Oct. 21, 2008

Preseason SLC Coaches and Sports Information Directors Polls

KATY, Texas - The Southland Conference league office announced today that the UT Arlington men's basketball team is the preseason favorite to win the Southland Conference Western Division. The Mavericks were picked first in the preseason coaches' and sports information directors' polls, which were released at the Southland Conference Basketball Media Day at the Merrell Center in Katy, Texas.

After cutting down the nets at last year's SLC Tournament, the Mavericks advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history. The Mavericks return two starters and their top three scorers from a year ago, including SLC Tournament Most Valuable Player Anthony Vereen (13.8 ppg., 4.8 rpg.). UT Arlington finished its 2007-08 campaign with a school-record 21-12 overall record.

Third-year head coach Scott Cross knows the Mavericks won't be able to stay under the radar this season.

"It is exciting for me and for the team," Cross said. "Being picked first we are obviously going to have a target on our backs this year and everyone is going to be shooting for us."

UT Arlington received 63 points and nine first-place votes in the coaches' poll. The only other Western Division program to receive a first-place vote in the coaches' poll was Lamar, who was picked second with 54 points and tallied three first-place votes.

The remaining coaches' poll featured Sam Houston (46 points), UTSA (39 points), Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (26 points) and Texas State (18 points) to round out the Western Division.

Stephen F. Austin, who will switch divisions this season, was the preseason pick to win the Eastern Division in both the coaches' and SIDs poll.

The Lumberjacks received 10 first-place votes and 65 points total, while Northwestern State (51 points) received one first-place vote and third-place Southeastern Louisiana also notched a first-place vote while receiving 48 total points.

The coaches' poll followed with McNeese (31 points), Nicholls (28 points) and Central Arkansas (23 points) to round-out the Eastern Division.

"When you look at our league it is so even, I really don't know how people can pick it one-through-six," Cross said. "Being ranked first is a nice honor. I think the main reason is because of the way we finished last year. I know the guys are excited and now it is time to get to work."

The SIDs preseason poll mirrored the coaches' Western Division picks, with UT Arlington at the top with 57 points and seven first-place votes, while Lamar garnered three first-place votes and was close behind the Mavs with 56 total points. Sam Houston State and UTSA each received 43 points while Texas A&M-Corpus Christ (27 points) and Texas State (20 points) were picked fifth and sixth, respectively in the SID poll.

The Lumberjacks were also the preseason pick to win the SID poll with 65 points and 10 first-place votes. Northwestern State (50 points - two first-place votes), Southeastern Louisiana (45 points), McNeese State (36 points), Central Arkansas (26 points) and Nicholls (24 points) completed the Eastern Division preseason poll.