Coming right at ya, another preseason basketball preview on D-II South Sports. This time we spotlight the men's teams in the Gulf South Conference West Division.
Henderson State--The Reddies reached the second round of the NCAA tournament before being knocked off by GSC tournament champion Montevallo to end up 23-7. The HSU men hope to go even further in post-season play this year with the leadership of All-GSC senior guard Tarvoris Uzoigwe. The Reddies will be tested early to open the season, as they will participate in the Disney Division II Tip-Off Classic at Walt Disney World in central Florida.
Central Arkansas--The Bears managed to reach the semifinals of the Gulf South Conference tournament before losing to West Georgia, thus ending their season at 20-10. If the UCA men hope to get over the hump, and advance to their first-ever NCAA tournament, they'll need senior guard Lamar Grimes to lead the way.
Ouachita Baptist--The Tigers finished second in the GSC West with a 12-4 conference mark, and 19-9 overall. However, OBU saw its season end with an upset loss to, you guessed it, Montevallo, in the quarterfinal round. If 6-6 senior forward Kevin White can exceed expectations, these Tigers may just get past that quarterfinal round, and then some.
Delta State--The Statesmen had a disappointing 2003-04 campaign, losing six straight games to end the season at 11-16 overall, and finishing last in the GSC West at 3-13. However, many observers expect the DSU men to return to their familiar position of being one of the premier programs in the Gulf South Conference. And it appears that Delta State may have just what it takes to do just that.
Harding--The Bisons went 18-10 overall, and 11-5 in GSC West action, good enough for the division's third seed for the GSC tournament. Unfortunately, though, Harding's season ended in the quarterfinal round of the conference tourney with a loss to West Georgia.
Christian Brothers--The Buccaneers had their best season as a member of the Gulf South Conference last year, going 23-6 overall, and 11-5 in the GSC West. Despite that impressive record, however, the Bucs were snubbed for an NCAA tournament berth, as they fell in the quarterfinal round of the GSC tournament to GSC East champion Valdosta State. The CBU men hope to go a lot further this season, but it will take a lot of work. And 6-4 senior forward Jake Bazeley will need to provide some much-needed leadership if the Bucs are to make another trip to Tupelo.
Arkansas-Monticello--The Boll Weevils will look to work their way into contention after going 9-18 last season. UAM has 6-7, 245 lb. bruiser Billy McDaniel leading the way, but it will take a lot more than him for the Boll Weevils to do any serious damage in the top-heavy GSC West.
Southern Arkansas--The Muleriders struggled to a 10-17 overall record last season. And things look to get even rougher this season.
Arkansas Tech--The Wonder Boys record was anything but wonderful last season, as they managed to finish a dismal 7-20.
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