GETTING INSIDE

The Arkansas-Little Rock Trojans won a school-record 15 Sun Belt league games in 2008-09 on their way to a West Division title and tie with NCAA second-round qualifier Western Kentucky for the overall league title.

The Trojans bade farewell to four seniors who helped UA-Little Rock to back-to-back divisional titles. With most of the rest of the league returning veteran squads, coach Steve Shields faces one of his toughest challenges in seven years on the job.

One thing that won't change is the stifling defense that awaits Trojan opponents. UA-Little Rock was second in the league in scoring defense (63.4), second in field goal defense (.402) and first in 3-point field goal defense (.319).

The defense will have to carry the load until three new starters, which could include a couple of newcomers, find their rhythm. Two returning starters account for only 14 points and four rebounds per game.

NOTES, QUOTES

--The 2007-08 and 2008-09 seasons marked the first time since 1988-89 and 1989-90 that UA-Little Rock had back-to-back 20-win seasons.

--Steve Shields has guided the Trojans to four divisional titles in his first six years.

--UA-Little Rock went 11-0 against the Sun Belt West last year.

LAST YEAR: 23-8 overall, 15-3 in the Sun Belt

HEAD COACH: Steve Shields (Baylor, 1988) 7th year (105-73)

BY THE NUMBERS: 23 -- Number of victories in '08-09; the most since the 1995-96 Trojans also won that many.

93 -- Final RPI rating of the 08-09 Trojans, the highest in the state of Arkansas, followed by the Razorbacks at No. 147.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

KEY RETURNEES: Senior forward Wayne Burton and junior guard Matt Mouzy are the only returning starters. The 6-8, 240-pound Burton averaged 3.4 points per game and 2.8 rebounds per contest. Mouzy led the Trojans with 73 made 3-pointers, 3-point percentage (.382) and 36 steals. The six-footer reached double-figures 16 times last season.

"Matt has a work ethic that is second to none," said Trojan head coach Steve Shields. "He epitomizes the term gym rat. He's just a self-made player. He can do one thing exceptionally well, and that's shoot the basketball."

SCOUTING THE NEWCOMERS: Junior transfer Solomon Bozeman will be counted upon to take over the point guard position. The Magnolia, Ark., native averaged over seven points and nearly three assists per game in two seasons at South Florida. After starting in 24 of 30 games as a freshman with the Bulls, his minutes fell by nearly half as a sophomore. Still the 6-foot Bozeman ranks as South Florida's all-time leader in free throw shooting (87.9 percent).

The Trojans also went international looking to replenish their roster. Also on board is 6-foot-3 guard Alex Garcia-Mendoza from El Puerta, Mexico, 6-7 forward Marlon Louzeiro of San Luis, Brazil, 6-5 guard Nikola Cicic of Belgrade-Zemun, Serbia and 6-10 F Will Neighbour originally from Aldershot, England.

Louzerio was signed out of Midland College where he helped guide the Chaparrals to a NJCAA runner-up finish and 61-8 mark.

Garcia-Mendoza comes to Little Rock from Northeaster Junior College in Colorado, where he averaged 14 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.2 steals per game for the Plainsmen. Garcia-Mendoza is expected to ease into one of two positions vacated by senior guards.

KEY EARLY SEASON GAMES: The Trojans open with four tough road games in the first two weeks of the season. Trips to Ole Miss, Tulsa, Creighton and Louisiana Tech dot the November slate. Memphis visits on December 12 before the conference slate opens four nights later at South Alabama.

PROGRAM DIRECTION: The program is consistent, but not spectacular during Steve Shields' first four years at 62-54. A 43-19 mark over the past two years, including 28-10 in the league, has pushed the Trojans into the upper echelon of the Sun Belt Conference. With the heavy roster turnover from last year, can the Trojans re-load or must they re-build?

PROBABLE STARTING LINEUP: G Matt Mouzey, G Solomon Bozeman, G Alex Garcia-Mendoza, F Wayne Burton, F Mike Smith.

ROSTER REPORT:

--Junior guard Matt Mouzey earned a scholarship this past spring after spending his first two years as a walk-on.

--Sophomore guard Curtis Jackson transferred after just one year in the UA-Little Rock program, likely to the junior college ranks.

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DENVER

GETTING INSIDE

The Pioneers continue to make strides under third-year coach Joe Scott. The Pete Carill pupil and protege has improved the Poineer win total in each of his first two seasons. Denver even earned and won a Sun Belt Conference tournament home game for the first time.

Denver has never made an NCAA Tournament appearance, but that's clearly the goal in 2009-10 with every starter returning as well as a deep and experienced bench.

Scott has stressed defense throughout his career.

His teams at Air Force were the best in the nation in scoring defense during his four years at Colorado Springs and his 2006-07 Princeton squad also led the nation in the category. Under Scott, the Pioneers have recorded two straight seasons of top 25 finishes in scoring defense.

Three starters who averaged in double figures return as does the league's top 3-point shooter from last season. The efficient offense allowed Denver to lead the Sun Belt in both field goal percentage and 3-point field goal percentage a year ago.

NOTES, QUOTES

--Denver broke a 43-game road losing streak last season. It was the longest in the nation at the time.

--Denver went 3-0 against NCAA Tournament teams last year.

BY THE NUMBERS: 47.9 -- Denver's field goal percentage, 18th in the nation last season.

29.6 -- Denver's rebounding defense, best in the Sun Belt.

