Note: The following piece was prepared by Dean Keener, who provides commentary on Southern Conference men's basketball broadcasts.
Keener played collegiately at Davidson before embarking on a successful 20-year coaching career. He served as head coach at James Madison from 2004-08. You can follow him on twitter: @DeanKeener1
The Dean's List
This is the final installment of a preseason series on Southern Conference men's basketball
As we prepare for the 2019-20 season, I believe there are two tiers. The upper tier includes ETSU, UNCG and Furman. On paper, these three look to be the teams to beat. Most everyone else falls into the second tier, although Wofford has a chance to be included in that group, as well. But due to major changes in personnel on many of the other teams, it's hard to handicap. I like Samford a lot and along with Western Carolina and Mercer, those three could also challenge the upper tier. In fact, Scott Padgett's group has a chance to be really good this season. The lower part of the second tier contains so much uncertainty that we will have to take a wait-and-see approach. In particular, Chattanooga simply has too many newcomers on its roster to predict anything at this point.
As usual, taking care of home court will be one of the keys to winning the regular-season title. Staying healthy and having a few positive bounces along the way always helps, as well. For those reasons, it should be fun watching all of the stories that unfold this year.
Again this year, I have put together my predications for the coming season. I'm certain some of these will cause debate among Southern Conference fans at each of the 10 schools. I know nothing is exact, but here are my “Best Bets” for the 2019-20 season:
Best nonconference games
• Nov. 9: UNC Asheville at The Citadel
The Bulldogs can really score and a Division I win would be a nice way to start off the season for the crew in Charleston
• Nov. 19: Mercer at Georgia Southern
Unless you follow college basketball, this game may not seem like much, but a road win by the Bears would go a long way against the favorites in the Sun Belt
• Nov. 30: UNCG at Georgetown
The Spartans have a legitimate chance in this one
• Dec. 5: Furman at Auburn
This won't be easy, but what a chance for the Paladins to again make national headlines!
• Dec. 15: UNCG vs. NC State
Even though there will be a large Wolfpack contingency, this is a “home game” for the Spartans.
• Dec. 18: Western Carolina at Xavier
It's never easy to win at the Cintas Center, but what a great story it would be if Mark Prosser could get the win in a place his dad helped build
• Dec. 18: ETSU at LSU
The Bucs have a chance to “steal” a Power 5 road win
• Dec. 18: Samford vs. Alabama (in Birmingham – Legacy Arena)
This is a great opportunity for the Bulldogs to get the Tide on a “neutral court”
• Dec. 18: UNCG at Vermont
Anthony Lamb. Remember the name. The reigning America East POY is an outstanding player. And if Spartans fans think Fleming Gym is a difficult place to play, they haven't been to Patrick Gym on the Vermont campus. In my opinion, this may be the most difficult game on the Spartans' schedule!
Best conference games
• Jan. 1: Wofford at ETSU
A key early conference game that will have star power and lasting effects on the regular-season crown
• Jan. 4: ETSU at Furman
Another early conference game that will be key for both programs. Remember last year when the Paladins beat the Bucs badly in Greenville? My guess is most of the Bucs remember!
• Jan. 8: ETSU at UNCG
Round 1!
• Jan. 11: Mercer at Western Carolina
It's always difficult playing in the Ramsey Center
• Jan. 17: Furman at Wofford
I love this rivalry. And yes, this will be a big game on national television (ESPNU)
• Jan. 18: The Citadel at VMI
Who knows how this game factors into the league standings, but this rivalry is always a war!
• Feb. 1: UNCG at ETSU
Lots of star power on display in what should be a terrific game as the calendar turns to February
• Feb. 22: ETSU at Samford
The Bucs will need to play well in Birmingham
• Feb. 22: Wofford at Furman (Bon Secours Wellness Center)
The final “Weekend at the Well” should be the best
• Feb. 26: Furman at UNCG
This game looms very large in the last week of the regular season
• Feb. 29: Western Carolina at ETSU
Senior Day in Freedom Hall. Enough said
The Best...
• Perimeter scorers
Nathan Hoover (Wofford), Jordan Lyons (Furman) & Ross Cummings (Mercer)
• Low post scorer
Carlos Dotson (Western Carolina)
• Playmaker
Storm Murphy (Wofford)
• Shooter
Nathan Hoover (Wofford)
• Rebounder
Jeromy Rodriguez (ETSU)
• Shot blocker
James Dickey (UNCG)
• Defender
James Dickey (UNCG)
• In the clutch
Nathan Hoover (Wofford)
• Athlete
Isaiah Miller (UNCG)
• Potential X-factor
Noah Gurley (Furman)
• Transfers
Mason Faulkner (Western Carolina) & Matt Ryan (Chattanooga)
• Versatility
Josh Sharkey (Samford)
• Frontcourt
ETSU
• Backcourt
Furman & ETSU
Player most likely to ...
