Monday, November 3, 2008

College Basketball Predictions: Sun Belt Conference

The Sun Belt got 2 teams in the NCAA Tournament last year, South Alabama and Western Kentucky. The Hilltoppers made a Sweet 16 run and got Darrin Horn a job at South Carolina. Getting 2 in the big dance might be a chore this year.

Best Team In The Sun Belt - UALR Trojans:

All 5 starters return from a UALR team that won 20 games last season, the Trojans 1st 20 win season in over 10 years. UALR doesn't score much though, no one averaged double figures in points last season.

Best Player In The Sun Belt: Desmond Yates - Middle Tennessee

His nickname is "Boogie" and Boogie Yates did a lot of that last season for the Blue Raiders. Yates is the top returning scorer in the Sun Belt (16.0 PPG). He can hit the mid-range jumper too. Yates can create space between him and the defender to get his shot off.

Team That Could Surprise: North Texas Mean Green:

UNT has the best backcourt in the league is sophomore Josh White (13.9 PPG) and senior Collin Dennis (13.6 PPG). They can both shoot and in the Mid-Majors, a pair of talented guards can get you a league title.

Who Goes Dancing: UALR & Middle Tennessee

Who Plays For Number 66: South Alabama & North Texas

Sun Belt Notes: This is the league where former big time coaches can rehab their career. John Brady takes over at Arkansas State after leaving LSU during the middle of last season. Mike Jarvis has resurfaced at Florida Atlantic after a 5 year exile. After not having a home court since Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans will move back to the rebuild Lakefront Arena. The Privateers open their new home hosting NC State from the ACC. On the Wolf Pack bench will be former UNO head coach Monte Towe who left in 2006. Last year the UNO upset NC State at the RBC Center.

Photo Courtesy: MT/goblueraiders.com

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