23.8 -- Denver's rebounding offense, lowest in the Sun Belt.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

KEY RETURNEES: All-Sun Belt Conference first-team selection Nate Rohnert was the only player to finish amongst the league's top 15 in scoring (15.3), rebounding (5.4) and assists (4.7). He also finished in the top 10 in field goal percentage (.493), steals (1.29) and minutes played (37.0).

Forward Rob Lewis is also back after averaging 13 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. Sophomore guard Brian Stafford added over 11 points and 2.0 boards per contest.

Redshirt sophomore Andrew Hooper shot a sizzling 46.6% off the bench from beyond the arc, best in the conference.

Guard Kyle Lewis and forward Justin Coughlin complete the returning starting lineup.

SCOUTING THE NEWCOMERS: Coach Joe Scott added four newcomers to this year's squad. Coming on board are athletic forwards Blake Foreman (6-foot-7) and Jeff Powers (6-8) as well as guards with better length in Chase Hallam (6-5), and Tyler Thalken (6-4).

KEY EARLY SEASON GAMES: The Pioneers have the opportunity to get off to a good start with the first four games inside Maness Arena. Northern Iowa, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Montana and Wyoming all visit before Thanksgiving. Northern Iowa is expected to be the class of the Missouri Valley Conference, making a home game against the Panthers a critical chance. The first road trip isn't until November 28 when Denver travels to Brookings, South Dakota to take on the South Dakota State Jackrabbits. Conference play begins with home dates on Dec. 17 and 19 against Florida International and Louisiana-Monroe.

PROGRAM DIRECTION: While every starter returns -- as well as three key reserves -- this is still a young Pioneer basketball team. Nate Rohnert is the lone starting senior with Rob Lewis and Kyle Lewis the only two seniors. The program has improved each year under Scott and with the amount of young talent on board, it's reasonable to expect the trend will continue.

PROBABLE STARTING LINEUP: G/F Nate Rohnert, G Brian Stafford, F Rob Lewis, G Kyle Lewis, F Justin Coughlin.

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FLORIDA ATLANTIC

GETTING INSIDE

There are young teams. And then there is Florida Atlantic.

The Owls' preseason roster includes seven true freshmen and four sophomores. Of the four returning lettermen, just one, guard Shavar Richardson, scored in double figures in the 2008-09 season.

There are 10 newcomers, and coach Mike Jarvis is counting heavily on his 2009 recruiting class, and not just because he has to rely on them.

"This class is as good a class as I have ever been part of recruiting, and that includes some pretty good classes at Boston University, George Washington and St. John's," Jarvis said. "The reason for my optimism is the fact that we have recruited a complete team, point guard, shooting guard, small forwards, power forward, center and it's not often that you do that.

"Of course it's not often that you have to do that. We are really grateful to the fact that these young men have decided to put their trust and faith in us."

All four returnees started at least 18 games, including junior forward Brett Royster, sophomore forward Chris Watson and sophomore point guard Alex Tucker

This is FAU's fourth season in the Sun Belt Conference.

NOTES, QUOTES

--Mike Jarvis, who has added his son, Mike Jarvis II, to the coaching staff, guided the Owls to a 6-26 record last season. FAU has never won 20 games in a season. The program began in 1988-89. The Owls' best year was 2001-02 (19-12).

--Shavar Richardson will be a key player offensively for FAU. The 6-foot-3 sophomore averaged 11.8 points per game as a freshman.

--Brett Royster gives the Owls size and experience inside. The 6-8 junior averaged 5.3 rebounds and 2.3 blocks last season and scored 7.1 points per game.

--Alex Tucker led the team in assists last season with 4.4 per game.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "Red Auerbach taught me a long time ago what it takes to put teams together. I remember him saying that you have to recruit players with character, not characters. I also remember him telling me that you need to recruit players from winning programs and you want to recruit players that do something special." -- FAU head coach Mike Jarvis.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

SCOUTING THE NEWCOMERS: Big man Demonte Simpson (6-9, 270, who helped AAA Knoxville Bearden, Tenn., become the 26th-ranked prep team in the nation) and big G Darren Stewart (Monsignor Edward Pace High School in Pembroke Pines, Fla.) appear to be the best of what coach Mike Jarvis calls his best-ever recruiting class. Coach Mike Jarvis says this year's class, combined with last year's newcomers, has all the parts necessary to compete in the Sun Belt.

"In one year, thanks to the great work of my assistant coaches, Mike Jarvis II, Matt McCall and Tim Kaine," Jarvis said, "we now have the necessary size, speed, quickness, depth and attitude to be a force to be reckoned with in the Sun Belt Conference."

KEY EARLY-SEASON GAMES: The Owls' toughest November game could be a trip to American late in the month. The toughest part of FAU's non-conference slate is a three-game stretch in late December, when the Owls face Miami close to home, and then travel to Georgia and Maryland.

PROBABLE STARTING LINEUP: PG Alex Tucker, SG Shavar Richardson, SF Brett Royster, PF Demonte Simpson, C Justin Tucker.

ROSTER REPORT

--F Sanchez Hughley is healthy after battling injuries last year, the second year out of the last three in which the 6-foot-6 junior missed significant time.

--F/C Kore White is sitting out this season after transferring from Marshall, where he saw limited playing time last year as a true freshman.

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FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL

GETTING INSIDE

The hiring of basketball legend Isiah Thomas put Florida International in the national college basketball spotlight.

