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
   
I. Inside the SoCon
 
Well, we made it to January and conference play has now begun. The league did well during the nonconference, going 57-23. While there were many non-Division I games played, the league is well positioned. In fact, there are three teams (Furman, Mercer, and Wofford) in the NET top 100. The NET replaced the RPI two years ago as the primary sorting tool for the NCAA selection committee. But what really matters is the safety and well-being of the players during this unique season. If schools can keep their players safe, then the next order of business is for the coaching staffs to work at getting better each week, so their teams are peaking when they arrive in Asheville in just 58 days!
 
There is great competitive balance in the league this season and the next two months of conference play could be as exciting as we have seen in several years. Let’s hope that even with some postponements, we can get as many of the conference games in as possible by early March.
 
While there are several teams that have the ability to run off long winning streaks, I certainly do not believe anyone will go undefeated. In fact, 14 or 15 conference wins may very well be enough to secure a regular-season title. Regardless, every game will be a war even if there are not fans. There is very little overall separation, and all 10 members can win on any given night, so it is certainly going to be fun.
 
SoCon fans need to hang on for what will be a wild regular season with everything that is in the way. It’s way too early to talk about a regular-season champion, so just sit back and enjoy all that Southern Conference men’s basketball has to offer this season.
 
 
II. Did You Know 

• Southern Conference teams combined to go 57-23 in nonconference play, including 9-3 against the Big South, 3-0 against the ASUN, 4-3 against the Sun Belt, 4-1 against the OVC and 3-1 against Conference USA
• Southern Conference teams are currently 42-5 at home this year (through games as of Jan. 5). Interesting as many say without fans, cheerleaders, and bands that home court advantage doesn’t mean as much?
• ETSU lost 94.7 percent of its scoring, 88.7 percent of its rebounding and 89.8 percent of its minutes from last season’s 30-win squad and yet it’s won five of six and looks to be hitting its stride as conference play heats up
• Only nine Division I schools are still unbeaten through games of Jan. 5 and three of them are just 2-0. The Citadel has started the season 7-0, its best start since the 1919-1920 season! Oh, by the way, that was the last time we were in a pandemic
• Chattanooga guard Malachi Smith leads the nation in double-doubles with eight and is 10th in rebounding at 11.0 per game. Pretty impressive for a 6-4 guard!
• Western Carolina sophomore Xavier Cook is shooting 69.6 percent from the field, seventh in DI
• Wofford’s Storm Murphy and Mercer’s Ross Cummings recently went over 1,000 career points. Congrats to two terrific players – and student-athletes

 
III. Navigating the Challenges
 
With the postponement of the UNCG/Citadel game on Dec. 30, then Western Carolina having to pause, thus forcing the postponement of games against The Citadel on Jan. 2 and Furman on Jan. 6, we are seeing the challenges programs are experiencing.
 
Positive COVID-19 tests and quarantine requirements are forcing coaches to deal with a variety of situations. One example is the length of time between games. With contests against UNCG and Western Carolina postponed, The Citadel will go 15 days between games. For a team that is off to a 7-0 start, the Bulldogs want to stay in rhythm but that may be difficult during this time off. And now, ETSU must pause after hitting a nice stride, winning five of its last six.
 
IV. Transfers Immediately Eligible
 
The NCAA Division I Council voted on Dec. 16 to grant a blanket waiver allowing all Division I transfers to play immediately this year. The waiver covers all Division I sports, but the biggest impact is in men’s basketball, where a number of key players have been able to play this season.
 
“We are thrilled at the passing of the blanket waiver, as we believe it is inline with the DI SAAC, ensuring that all of our student-athletes have the best opportunity to thrive both academically and athletically,” said Caroline Lee, vice chair of the Division I Student-Athletes Advisory Committee. “In a time of great uncertainty amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, we feel it is in our best interest to grant immediate eligibility for those who have transferred in order to best support their mental health and well-being.”
 
