1. Delta State--The road to the Gulf South Conference West Division title will go through Cleveland, Miss. At least that's how the coaches in the division see it, as the Statesmen will look to defend their share of the GSC West crown won along with Central Arkansas after finishing 19-11 overall, and 11-5 in conference play. Jeremy Richardson returns for his senior year leading the way in the backcourt.
2. Central Arkansas--The Bears hope their final season at the NCAA Division II will be as successful as last season, as they finished 23-8, and reached the second round of the NCAA tournament, losing to eventual Final Four participant Lynn in the second round. UCA will leave for the NCAA Division I ranks, as well as the Southland Conference, after this season. In the meantime, though, expect Connecticut transfer Chad Wise, as well Lakeland Community College (Ill.) transfer Joey Cortez to provide a tremendous boost at guard.
3. Harding--The Bisons not only did well on the court, finishing 18-11 overall, and 10-6 in the GSC West, they also did well at the gate, as HU averaged more than 2,400 fans per game at home last season, good enough for 11th overall among NCAA Division II men's basketball attendance leaders. With junior forward Matt Hall and senior guard Lonnie Smith returning, as well as newcomers Patrick Andrepont and Reggie Bibb backing up smith in the backcourt, the Bisons may need to pack the arena more than usual, and then some, if they hope to contend for the GSC West championship.
4. Arkansas-Monticello--The Boll Weevils were 18-4 overall, before a six-game losing streak ended their season at 18-10. Billy McDaniel led the league in rebounding with 9.1 rebounds per game, while Nate Newell averaged more than 17 points a contest. Both players need to be at the top of their game to avoid another late season swoon.
5. Henderson State--After a down year at 13-14 overall, and 8-8 in GSC West play, the Reddies hope to return to their usual spot among the league's top teams. Senior forward Dedric Spooner must provide solid leadership if HSU is to be in the Gulf South Conference tournament come March.
6. Ouachita Baptist--Despite a five-game skid to end the season, the Tigers still managed to finish the season 19-10 overall, and 10-6 in the GSC West, which put them in the GSC tournament. Any hopes of returning to Tupelo, Miss. will be dependent upon the instant contributions of JUCO transfers Brandon Dawson in the backcourt and George Kirby in the frontcourt.
7. Christian Brothers--The Buccaneers hope to improve upon last season's 14-13 overall, and 6-10 GSC West record. With nine freshmen and four sophomores, including a redshirt, on this year's roster, the CBU men must grow up in a hurry if they hope to contend for a GSC tourney berth.
8. Arkansas Tech--The Wonder Boys ended last season losing seven games in a row, finishing 10-17 overall, and 3-13 in conference play. Transfers Joel Casseus and Denarryl Rice must step up if ATU has any chance of moving up in the standings this season.
9. Southern Arkansas--Eric Bozman takes the reins as the Muleriders head coach for 2005-06. Obviously, he'll have his work cut out for him, as the SAU men finished the 2004-05 season a dismal 7-20 overall, and 3-13 in the GSC West.
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