Cbs Sportsline Sun Belt Preview

[MeanGreen61]

Sun Belt

Predicted Finish

EAST

1. Western Kentucky

2. South Alabama

3. Florida Atlantic

4. Middle Tennessee

5. Florida International

6. Troy

WEST

1. Louisiana-Monroe

2. North Texas

3. New Orleans

4. Arkansas State

5. Louisiana-Lafayette

6. Arkansas-Little Rock

7. Denver

North Texas

Strengths: With Ben Bell returning at point guard and Keith Wooden and Quincy Williams inside, the Mean Green should be solid in some fundamental areas. South Florida transfer Collin Dennis looks like a good bet to take on some of the scoring load.

Weaknesses: Other than Dennis, there are no proven or obvious candidates to replace all the lost perimeter scoring that Kendrick Davis, Calvin Watson and Michael Sturns supplied. Losing Sturns to a transfer may be a good thing in the long term because of his instability, but in the short term it subtracts one more proven scorer from the equation. The Mean Green also lose some backcourt depth with the decision to redshirt Collin Mangrum for medical reasons.

Scouting the newcomers: Recruiting analysts are calling this Johnny Jones' best recruiting class. Two of the newcomers, freshman small forward Tristan Thompson and Juco swingman Adam McCoy, are expected to compete for starting jobs this fall, although McCoy might be better off as a sixth man because of his versatility. Guard Josh White could play at either backcourt spot. Freshman Kedrick Hogans, a 6-7, 195-pound forward, may need some time to grow. The player who could be the best of the bunch is 6-8, 240-pound George Odufuwa, but he'll sit out this season after transferring from Arizona State. The most experienced addition is senior Dez Willingham, an SMU transfer who could play either guard spot. With the loss of Juco transfer Ryan McCoy to NCAA eligibility issues in August, either Willingham or White will have to step up as the backup to starting point guard Ben Bell.

SUN BELT PREVIEW

http://www.sportsline.com/collegebasketball/story/10439275