BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – After finishing 20-9 last season, the University of Arkansas at Monticello men’s basketball team has been predicted to finish fourth in the Gulf South Conference West Division, announced Thursday in the GSC’s annual preseason release.
 
Entering the ninth season with head coach Mike Newell at the helm, the Boll Weevils received one second place vote, one third place vote, four fourth place votes and one fifth place vote for a total of 30 points, tied with Christian Brothers and just two points behind third place prediction, Harding.
 
Delta State is the preseason favorite with four first place votes and three second place votes. Arkansas Tech is second with four first place votes, two second place votes and one fourth place vote.
 
Below UAM and CBU in order are Southern Arkansas, Henderson State and Ouachita Baptist.
 
Valdosta State, which enters the season ranked as high as No. 4 in the preseason national polls, was unanimously picked to win the GSC-East, earning five first place votes. VSU was also picked to win the overall conference championship with seven votes. Delta State and Arkansas Tech also had votes for the overall crown, with four and three, respectively.
 
The Boll Weevils began practice yesterday (October 15) and are set to open the 2009-10 season at home against Crowley’s Ridge College on November 16, immediately followed by an appearance in the O’Reilly Auto Parts College Basketball Experience Classic against NCAA Division I programs such as Wichita State, Western Carolina, Duquesne, and Binghamton.