoll era might not bring different results for the Ospreys.

North Florida is picked 11th -- read: last place -- in the Atlantic Sun Conference preseason poll. That means if the conference tournament were to take place when the season starts in November, it wouldn't even make it, since the A-Sun only takes the top eight finishers.

Of course, it's progress that the Ospreys are eligible for the conference tourney for the first time, so Driscoll has that to sell.

"We are excited to be able to compete for Atlantic Sun championships," he said. "At the end of the day, everyone in the league wants to win and that's why we play the game."

A former assistant at Baylor, where he presided over a major rebuilding job that landed the Bears in the NIT title game last year, Driscoll has four returning starters. The top scorer is G Eni Cuka (13.2 ppg, 37.5 3-point shooting).

Other experienced players include F Stan Januska (8.9 ppg, 4.4 rebounds), F Kyle Groothuis (5.1 ppg, 3.7 rebounds) and G Germaine Speakes (5.1 ppg, 3.4 rebounds).

NOTES, QUOTES

--New assistant coach Jeremy Shyatt comes from good coaching bloodlines. His father, Larry Shyatt, was the head coach at Clemson and Wyoming and also had new head coach Matthew Driscoll on his staff.

--North Florida has completed its four-year reclassification period under NCAA rules and is eligible for postseason play for the first time since becoming a member of Division I in 2005-06.

--A lack of offensive punch may be this team's biggest problem again this year. The Ospreys averaged less than 57 ppg last year while shooting 40 percent from the field and 59 percent at the line. Opponents took 219 more free throws.

LAST YEAR: 8-22 overall, 6-14 in the Atlantic Sun.

HEAD COACH: Matthew Driscoll (career 0-0); 1st year at North Florida.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "I'd compare it to Christmas, first born and those type of excitements, although my wife wouldn't compare it to that, though." -- Coach Matthew Driscoll on the first day of practice in his first season as a head coach.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

SCOUTING THE NEWCOMERS: There is plenty of need for fresh faces and talent, illustrated by the nine new players coach Matthew Driscoll brought on the scene. The first was 6-foot-7 F David Jeune, who averaged 21.5 ppg and 14.7 rebounds for Okeechobee High School on Florida's Treasure Coast. Others with a chance to help right away include F Andy Diaz and swingman Jerron Granberry.

KEY EARLY-SEASON GAMES: No opening cupcake for North Florida under a new coach, as it begins the Driscoll era with a trip to Big East power Notre Dame. A Nov. 18 game with Savannah State will be the Ospreys' only home contest until December 30. A nine-game road trip includes stops at Illinois State, Alabama, Northwestern and Marquette, as well as a A-Sun journey to Campbell and East Tennessee State.

PROGRAM DIRECTION: Short-term, it seems like the program won't be any better or worse. Down the road, Driscoll's resume and ability to recruit will help North Florida rise from the A-Sun cellar into a contender. It might take two or three years for the Ospreys to make any significant progress because the cupboard is that bare.

PROBABLE STARTING LINEUP: PG Germaine Sparkes, SG Eni Cuka, SF Stan Januska, PF Zack Riggins, C Kyle Groothuis.

ROSTER REPORT:

--G Brad Haugabrook transferred in from Hillsborough (Fla.) CC after averaging 9.3 ppg and 6.3 rebounds last year. Haugabrook played one season at NAIA Division II power Northwood (Fla.), coached by Rollie Massamino.

--G Parker Smith has opted to continue his college career at North Florida after playing last year at Tennessee State. Smith, an excellent 3-point shooter, will be eligible in the 2010-11 season after sitting out this year.

--Fs Logan Bridges and Etienne Effenberg were brought in as preferred non-scholarship players by Driscoll. Both enjoyed standout senior seasons in Florida but fell through the cracks when it came time to earn rides, giving UNF a chance to swoop in.

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SOUTH CAROLINA-UPSTATE

GETTING INSIDE

There is good news for the Spartans, as they have a preseason All-Atlantic Sun Conference pick. However, the league's media still doesn't think much of their chances in the 2009-10 season.

Despite the presence of 7-foot-3 C Nate Schneiders, the first preseason all-conference pick in the school's short Division I history, USC Upstate has been tabbed 10th in the league's preseason poll.

"It's nice for Nick to be recognized by the rival coaches in this league," Spartans coach Eddie Payne said.

The hope is in due time that Schneiders won't be the only player opponents must account for on a minute-by-minute basis on this squad. But USC Upstate isn't helped by the graduation of F Bobby Davis, the team's top scorer last year.

Point guard Josh Chavis (8.3 ppg) could give Schneiders, who is still somewhat of a project on the offensive end, the necessary help. G De'Marion Gordon was an all-freshman team pick after averaging 6.9 ppg in a reserve role.

Forward Mezie Uzochukwu (6.3 ppg) is another player who will have to increase his scoring punch to help this team defy the preseason expectations.

NOTES, QUOTES

--C Nate Schneiders blocked a school-record 79 shots last year and needs to reject just 21 more to own the school record of 137. Schneiders will have to improve his shooting (44.6 percent from the floor, 53.1 percent at the line) to become a real force.

--G Josh Chavis isn't hesitant about launching from the 3-point line, canning 59-of-177 attempts last year. Chavis accounted for more than a third of USC Upstate's makes and attempts on the season.

--The Spartans can improve their fortunes by cutting down on turnovers in 2009-10. They committed 86 more miscues than the opposition, costing them an average of three extra possessions a game and leading to six conference losses by five points or less.

LAST YEAR: 9-21 overall, 8-12 in the Atlantic Sun.