Thomas left the NBA's New York Knicks' front office -- he earlier served on the bench in a head-coaching capacity -- in a cloud of controversy, but he hopes to revive his coaching career by putting new life into a program that hasn't had a winning season in a decade.

His team is almost as new to the college basketball scene as Thomas, who left Indiana in 1981. Only five lettermen return, and only one of them scored in double figures last year, forward Nicola Gacsesa, who averaged exactly 10 points per game.

The defection of the 2008-09 Sun Belt Freshman of the Year, 6-foot-10 Freddy Asprilla, makes the Panthers as small as they are inexperienced. Only one player is listed over 6-6.

While the returnees learn Thomas' system and the new players adjust to Division I basketball, Thomas is emphasizing defense.

"Defense will be our staple," Thomas said. "We're very small so we'll have to depend on our scrappiness and tenacity. Here in college it's just a matter of expanding on the things that they've already done. It'll be new for me. My job right now is to teach and then observe, then try to piece it all together."

"I want us to be known as a tough, aggressive defensive team. We don't have a lot of size so we will have to depend on our scrappiness, our tenacity and our togetherness. I also want us to get up and down the floor and be a good offensive team."

One newcomer could provide instant offense early in the season. Junior college transfer Marvin Roberts, a 6-5 forward out of Brooklyn, was the nation's leading Juco scorer last year, averaging 29.6 points per game.

NOTES, QUOTES

--Isiah Thomas sought the advice of some of his closest friends and mentors before going to FIU, including his college coach, Bobby Knight, Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski and one of his NBA coaches, Chuck Daly, who died of cancer in May, one month after Thomas took the job.

"I was getting great advice from all of them," Thomas told USA Today. "They were all saying, 'You should take the job.' They thought I would be good at it, and they thought the change in atmosphere would be good for me. They've all been right."

--F Nicola Gacsesa is the top returning scorer (10.0 ppg). The 6-9 senior, a native of Serbia, also hauled in 4.6 rebounds per game.

--G Nick Taylor led the team with 99 assists last season, 3.1 per game. He started 21 of 32 games.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "My job right is to teach, observe and then piece together a team that can go out and compete. But right now, [the players] are new to me as a coach. I'll be watching them play for the first time." -- Florida International coach Isiah Thomas.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

SCOUTING THE NEWCOMERS: Isiah Thomas is excited about his four junior college recruits, Marvin Roberts, the nation's leading Juco scorer last year, and highly-regarded guards Stephon Weaver, Antoine Watson and Phil Gary.

KEY EARLY-SEASON GAMES: FIU's nonconference schedule isn't that difficult, except for a November trip to Tulsa and the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic, which forces Isiah Thomas to make his college coaching debut in Chapel Hill, against defending national champion North Carolina.

PROBABLE STARTING LINEUP: PG Nick Taylor, SG Tremayne Russell, SF Marlon Bright, SF Marvin Roberts, F/C Nicola Gacsesa.

ROSTER REPORT:

--Freddie Asprilla, the Sun Belt Conference Freshman of the Year in 2008-09, spent the off-season trying to secure a release from his scholarship, and has reportedly enrolled at Miami Dade College. The 6-10 Asprilla averaged 13.7 points and 9.2 rebounds per game last year.

--Coach Isiah Thomas has his first blue chip recruit. According to scout.com, FIU received a verbal commitment in August from Dominique Ferguson of Hargrave (Va.) Military Academy. Scout.com rates Ferguson was a 4-star recruit and the 8th-best power forward in the country.

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LA LAFAYETTE

GETTING INSIDE

Big things were expected from Louisiana-Lafayette in 2008-09. After all, the Ragin' Cajuns had virtually everybody back from their Sun Belt West championship team the year before. However, injuries and illness decimated the team and Lafayette finished fourth in the West.

Coming into the season, all eyes are on head coach Robert Lee. Lee's status wasn't resolved until two weeks after the completion of last season when the school announced he would return for a sixth season. A run at another West Division title might be required for Lee to stick around for a seventh.

It seems like forever since Lee nearly direct an upset of Louisville in the first-round of the 2005 NCAA Tournament.

Eleven contributors are back including the team's three leading scorers.

Nine different players that started last year are also back giving the Cajuns an experienced and veteran bench.

NOTES, QUOTES

--The Ragin' Cajuns were the only home team to lose in the first round of the Sun Belt Conference Tournament last season.

--Head coach Robert Lee implemented staff changes with the additions of Nate Dixon and James Williams. Williams was a teammate of Lee's at Nicholls State.

--NCAA sanctions sent Lee's record from 67-83 to 50-75.

BY THE NUMBERS: 16 -- Players from last year's roster returning this season.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

KEY RETURNEES: Chirs Gradnigo, the team's leading scorer each of the last two seasons, heads the returnees. Gradnigo averaged 13.3 points per game last year, including almost 15 per league contest.

Travis Bureau and Randell Daigle also provide scoring punch at 12.4 and 11.3 points per game respectively. Daigle is the deep threat for the Cajuns and made nearly three per game from behind the line last season.

Returning reserves accounted for 25 points per game last season.

SCOUTING THE NEWCOMERS: With all the returnees, not much room was left for additions. Louisiana did add 6-9, 215-pound center Javan Mitchell.

KEY EARLY SEASON GAMES: A plethora of in-state games dot the early schedule. After a visit from Southern Mississippi to start the season, Louisiana College, Tulane and Centenary all visit before Christmas. Lafayette will take short trips to McNeese State and LSU. Seventeen of 29 regular-season games will be played in the state of Louisiana.

