C-USA Preview CBB

1. Louisiana Tech- I am Going against the grain here, as many are picking my second place team, Southern Miss, to finally get that C-USA championship now that Memphis' reign of terror on the league is over. However, the Bulldogs have the talent to establish their own reign of terror, at least for this season. A huge factor for Louisiana Tech is the return of 4 starters, and a bench player who should transition into the starting lineup with ease. They return Michale Kyser, who led the WAC in blocks last season and led Louisiana Tech in rebounds. Also returning is Kenneth Smith, who has great awareness and anticipation which leads to plenty of steals. Cordarius Johnson is a lanky guard who possesses both the ability to both drive and shoot, making him a tough matchup. Alex Hamilton is the only new starter but he should transition seamlessly after averaging 7.8 ppg last season, which was actually more than the departed starter he's replacing, Brandon Gibson. The star of this team is Raheem Appleby. He is easily Tech's best offensive player and is great at getting to the rim and either drawing contact or finishing. With some improved shooting he could take the C-USA by storm. In a league in which most of the best scorers are gone, look for him to contend for C-USA player of the year. A lot of people seem to think that the C-USA will be too tough a league for these guys, but I actually think this year's C-USA will be no tougher than last year's WAC. Throw in all the chemistry these guys developed last year, and I think it will be tough for Southern Miss to finally get that crown.

2.Southern Miss- But that doesn't mean Southern Miss will have a bad team. They should still be their usual, consistent self. They will be led this year by guards Neil Watson and Jerrold Brooks. The issue for them is a weak frontcourt, and the loss of their only pure scorer, Dwayne Davis. add it all up, and I don't think they will take down Louisiana tech, which means another year of riding the bubble for Southern Miss fans. PREDICTION: NIT

3. Tulsa- The Golden Hurricane are in good shape, as they return 3 starters and forward Rashad Smith from a foot injury. They should be able to fill it up offensively, as Smith, slasher James Woodard, and sharpshooter Pat Swilling Jr. can pour in the points. Their C-USA championship hopes rest on their defense. While it would be shocking if this team made the NCAA tournament, I think they will be able to use their offense to sneak into the NIT. PREDICTION: NIT

4. UAB
5. Marshall
6. UTEP
7. FIU
8. North Texas
9. Florida Atlantic
10. Middle Tennessee St.
11. Charlotte
12. East Carolina
13. UTSA
14. Rice
15. Tulane
16. Old Dominion