• Lead the league in scoring
Jordan Lyons (Furman)
• Lead the league in rebounding
James Dickey (UNCG)
• Lead the league in assists
Josh Sharkey (Samford)
• Lead the league in shots per minute
Jordan Lyons (Furman)
• Lead the league in assist/turnover ratio
Storm Murphy (Wofford)
• Have a breakout year
Noah Gurley (Furman)
• Score 40 points in a game
Jordan Lyons (Furman)
• Make SportsCenter Top 10
Isaiah Miller (UNCG)
SoCon “Super Seven”
The league lost several good players from a year ago, but there is always another group of talent, and this year is no different in the SoCon. While it's not easy selecting players for a preseason all-conference team, these guys are some of the best the Southern Conference has to offer this season:
Nathan Hoover (Wofford)
Hoover is a terrific shooter/scorer! As much national attention as Fletcher Magee got last season, I felt Hoover was a better shooter. Yes, I said it. He may not have had the same degree of difficulty on his shots, but he can make pressure jump shots with the best of them. No doubt his average of 13.5 points per game will go up and the fireworks will continue in Spartanburg this season
Isaiah Miller (UNCG)
Miller is the best athlete in the Southern Conference, but he's more than just that. He has a strong mid-range game and can also get to the rim. He is also an elite defender. He became the first Spartan to garner 100 steals in one season. Look for Miller to have a Player-of-the-Year type season
James Dickey (UNCG)
Long and athletic, Dickey did not have the kind of progressions I expected last season. That said, he is a terrific player. He's an elite rebounder and shot blocker. While he needs to continue working on his offensive game, he's got a chance to make his mark in the Spartan record books this season
Bo Hodges (ETSU)
Hodges quickly found his way into the rotation as a freshman and then backed it up with a fine sophomore season. The Bucs will again have several talented players, but Hodges will be one of the centerpieces. He is athletic and very good in transition. If he has improved his jump-shot/free-throw shooting, look out!
Jeromy Rodriguez (ETSU)
He flirted with turning pro but then decided to return and should be one of the most imposing forces in the league. He averaged a double-double last year (11.2 points per game, 10.9 rebounds per game) by understanding what his strengths are, as he did not take a single 3-pointer. He needs to take care off the ball (led the team in turnovers). That said, he is a Player-of-the-Year candidate
Ross Cummings (Mercer)
A talented shooting guard, Cummings has gotten better each season at Mercer. That said, the senior will need to be a leader on and off the court if the Bears are going to move into the upper echelon of the league this season
Josh Sharkey (Samford)
The quickest guard in the league is a true point guard. He's a competitor and has the ability to lead his team at both ends of the floor. As a junior, he led the league in assists and was second in steals. He also led the SoCon in minutes played per game. With a talented supporting cast, look for Sharkey to have a terrific senior season
Others considered (alphabetically): Tray Boyd III (ETSU), Carlos Dotson (Western Carolina), Kyrin Galloway (UNCG), Kameron Gibson (Western Carolina), Patrick Good (ETSU), Alex Hunter (Furman), Storm Murphy (Wofford), Daivien Williamson (ETSU)
SoCon "Off-Broadway"
These are some of the most indispensable players in the Southern Conference. This group is not necessarily the best players in the league, but certainly some of the most important. And while these guys don't get always get the headlines; they are vitally important to the success of their team:
Chevez Goodwin (Wofford)
With the loss of Cameron Jackson, Matt Pegram and Keve Aluma, the 6-9 junior will need to play well for the Terriers from the start. His numbers were very average last year (4.3 points per game, 4.3 rebounds per game), but that was due in part to the talent on the Terriers
Matt Halvorsen (Western Carolina)
Halvorsen has gotten better each season, but if the Catamounts are to make some noise in the SoCon this season, he needs to shoot a good percentage from 3 and keep teams from doubling down on Carlos Dotson
Kaiden Rice (The Citadel)
The junior from Columbia, South Carolina, is the leading returning scorer for The Citadel. He will be counted on to lead the young Bulldogs this season. He's athletic and has a solid skill set, so I'm thinking he's up to the task
Myles Lewis (VMI)
The junior was third on the team in scoring (10.5) last season. He also led the Keydets in field-goal percentage. If he can improve on his 3-point shooting and continue to rebound at a good clip, he will be a force
Clay Mounce (Furman)
Mounce does not get enough love! At 6-7, the junior is skilled inside and has a really nice perimeter stroke past the 3. Equally, he has good court vision and is one of the Paladins' best passers
Seniors that need to step up
This list of seniors has all the necessary ingredients to make an impact this year. However, if they don't excel, it could put major pressure on others in order for their respective programs to do well:
Brandon Austin (Samford)
The Alabama transfer was solid in his first season for the Bulldogs. If he can continue that upward trajectory in his second and final season, Scott Padgett and staff could have a special year!
Garrett Gilkeson (VMI)
The Keydets need help and Gilkeson is capable at both ends of the floor. He has shown improvement each year and is expected to do the same during his senior year in Lexington
Malik Massey (UNCG)
The Charlotte, North Carolina, native has been solid throughout his career. Having played in 96 career games, he has been through a lot of wars and understands how to win. I look for Massey to play a big role for the Spartans this season
Ethan Stair (Mercer)
With the loss of players as well as a coaching change, the Bears need Stair to step up and be a leader on and off the floor. He's played in 85 games while in Macon and that should help Greg Gary get things going
Onno Steger (Western Carolina)
Steger had a breakthrough junior season and will need to continue to step up if the Catamounts are going to make some noise this year. Did I mention, he can really shoot it!
As usual, this preseason series has been fun putting together all things Southern Conference basketball. Now it's time for the real action to start. I look forward to seeing everyone at a SoCon game soon.
Follow me throughout the year on Twitter: @DeanKeener1
Dean Keener