PROGRAM DIRECTION: With the decision on Lee languishing for two weeks after last season, clearly the direction of the program is in question. The question can be answered quickly and swiftly by a healthy, veteran squad. If not, a new direction will likely be charted.

PROBABLE STARTING LINE-UP: G Chris Gradnigo, G Travis Burneau, G Randell Daigle, F Tyren Johnson, G Ryan McCoy.

ROSTER REPORT:

--Randell Daigle is officially listed as a senior, but an extra year is available if Daigle is has completed at least 80 percent of degree requirements by the end of the 2009-10 academic year.

--Guard La'Ryan Gary is back after a knee injury.

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LOUISIANA-MONROE

GETTING INSIDE

The Warhawks literally limped to six league wins and just 10 overall wins last season. The team was besieged by injuries that left them short-handed at several spots, particularly point guard.

The team's top two backcourt players were together for only the first three games of the season. As a result, ULM ranked near the bottom of the Sun Belt conference in assist/turnover ratio and turnover margin and assists.

However, optimism is high in Monroe.

All five starters return as does as the team's sixth man, who may very well claim a starting assignment.

A stout recruiting class and a favorable decision by the NCAA hardship committee gives the Warhawks their best roster of talent and depth in the Orlando Early era.

NOTES, QUOTES

--Starters missed a total of 44 games due to injury including a combined 43 from junior point guard Brandon Roberts and All-Sun Belt guard Tony Hooper.

--ULM was one of five Sun Belt teams to have four players average in double figures.

BY THE NUMBERS: 88.5 -- Total percentage of the team's scoring the Warhawks return for the 2009-10 season.

10 -- Number of wins by ULM in three of Orlando Early's four seasons.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

KEY RETURNEES: Dynile Forbes sprained an ankle early last season, but came on strong down the stretch by averaging nearly 15 points per game over the final 10 contests. Forbes is best at attacking the rim and getting to the free throw line. Forbes moved into the starting line-up late in the season.

The team's scoring leader (12.3 per game), steals leader and 3-point leader, Malcolm Thomas, also returns. Thomas was ninth in the league, hitting at a 40% clip from beyond the arc.

ULM's top rebounder and shot blocker, Rudy Turner, is also back. Turner averaged ten points and seven rebounds last year.

The Warhawks also get former All-Sun Belt performer Tony Hooper back, Hooper played in just four games last year because of a broken foot.

SCOUTING THE NEWCOMERS: Five newcomers join the squad, but gaining significant minutes will be tough. The most intriguing new face is junior college transfer the Fabio Ribero from New Mexcio Junior College. Ribero is a 6-10 center originally from Caetanopolis, Brazil.

KEY EARLY SEASON GAMES: Coach Orlando Early hopes to help himself on the Cajun State recruiting trail with a number of match-ups against in-state competition. The Warhawks open their season November 13 in Baton Rouge against LSU. Louisiana Tech visits the Monroe campus for the first time in 20 years on December 2. Shreveport-based Centenary will host ULM on November 27.

PROGRAM DIRECTION: Early, a former Alabama assistant coach, gets a pass due to the injuries that clearly hampered his team last season. However, the fact is the ULM has only 20 total wins and 10 league victories the last two years combined. With a veteran squad, a move up the conference hierarchy is expected. School administrators are confident the program is turning the proverbial corner.

PROBABLE STARTING LINEUP: G/F Malcom Thomas, F Lawrence Gilbert, F Rudy Turner, G Dynile Forbes, G Tony Hooper.

ROSTER REPORT:

--Hooper was granted a fifth year of eligibility, but he and ULM staff didn't know of the extra season until early July.

--Reserves Mitchell Hampton and Reggie Lassiter transferred after last season.

--Fred Brown joined the ULM program in July. Brown, a Kansas State transfer, will have two years of eligibility after sitting out this season.

--Tommie Sykes was a late spring signee (June) from Odessa Junior College.

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MIDDLE TENNESSEE ST.

GETTING INSIDE

Middle Tennessee State has one of the least experienced backcourts, and, led by one of the best players in the Sun Belt Conferene, one of the strongest frontcourts in the league.

Desmond Yates is one of just two returning regulars for the Blue Raiders, but the 6-foot-7, All-Sun Belt forward is a good one to build around. Center Theryn Hudson, who was a medical redshirt last year, is back and adds strength to the post on both ends of the floor. His presence allows Yates to return to his natural position, power forward.

Newcomers may have to make an impact, especially in the backcourt, for MTSU to equal or improve on last year's 18-10 record. Only two guards with significant game experience return.

Junior college transfers Rod Emanuel, a 6-3 shooting guard from Santa Fe (Fla.) Community College, and James Washington, a quick, 5-11 point guard out of Indian Hills (Ia.) Community College, have a chance to play right away.

"I think both of those guys can come in and earn great minutes for us," MTSU coach Kermit Davis said. "They're both third-year guys, which I think is a plus for us, since we don't have a lot of experience at guard."

Davis is excited about his recruiting class, overall, in part because of their offseason work ethic.

"This is the best conditioned team we have begun practice with in the last four or five years," Davis said. "In something of a surprise, our new players as a whole are actually better conditioned that our returning players, and our returning players are in good shape."

