2009-2010 Basketball Preview--Peach Belt Conference Men

Our preseason hoops previews continue with an outlook on the men's teams in the Peach Belt Conference.

The coaches weigh in on who will finish on top in the PBC.

Click here for the preseason notes, courtesy of the PBC.

Now, here's how the race in the "Belt" will turn out, according to D2SS.

East Division

1. Augusta State (30-5 in 2008-09): Garrett Siler may have graduated, but the Jaguars are still the team to beat in the PBC. In fact, guard Ben Madgen returns along with two other starters in hopes of leading ASU to a third straight Elite Eight.

2. USC Aiken (25-8): The Pacers must replace all of their starters from the team that reached the Sweet 16 a year ago.

3. Francis Marion (16-12): The Patriots return four letterwinners from last year's squad.

4. Lander (12-16): The Bearcats look to start over under first-year head coach Jeff Burkhamer.

5. Armstrong Atlantic State (23-7): Jeremy Luther replaces Burkhamer at the Pirates helm, as he must replace all-conference stars Brian Moultrie and Dwight Tolbert from last year's NCAA tournament team.

6. UNC Pembroke (6-21): The Braves face an uphill battle after a 3-17 finish in PBC play last season.

7. Flagler (12-15): Head Coach Bo Clark begins his 24th season as the Saints head coach. But it's the team's inaugural season in the "Belt".

West Division

1. Georgia College & State University (22-7 in 2008-09): The Bobcats hope to reload after their third 20-win campaign in the last four seasons. They return three starters from last season.

2. Clayton State (15-14): The Lakers look to put themselves back into the PBC title conversation after a disappointing 7-13 finish in league play a year ago.

3. North Georgia (16-12): The Saints return only four players from last season.

4. Georgia Southwestern (10-18): The Hurricanes hope to improve upon last season's 6-14 PBC mark.

5. Columbus State (8-19): The Cougars welcome multiple newcomers into the mix, as they look to become a force in the PBC again.

6. Montevallo (15-16): After 14 seasons in the Gulf South Conference, it's a whole new ball game for the Falcons, as they begin their inaugural season in the PBC.