V. Impact of Transfers
 
As mentioned above, all transfers are eligible for competition this season. These days transfers arrive at schools in many different ways. They come from four-year institutions, as well as from junior colleges. Graduate transfers generally have one year to play at their new school but can have an impact. Regardless of where they come from, transfers have become a way of life in college basketball.
 
Last year, Mason Faulkner, Jeff Gary, Jalen Dupree, Vonnie Patterson and Matt Ryan among others made a big splash during league play. This year there are several transfers off to good starts in the Southern Conference. In no particular order, here are the top transfers in the SoCon thus far: 

• Malachi Smith (Chattanooga) – The Wright State transfer is posting a double-double line of 16.3 points and 11 boards while adding a team-best 3.45 assists per game. He’s been a great addition for the Mocs
• KC Hankton (Chattanooga) – Was granted immediate eligibility on Dec. 16 and proceeded to score 17 against Furman. He will be a positive factor for the Mocs in league play
• Josh Ayeni (Chattanooga) – A graduate transfer from South Alabama who has started every game for the Mocs. A very good shooter from the floor and free-throw line, he’s another player who will help the Mocs in league play
• Ty & Ledarrius Brewer (ETSU) – The Brewer brothers have been terrific for the Bucs at both ends of the floor. Ledarrius sat out last season after spending two seasons at Southeast Missouri State while Ty gained immediate eligibility this season when coming from Southeastern Louisiana
• David Sloan (ETSU) – The Kansas State transfer will have just one season in Johnson City, but no doubt he will make an impact. Among other things, he can really shoot it from long range
• Serrel Smith Jr. (ETSU) – The Maryland transfer is starting to find his groove … that’s good for the Bucs and not good for SoCon opponents
• Felipe Haase (Mercer) – The South Carlina transfer has been terrific for the Bears. He is averaging close to a double-double
• Neftali Alvarez (Mercer) – The transfer from Fairfield leads the SoCon in assists and has been a major reason why the Bears had big wins at Georgia Tech, Georgia Southern and Georgia State during nonconference play
• Leon Ayers III (Mercer) – Is in his first season with the Bears. Transferred from Henry Ford (Mich.) College. He can play multiple positions
• Tyler Moffe (The Citadel) – Another graduate transfer for the Bulldogs, Moffe arrived in Charleston from Mansfield University. He’s currently averaging 11.8 points per game
• Hayden Koval (UNCG) – The 7-0 Central Arkansas transfer leads the SoCon in blocked shots
• Richardson Maitre (Samford) – A transfer from Florida Atlantic leads Samford in assists
• Christian Guess (Samford) - Signed with Missouri out of high school and spent the 2018-19 season with the Tigers, then transferred to North Idaho College for the 2019-20 season. He is currently second in scoring for Samford
• Cory Hightower (Western Carolina) – Another player who was granted immediate eligibility on Dec. 16 and proceeded to score 17 in the win at College of Charleston on Dec. 18. He’s a welcome addition for Mark Prosser and staff
• B.J. Mack (Wofford) – After one season at South Florida, Mack has stepped into the starting lineup as an immediate contributor to the Wofford frontcourt, averaging 8.7 points and 4.9 rebounds

 
VI. Young Guns
 
As usual, most Southern Conference teams are relying on upperclassmen and transfers this season. But make no mistake, there is some good, young talent in the league. Here are a few of the best freshmen to track during the coming months: 