HEAD COACH: Eddie Payne, 25th year (career 369-331); 8th year at USC Upstate (109-98).

QUOTE TO NOTE: "It's pretty neat because not too many individuals get to experience something like that." -- C Nate Schneiders on having his artwork displayed at the NCAA Convention and the Indianapolis 500.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

SCOUTING THE NEWCOMERS: The Spartans have four new players on hand this year, including 6-7, 240-pound freshman F Ricardo Glenn, who averaged 15.7 ppg and 12.3 rebounds as a high school senior. G Ryan LeGates showed versatility as a senior in Roswell, Ga., averaging 16.5 points, five rebounds and five assists per game for a 26-win team which reached the state championship game.

KEY EARLY-SEASON GAMES: The season begins with a road trip to Nebraska and Indiana, then journeys to Miami and Wichita State before the first week of December ends. USC Upstate also makes its yearly West Coast swing just before Christmas with games at UNLV and Arizona State. There's also a home-and-home with Big South Conference power Winthrop.

PROGRAM DIRECTION: It's heading in the right direction, although slowly. Transitioning into Division I isn't easy and doing it with a schedule chock-full of road games against TV league schools makes it tougher. But Payne's a solid coach and expected upgrades to the tiny Hodge Center should help recruiting.

PROBABLE STARTING LINEUP: PG Josh Chavis, SG De'Marion Gordon, SF Mezie Uzochokwu, PF Pat Posey, C Nate Schneiders.

ROSTER REPORT:

--F Caleb Palkert was rated a top 25 player in the state of Minnesota by one online entity, so USC Upstate may have pulled off a bit of a recruiting coup getting the 6-9 freshman. Palkert led his high school to its first-ever state tournament appearance last year.

--F Kenny Joyner transferred into USC Upstate from Southern Wesleyan, so he'll have to sit out the 2009-10 season. Joyner will have three years of eligibility as of next year.

--F Jonathan Gray averaged 12.2 points and 7.3 rebounds per game as a senior at Hanna High in Anderson, S.C., the high school alma mater of baseball Hall of Famer Jim Rice.

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STETSON

GETTING INSIDE

The smell of Stetson isn't expected to be a sweet one this winter in the Atlantic Sun Conference, although coach Derek Waugh begs to differ.

With only two returning starters and almost no proven scoring of which to speak in the post, the Hatters are tabbed for a seventh place finish by A-Sun media. However, Waugh is taking a big-picture view of the season.

"Our schedule is tough, but I like the way it sets up with a bunch of home games late," he said. "We are 24-6 at home over the last two years and with six newcomers on the roster, we should be peaking by that time."

If not, Stetson could actually miss the conference tourney this year, since the last place team is excluded. North Florida and Kennesaw State are now eligible for the A-Sun tourney after completing their reclassification to Division I.

The Hatters' only returning starter is G A.J. Smith, who averaged 12.6 ppg and 3.8 assists. Smith shot poorly throughout the season but has excellent range, and may have to hunt his shot frequently until others can figure out their roles.

Forward Sheldon Oliver (5.6 ppg, 5.0 rebounds) is the other returning starter, while a handful of role players are also back.

NOTES, QUOTES

--Stetson's roster has featured an international flavor in recent years and this season is no different. It has two players from Montreal and three from Australia.

--F Olivier Dupiton, one of the two players from Montreal on the roster, is also one of 18 players from the province of Quebec playing Division I basketball. Another is Hatter teammate Shawn Bowen.

--If Stetson is to defy low expectations, it has to take better shots and make more of them. It made less than 39 percent from the floor and under 64 percent at the foul line, often negating its sound, tough defense.

LAST YEAR: 13-17 overall, 9-11 in the Atlantic Sun.

HEAD COACH: Derek Waugh (career 105-147); 9th year at Stetson

QUOTE TO NOTE: "Bringing in Miami will be a good challenge as they are a favorite in the ACC this year. But as always, the heart of our schedule is the conference slate." -- Coach Derek Waugh on his team's schedule this season.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

SCOUTING THE NEWCOMERS: Six new players dot the Stetson roster and logic suggests a few will be asked to fill key roles with the graduation of three starters and a key reserve. G Ronnie Mack scored 19 ppg as a high school senior in Birmingham, Ala, while coach Derek Waugh also mined his Australian pipeline for a pair of recruits -- Liam McInerney and Joel Naburgs.

KEY EARLY-SEASON GAMES: Before the season's first three weeks end, the Hatters will play at Florida, Florida State and Louisville, which could up the learning curve for an inexperienced team. They also get a home game with Miami in mid-December and open A-Sun play on Nov. 30 at USC Upstate.

PROGRAM DIRECTION: This might be headed downward, given that Stetson was expecting to challenge for the league title last year and didn't deliver with an experienced lineup. Smith should be one of the league's top guards but there doesn't appear to be enough proven punch around him. If things really go wrong, this could be a 20-loss team.

PROBABLE STARTING LINEUP: PG A.J. Smith, SG Mark Lohuis, SF Sheldon Oliver, PF Olivier Dupiton, C Graeme Radford.

ROSTER REPORT:

--G J.R. Weston is a "legacy" player, as he's the son of a former Hatter (Randy Weston), the nephew of school Hall of Famer Brad Weston and the cousin of Gabe McMillin, who played at the school from 2003-06.

--F Ridge Graham redshirted last year and has four years of eligibility remaining. Graham led his high school team to 25 wins and a spot in its regional championship game two years ago.

--C Graeme Radford has beefed up since arriving at Stetson, adding 18 pounds and getting stronger in an effort to become a good Division I player. Radford should get a starting shot this year with the frontcourt decimated by graduation.