NOTES, QUOTES

--The Blue Raiders should be one of the top rebounding teams in the Sun Belt with the return of center Theryn Hudson (5.4 rebounds per game in 2007-08) and forwards Montarrio Haddock (5.2) and Desmond Yates (4.5).

--Desmond Yates is one of the top players in the Sun Belt. The 6-7 Yates, who had to fill in at center last season because of injuries, shot 57.9 percent from the field and averaged 17.2 points per game.

--Theryn Hudson, a 6-10, 245-pound senior, returns after sitting out last season with multiple injuries. He led the team in rebounding and blocks in the 2007-08 season and was fourth in the Sun Belt in field goal percentage (64.7 percent).

--Montarrio Haddock led the team in rebounding last season.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "This is a fun group, very receptive to coaching, and they have a lot of energy. They love being in the gym, they want to live in the gym. In my previous seven years, we had a few gym rats, but this is different." -- MTSU coach Kermit Davis.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

SCOUTING THE NEWCOMERS: Middle Tennessee State coach Kermit Davis is excited about all seven of his newcomers, including 6-8 freshman J. T. Sulton, whom Davis describes as "our most athletic newcomer." Davis is counting on two junior college transfers in the backcourt, Rod Emanuel and James Washington. Washington scored in double figures as a freshman at Western Illinois before transferring last year to Indian Hills (Ia.) Community College.

KEY EARLY-SEASON GAMES: Middle Tennessee State travels to Nashville twice this season. The Blue Raiders take on Tennessee at the Sommet Center on Dec. 11 and play at Vanderbilt on Jan. 4. MTSU, which has six home games combined in November and December, travels to UAB Dec. 2.

PROBABLE STARTING LINEUP: PG Demario Williams, SG Calvin O'Neill, SF Montarrio Haddock, PF Desmond Yates, C Theryn Hudson.

ROSTER REPORT

--Senior forward Montarrio Haddock suffered a sprained MCL late in the offseason, but coach Kermit Davis termed it "not serious."

--Freshman guard David Murray started the pre-season with his ankle in a boot brace. He is expected to be ready by the start of the regular season.

--Center Theryn Hudson is back this season after redshirting last season due to a series of injuries. "Theryn is in unbelievable shape," MTSU Coach Kermit Davis said. "He's down to 245 pounds, and his body fat content is only 5.14 percent. He's made great progress after his injuries, and is looking for a great senior season."

--Jason Jones has transferred to Middle Tennessee State from UTEP, where he started 17 games last year as a freshman. Jones will be eligible at the start of the 2010-11 season.

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NEW ORLEANS

GETTING INSIDE

Head coach Joe Pasternack might have effectively saved the New Orleans basketball program from extinction when he facilitated a $1 million gift from local businessmen John Georges and former UNO standout Gabe Corchiani.

As it was, state budget cuts threatened to moth ball the once proud Privateer program. The gifts will help to offset the meager budget that was eventually approved.

Pasternack is back for his third year, an accomplishment in itself since both of his predecessors lasted just one season.

Despite losing all but three players from the most successful New Orleans team in a decade last year, Pasternack somehow managed 11 wins overall six victories inside the Sun Belt Conference.

Three starters do return this year but neither averaged as many as seven points per game last season. New Orleans will rely heavily on two star recruits and an SEC transfer.

NOTES, QUOTES

--New Orleans returned to its home venue, Lakefront Arena, last year for the first time since Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

--UNO failed to reach the Sun Belt Conference quarterfinals for the first time in program history.

--Tied school records for losses in a season (19) and conference losses (12) in a season.

LAST YEAR: 11-19 overall, 6-12 in the Sun Belt

HEAD COACH: Joe Pasternack (Indiana, 1999) 2nd year (30-32)

BY THE NUMBERS: 70 percent -- Amount of scoring production lost from last year's team.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

KEY RETURNEES: Czech-born center Jaroslav Tyrna is the leading scorer (6.5) and rebounder (4.9) for the Privateers. The 6-10 Tyrna is a native of Prague.

Charles Carmouche (6-2) and Ejike Hart (6-8) are the other two returning starters. The duo averaged just six points and seven rebounds combined last year.

SCOUTING THE NEWCOMERS: The biggest addition is that of former Georgia Bulldog Billy Humphrey. Humphrey was instrumental in leading the 'Dawgs to the 2008 SEC Tournament title with two big games in one day after a tornado in Atlanta delayed the event. Humphrey averaged 12.2 points per game for Georgia. Humphrey sat out last year under transfer rules.

Jacolby Pittman, New Orleans' first three-star recruit in five years, is expected to play immediately as is late signee Devin McDonald. McDonald was set to go to Colorado State before signing with the Privateers in June.

KEY EARLY SEASON GAMES: Interestingly enough, Humphrey will make his New Orleans debut at Georgia on November 13. A trip to North Carolina State is booked for November 29. The non-conference home slate is less than attractive with Southern-New Orleans, Texas State, Mobile and Houston Baptist the first four dates at Lakefront Arena.

PROGRAM DIRECTION: The direction of a program can't be under any more peril than New Orleans' was at the end of last year. Speculation was rampant that the program would be disbanded due to lack of funding. Pasternack did his best work off the court to help save the program. His best work on the court may not be enough to save it next time.

PROBABLE STARTING LINEUP: C Jaroslav Tyna, G Billy Humphrey, F/C Jacolby Pittman, G Devin McDonald, Charles Carmouche.

ROSTER REPORT:

--Team leader in assists and steals, Darrian McKinstry was suspended three times last season and eventually dismissed in May.