• Damari Monsanto (ETSU) – The redshirt freshman leads all SoCon newcomers in rebounding at just under 6 per game
• Garrett Hien (Furman) – On a team full of talented upperclassmen, Hien has found his way on the court. The 6-9 Charlotte, North Carolina, native is shooting 75.0 percent from the field (27-for-36) in 11 games
• A.J. McGinnis (UNCG) – The fourth Link Year Prep player to find his way to the Spartan program, McGinnis has found court time in a crowded backcourt
• Brent Davis (The Citadel) – He’s been solid off the bench through The Citadel’s first seven games, going 8-for-11 from behind the arc!
• Jamaal Walker (Chattanooga) – The local product from East Hamilton High School is shooting 48.5 percent from 3-point range
• Jacksen Greco (Mercer) – One of the best shooters in the Georgia high school ranks last season. He’s still adjusting to the college game, but once he finds his stroke, look out!
• A.J. Staton-McCray (Samford) – The 6-5 guard from Charlotte, North Carolina, has been solid for the Bulldogs since day one. He leads all SoCon freshmen in scoring at 11.8 points per game
• Trey Bonham (VMI) – One of several talented freshmen for Dan Earl. He has been solid at both ends of the floor for the Keydets in the early going
• Sin’Cere McMahon (Western Carolina) – The highly recruited guard from Indiana has not disappointed. While his minutes (and points) have gone down recently, he can play
• Morgan Safford (Wofford) – The 6-5 guard has started all eight games for the Terriers. He can score in a variety of way and should be a good player for years to come
• Sam Godwin (Wofford) – A 6-9 product of Oklahoma, Godwin is averaging 5.0 rebounds per game while averaging 18 minutes per game. That projects to 12 per 40 minutes.
• Max Klesmit (Wofford) – Back after a shoulder injury, the Wisconsin native has a chance to be the next one in a long line of great Wofford shooters

 
VII. The SoCon Ladder
 
We have completed the nonconference slate and are fully into conference play, so it’s time to begin the annual SoCon Ladder.
 
It is hard to say a team is in the “top-half” or “bottom-half” right now as all 10 teams have shown they can play. Therefore, I have not listed by numerical order – it’s way too early and there are too many factors in play. SoCon fans just need to be patient, as it’s going to be a very competitive race all season. With that said …
 
Furman – The Paladins have not been perfect, but they are talented and tested. They have multiple players who can beat you, but not surprisingly Mike Bothwell is their leading scorer
 
Wofford – The Terriers opened league play with a win at Mercer (never easy) and at home against a dangerous Samford team. Do I think they are one of the best teams in the league? I think so, but we will soon know more as their next three games are UNCG, ETSU and at VMI
 
ETSU – Credit Jason Shay and staff for putting a lot of new pieces together in a short period. The Bucs have won five of their last six, including a big road win at UNCG last Saturday. There are a lot of weapons on this squad
 
Mercer – The Bears had the best nonconference season among league members with wins against Georgia Tech, Georgia Southern and Georgia State. Losses to Wofford and Furman to open league play are not cause for concern, but they need to right things soon to stay in the conference race
 
UNCG – The Spartans are good, but they also need to win some league games – and they will as the Millers are too good. Wes is a good coach and Isaiah is an outstanding player that can affect games at both ends
 
Western Carolina – Currently under COVID protocol, the Catamounts are a confident group. Mark Prosser has infused a culture and confidence in this program whereby they believe they will win every night out
 
VMI – How often do I have to say it … Dan Earl can coach! The Keydets have played everyone tough and were able to knock off Chattanooga at home last Saturday. But teams simply cannot celebrate in the SoCon this season as their next two are at ETSU and at Furman
 
Chattanooga – Lamont Paris lost a ton from last year, including the late departure of Ramon Vila, but he and his staff have reloaded. Now that David Jean-Baptiste is back, the Mocs have a solid cast. Malachi Smith, KC Hankton, Trey Doomes and Stefan Kenic are a formidable group. For a team that won its first nine, it doesn’t feel right to not have them at the top – check back in two weeks!
 
The Citadel – How can you place an undefeated team (7-0) anywhere but first? This has been a great start for Duggar Baucom, but Bulldog fans need to understand the Bulldogs need to win some conference games to prove they belong. Unfortunately, they will go 15 days between games; hopefully that doesn’t hurt their rhythm
 
Samford – This is the toughest team to slot. I like their talent – and they have a win against VMI and more importantly handed Belmont (10-1) their only loss to date. They’re on the road Wednesday at Chattanooga, then four of five at the Pete Hanna Center
 
The next Dean’s List will be released Jan. 20, 2021.

Follow me throughout the year on Twitter: @DeanKeener1