2004-05 BASKETBALL PREVIEWS--GULF SOUTH CONFERENCE EAST DIVISION--MEN

Our preseason basketball previews continue with the men's teams in the Gulf South Conference East Division. So, what are we waiting for? Let's go!

West Georgia--Like many successful programs, expectations are very high with Head Coach Ed Murphy and the Braves. And this season is no different, as the Braves edged out both defending Gulf South Conference champion Montevallo and defending GSC East champion Valdosta State for the top spot in the pre-season poll. However, despite a 21-9 record last season, the Braves loss to the Falcons in the GSC tournament final cost that squad an NCAA tournament final. The Braves hope to have their name called on Selection Sunday this season. In order to get there, though, UWG must replace two of their key players, Germayne Forbes and Jonathan James, both of whom finished their eligibility a year ago. And the non-conference schedule ranks among some of the nation's toughest, playing NCAA tournament participant Columbus State, as well as a 20-game winner in Clayton State, not to mention a Tusculum squad that won 19 games just last season.

Montevallo--The Falcons had one of the most magical rides of any NCAA Division II team last year, going 23-10, winning the Gulf South Conference tournament, and coming within one win of making its first-ever trip to the Elite Eight. Now, the big challenge for this squad is trying to do it again. The Falcons will find out in a hurry just how good they are, as they open the season at Albany State on Nov. 16. UM also plays multiple contests against teams that won at least 18 or more games last season, including defending National Champion Kennesaw State, and Elite Eight participant Metro State (Colo.). The Falcons will look to pre-season All-GSC players D.J. Towns and Marcus Kennedy to lead the way to a repeat of their GSC championship.

Valdosta State--Entering his fifth season, Head Coach Jim Yarbrough has taken his Blazers to two Gulf South Conference East Division titles in three seasons, as well as two trips to the NCAA tournament in that same span. Unfortunately for the VSU men, those trips to postseason play ended in painful failure, as the Blazers saw their season end in the first round of the South Regional at 25-4, losing back-to-back games to Montevallo. VSU will look to combination of old (Ben Bates, who was a member of Yarbrough's first team in 2000-01) and new (with freshmen such as Jeremie McClendon and Travis Nelson to help take that next step. Oh, and having a couple of returnees in sophomore Mike Crain and junior Jon Rogers can't hurt either.

Alabama-Huntsville--After narrowly missing the Gulf South Conference tournament with a 6-8 league mark, the Chargers (14-13) look to be a factor in this season's title race. Some key early-season tests the UAH men must take include games against GSC West foe Harding (19-10), Carson-Newman (18-10), and 20-game winner Florida Gulf Coast (22-5).

North Alabama--Despite going 12-16 last season, the Lions managed to squeeze their way into the Gulf South Conference tournament by going 7-7 in conference play. Now UNA hopes to move their way up in the GSC East standings, and work their way towards a second straight trip to Tupelo, Miss. But first, the Lions must go through a tough early-season which includes three games against teams that made the NCAA tournament last season: national runner-up Southern Indiana, Kentucky Wesleyan, and Columbus State. Oh, and the UNA men will open Gulf South Conference play on Jan. 8 against none other than, Montevallo. Ouch!

West Florida--With their home arena declared unusable for this season due to Hurricane Ivan, the Argonauts must overcome many obstacles if they hope to improve on last season's 17-11 record.

West Alabama--After struggling to a dismal 5-22 overall record, which included a 2-12 mark in GSC action, there's only one way for Head Coach Rick Reedy and his Tigers to go. And, that, of course is up.

Lincoln Memorial--The Railsplitters have a brand new Head Coach in Hugh Watson, who comes to LMU from Idaho. Looks like Watson will have his work cut out for him, as the Railsplitters lost 13 games in a row to end last season, finishing with a disappointing 6-21 mark.