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NORTH TEXAS

GETTING INSIDE

The Mean Green have won at least 20 games each of the past three seasons; however, only once has that accomplishment resulted in a trip to the NCAA Tournament.

With all five starters returning, several newcomers and a couple of others returning after sitting out last year, coach Johnny Jones' squad possesses both the talent and the depth required to make their second foray in the field of 65 in the last three years.

"With the number of guys we have returning, the type of recruiting year we had and a couple guys who sat out last year that we think will have an impact on our team, we think we can have an exciting year," said Jones.

North Texas would like to increase its pace and improve upon its 77.2 points-per-game scoring average from a year ago, but also must limit opponents to less than the 74.7 points it allowed per outing last season. The Mean Green was second in the league in scoring offense, but next to last in scoring defense.

With several newcomers expected to contribute immediately, North Texas will try to force tempo even more than in previous seasons. Jones' is hoping the increase in rotation will result in a better defensive club as well.

"We'll have some more size on the perimeter at the two and three positions which will help us become a better defensive club," Jones noted.

NOTES, QUOTES

--North Texas led the nation with 20.25 made free throws per game. The 648 converted charity tosses were 104 more than Mean Green opponents.

--Coach Johnny Jones will once again face off with Isiah Thomas. The last time the duo met, Jones' LSU team lost a national semifinal game to eventual national champion Indiana in 1981. Thomas has taken over at Florida International.

--Jones led North Texas to a school-record 23 wins in 2006-07, including its first-ever Sun Belt Conference title and first NCAA appearance since 1988.

--Dominique Johnson's 120 assists were the most of any North Texas player in 10 years.

--Josh White made 96-of-106 free throws, or 95.6 percent, but was one attempt short of officially leading the nation.

LAST YEAR: 20-12 overall, 11-7 in the Sun Belt

HEAD COACH: Johnny Jones (LSU, 1985) 8th year (126-112), 9th year overall (141-128)

QUOTE TO NOTE: "He had a superb freshman season and then fought through the left wrist injury last season. The last six or seven games, he was back to himself. He's had a tremendous offseason and has been special in our pre-season workouts." -- Coach Johnny Jones on junior guard Josh White.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

KEY RETURNEES: Josh White (5-foot-10) is back at full strength. Even after a left wrist injury early in the year at Oklahoma State, White averaged 11.3 points and 2.9 rebounds per game. Preseason all-conference selection Eric Tramiel is back for his senior season at forward. Tramiel earned third-team all-conference honors after averaging 12 points and 6.5 rebounds per outing last season. Tramiel also blocked 21 shots and shot nearly 58% from the field. Wing Tristan Thompson (6-5, junior) is the Mean Green's best weapon from beyond the arc. Thompson connected on 37.4% of his 3-point tries last season.

SCOUTING THE NEWCOMERS: Coach Johnny Jones went the junior college route to find additional help for the Mean Green backcourt. Shannon Shorter, a 6-foot-4 junior, comes from Paris (Texas) Junior College where he compiled 16 points and nine rebounds per game in leading his team to a top ten ranking. Richard Thomas comes from NJCAA champion Garden City Community College. The 6-foot-5 guards poured in nearly 14 points per game in the title run. Also on board is freshman Jacob Holmen, a long and active 6-8 forward from Whitehouse, Texas. Jones says 6-4 freshman guard and Dallas native Alzee Williams has been a pleasant surprise.

KEY EARLY SEASON GAMES: North Texas will take on NCAA Tournament teams Oklahoma State, Texas A&M and Western Kentucky, all of whom advanced to the second round. Early nonconference opponents also include Boise State, Rice and Texas-Arlington. The Sun Belt conference starts earlier than ever when Louisiana-Monroe visits the Super Pit on December 13.

PROGRAM DIRECTION: Only South Alabama and Western Kentucky join North Texas from the Sun Belt Conference with three-straight 20-win seasons entering 2009-10. Not only does North Texas return all five starters, it adds two talented junior college players, adds two promising freshman and returns a couple of more players who missed parts of or all of the past two seasons. The Mean Green appears to have the nucleus to challenge Western Kentucky for Sun Belt supremacy and compete for an NCAA Tournament bid come March.

PROBABLE STARTING LINEUP: G Josh White, G Tristan Thompson, G Dominique Johnson, F Eric Tramiel, F George Odufuwa.

ROSTER REPORT:

--Junior Cameron Spencer, a 6-foot-8, 274-pound junior, becomes eligible after transferring from SMU.

--Redshirt freshman Ben Knox had added 25 pounds (215) on his 6-foot-10 frame.

--Redshirt junior Collin Mangrum is back at full strength. Mangrum missed all of 2007-08 and 21 games in 2008-09.

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SOUTH ALABAMA

GETTING INSIDE

South Alabama is not exactly starting from scratch this season, but it's close.

Player introductions will be a pre-season staple and an early-season requirement for the Jaguars. Only four lettermen return, and only one of the four came close to being a full-time regular last year.

South Alabama has some ten newcomers, and the Jaguars probably need significant contributions from as many as four or five of them.

South Alabama won 23 games last season and reached the Sun Belt finals, where it lost to Western Kentucky. Any hopes of extending a streak of four consecutive, 20-win seasons, rest with a practically new team.

