1. Montevallo--Can the Falcons "three-peat" as GSC champions? The coaches seem to think so, as the UM men not only were named the unaminous favorite to win the GSC East, but also received of 11 of 17 votes to win the conference tournament for the third straight year. Senior James Hall is expected to provide leadership in the backcourt, while Marcus Kennedy returns for his junior season on the frontcourt.
2. West Georgia--Ed Murphy begins his 13th season as the Braves head coach, hoping to improve on last year's 23-7 record, which included a trip to the NCAA Division II South Region tournament. But West Georgia must replace all five of its starters from that squad, including co-GSC East player of the year Darnell Miller, and all-GSC East first teamer Majestic Mapp. As always, the Braves will play one of the toughest non-conference schedules in the South, if the nation, as they face the likes of Clark-Atlanta, Florida Southern, Florida Tech, and Henderson State in-region, and Catawba, Columbus State, and Georgia College & State University out of region.
3. Alabama-Huntsville--The Chargers hope to step it up a notch after finishing 16-12 overall, and 9-5 in GSC East play last season, which was good enough to land a bid in the GSC tournament. If the UAH men hope to reach the 20-win mark, as well as reach the NCAA Division II tournament, head coach Lennie Acuff must do so with a mostly freshman laden squad, led by forward Jordan Brewer, and guard Casey Stafford.
4. North Alabama--The Lions hope improve on last season's 14-14 overall, and 6-8 GSC East record. But the UNA men must overcome a tough non-conference schedule that includes squads such as Central Arkansas, Delta State, Florida Gulf Coast, Kentucky Wesleyan, and Harding.
5. Valdosta State--The Blazers welcome a new head coach in Mike Helfer, who won 186 games in eight seasons at NAIA powerhouse Southern Polytechnic State University in Marietta, Ga. But the Gulf South Conference and the NCAA Division II ranks are a whole new ballgame, as Helfer replaces Jim Yarbrough, who resigned to take the head coaching position at NCAA Division I Southeastern Louisiana University. Jon Rogers and Mike Crain return to provide leadership for the VSU men.
6. West Florida--The Argonauts hope to contend for a GSC tournament berth after finishing a disappointing 12-16 overall, and 4-10 in conference play. Head Coach Don Hogan hopes transfers Marcus Grant and Brandon Gordon will provide some punch in the front court.
7. West Alabama--Despite struggling to a 5-9 mark in GSC East action, the Tigers managed to end the season on a three game winning streak to finish 14-13 overall. If the UWA men hope to contend for a GSC tournament berth, head coach Rick Reedy must replace five players from last year's squad, including Ty Mathis, who shot almost 48 percent from the field last season. However, the Tigers do have five seniors hoping to take that next step towards a trip to Tupelo, Miss.
8. Lincoln Memorial--The Railsplitters will look to begin their long climb out of the GSC East basement after finishing the 2004-05 season a dismal 5-22 overall, and 3-11 conference play.
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