The Jaguars lost their top three scorers, Domonic Tilford, Brandon Davis and DeAndre Coleman, who combined for 40 points and nearly 20 rebounds a game. The most experienced returnees, forward LaShun Watson and guard Bryan Sherrer, combined for 32 starts last season. Big men Philip Tabet and Charles Tabet combined for just 4.4 points and 4.7 rebounds in limited playing time.

Those four have to show the way, says USA coach Ronnie Arrow, while the team breaks in its many newcomers.

"The guys back from last year are going to be very important," Arrow said. "Philip would have played more last year if we wouldn't have had such good inside players. He's got the most experience of anybody inside that we have returning.

"Charles didn't play much last year either, but he has to step up. It's time for him to become a vital player for us. Bryan (Sherrer) should have a good year. He came on late, started all four games in the (Sun Belt) tournament and is one of our best shooters. This should be a breakout year for (LaShun) Watson."

NOTES, QUOTES

--South Alabama must replace percent over 80 percent of its scoring and rebounding from last season. At last two or three newcomers will be asked to contribute right away.

--LaShun Watson is the top returning scorer (7.0 ppg) and rebounder (4.2 rpg). Watson played in 32 USA games last year and started 21 of them.

--Senior guard Bryan Sherrer averaged 5.3 ppg a year ago and started 11 times for the Jaguars.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "It reminds me of being at San Jacinto Junior College because every year you had 8 to 12 new faces. Not only are the faces new, they're young, especially inside. We went from the most experienced inside team to the most inexperienced inside team." -- USA coach Ronnie Arrow said.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

SCOUTING THE NEWCOMERS: South Alabama coach Ronnie Arrow is counting on three recruits right away this season, junior college transfers Tim Williams and Raymond Sims and freshman swingman Martino Brock. "Tim Williams' credentials say he can not only be the best guard on our team, but one of the best in the Sun Belt," Arrow said. "Martino Brock is the best athlete I've ever coached. He's got to able to shoot the ball for us. Raymond Sims has the ability to be among the assist leaders in the country, with the way he plays and the way he likes to play." Forward Gary Redus II, who transferred to USA from Centenary, is the son of former major league outfielder Gary Redus.

KEY EARLY-SEASON GAMES: The USA nonconference schedule includes trips to Tulsa, Arkansas and Florida. The Jaguars host UAB, Alabama and Kansas State on Dec. 19 in the Coors Classic.

PROBABLE STARTING LINEUP: PG Raymond Sims, SG Bryan Sherrer, F LaShun Watson, F Martino Brock, C Philip Tabet.

ROSTER REPORT:

--G Brandon Nobles underwent knee surgery in September and is out for the season. Nobles suffered the injury prior to transferring to USA from Alabama Southern Community College.

--F Andre Gowins, a freshman from Gauiter, Miss., is also out for the year after tearing an ACL during pre-season drills.

--C Augustine Robit, a freshman from Houston, will miss the season due to NCAA compliance issues, but will be allowed to practice with the team.

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TROY

GETTING INSIDE

Good guard play, as Dick Vitale and virtually every other college basketball analyst preaches, is crucial to any team's success.

Few mid-majors, and, perhaps, no one in the Sun Belt, can boast a more experienced and productive group of guards than the Troy trio of Brandon Hazzard, Richard Delk and Michael Vogler. The three veterans earned First, Second and Third-Team All Sun Belt honors, respectively, last season.

The Trojans expect to contend in the Sun Belt with four returning starters, including Hazzard, Delk, Vogler, and Yamene Coleman, and a transfer from Alabama who can fill a void inside.

An All-Sun Belt pick, Hazzard is a deadly 3-point shooter and led the Trojans in scoring last season, averaging 16.2 points per game. He's ranked the 16th best shooter in college basketball by FoxSports.com. Hazzard, who shot nearly 45 percent from 3-point range as a junior last season, is a career 43.2 percent shooter from deep.

"The thing that makes Brandon a special shooter is that he shoots such a high percentage," Troy head coach Don Maestri said. "A lot of guys make a lot of 3-pointers, but their percentage is low. Brandon is special because he shoots at a high percentage."

At 6-foot-9 and 230 pounds, Coleman brings much-needed size to the Troy lineup. He averaged nearly four points and four rebounds in 17 minutes per game for Alabama last year. He joins Bernard Toombs, who sat out last season with an injury, to provide the Trojans a solid presence in the low post.

NOTES, QUOTES

--G Brandon Hazzard averaged 16.2 points and made 83 3-pointers in 32 games last season. He was a First Team All-Sun Belt pick.

--G Richard Delk was named Sun Belt Newcomer of the Year after scoring 13.9 points last year. He was an All-Sun Belt Second Team selection.

--G Michael Vogler made the All-Sun Belt Third Team. He averaged 10.4 ppg and led the teams in assists (5.8) and steals (1.9).

QUOTE TO NOTE: "You always look forward to the season, but it's a little more exciting when others have high expectations for your team. Some years you are expected to have better teams than others, and this is one of those years for us, so it adds a little extra excitement." -- Troy coach Don Maestri, last year's Sun Belt Coach of the Year.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

SCOUTING THE NEWCOMERS: Alabama transfer Yamene Cole is one of 12 players on the Troy roster who transferred in from other schools, including four Division I programs. One of the more intriguing newcomers is 6-6 swingman Levan Patsatsia, who played in nine games as a freshman at Arkansas before transferring last year to Pensacola (Fla.) Junior College.

KEY EARLY-SEASON GAMES: Troy has a strong non-conference schedule, with road trips to Florida and Alabama-Birmingham in November. The Trojans pay visits to Auburn, Marshall and Houston in December.

PROBABLE STARTING LINEUP PG Michael Vogler, SG Brandon Hazzard, G-F Richard Delk, PF Antywan Jones, C Yamene Coleman.

ROSTER REPORT:

--Transfer Yamene Coleman played for Alabama last year as a redshirt junior. He left the team just before graduating with a degree in Criminal Justice in May. Troy head coach Don Maestri confirmed the transfer Sunday and said the NCAA granted the waiver that allows him to play immediately. Maestri added Coleman is able to do that because he's enrolling in a graduate program at Troy that isn't offered at Alabama -- sport and fitness management.

--The Trojans spent eight days traversing from Amsterdam into Belgium before finally spending their last two days in Paris. Coach Don Maestri called the trip a great educational experience. The team got in a little basketball, as well. "The practice time, trying some new things out we wanted to see, Trayce Macon and Bernard Toombs, putting a uniform back on after redshirting, and playing four games," Maestri said. "There were some good things that happened basketball-wise."

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WESTERN KENTUCKY

GETTING INSIDE

Few programs in the nation, much less the Sun Belt Conference or at any other mid-major school, can top Western Kentucky's rich history and tradition: 41 conference titles, 21 NCAA appearances, one Final Four (1971) and the Sweet 16 just two years ago.

Exit the 2008-09 Sun Belt Player of the Year, Orlando Mendez-Valdez. Enter the preseason pick to be the 2009-10 Player of the Year, A.J. Slaughter.

It's business as usual at WKU, where four regulars and five of the top six scorers are back from a team that reached the Second Round of the NCAAs for the second year in a row.

It's a potentially scary proposition for Sun Belt opponents, but second-year coach Ken McDonald also has the top-rated recruiting class in the conference, and may be deeper than last year.

"I think there's probably a bit more excitement around the team on paper, for whatever reason, with returning guys, new guys and the system in place," McDonald said. "So there's a lot of things, momentum-wise, hopefully, we can capitalize on.

"Last year we basically played six guys, we stayed away from injury and we made it work. This year, with a more talented group, the challenge is keeping everybody happy. Guys are here to play."

Slaughter led the Hilltoppers in scoring last season with 16.0 points per game.

The top three rebounders, including two more double-figure scorers, also return. Juniors Steffphon Pettigrew (12.7 ppg, 5.1 rpg) and Sergio Kerusch (11.2 ppg, 5.4 rpg) are back, as is 6-foot-9 senior Jeremy Evans (8.8 ppg, 5.7 rpg), who also blocked two shots per game.

Most preseason polls once again tab Western Kentucky as the favorite in the Sun Belt.

NOTES, QUOTES

--Western Kentucky defeated a five seed, Illinois, in last year's NCAA Tournament opening round before losing by just two points to another noted mid-major, Gonzaga, 83-81, in the second round. Last year's 25 wins marked the Hilltoppers' 38th season with 20 or more wins. Only five teams have more.

--A.J. Slaughter is the latest Player of the Year candidate at Western Kentucky. A 6-3 senior, Slaughter led the Hilltoppers in scoring with 16.0 per game.

--Steffphon Pettigrew, a 6-5, 231-pound forward, was in the top 17 in rebounding and scoring in the Sun Belt as a sophomore, and he received the team's Bobby Rascoe Defensive Player of the Year award last season.

--Another 6-5, junior forward, Sergio Karusch, was the second-leading rebounder in the Sun Belt last year with 7.4 rpg. He also posted 10 double-doubles.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "We have to figure out and understand that this is about winning a championship and getting back to the NCAA Tournament, those are the expectations." -- Second-year Western Kentucky coach Ken McDonald said.

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

SCOUTING THE NEWCOMERS: Nemanja Milosevic, a 6-8, 240-pound senior transfer from New Jersey Tech, is an intriguing newcomer who gives Western Kentucky some bulk inside. He averaged 12.5 points and 8.4 rebounds at the Division I independent. Freshman William Green, a 6-6 forward, was one of the top players in the Florida high school ranks last season. He blocked over 400 shots in his career.

KEY EARLY-SEASON GAMES: The Hilltoppers play a strong non-confereence schedule every year and this season is no exception. WKU is in the Pre-season NIT. The December schedule includes trips to South Carolina (Dec. 2), Vanderbilt (Dec. 11) and Louisville (Dec. 19). Western Kentucky hosts Mississippi State, Jan. 4, and Houston on Feb. 9.

PROBABLE STARTING LINEUP: PG Anthony Sally, SG A.J. Slaughter, SF Steffphon Pettirgew, PF Sergio Karusch, C Jeremy Evans.

ROSTER REPORT

--G Terrence Boyd was released from the team just before the fall semester began. Boyd, a 6-5, 230-pound shooting guard from Norman, Okla, signed with WKU on April 15, the first day of the late signing period.

--G Jamal Crook was a last-minute signee. The slender (6-5, 165) guard is a former Louisville Ballard star who played last year at Bridgton Academy in Maine.

--Kip Wellman has joined the Western Kentucky University men's basketball staff. A former high school coach in Paris, Ky., Wellman will serve as a graduate intern coordinating film exchange for the Hilltoppers. A 2005 graduate of Transylvania University in Lexington, Wellman comes to WKU following three seasons at Syracuse, where he served as a graduate assistant manager.