2024 Preview
Superlatives:
Best Overall Team: Louisiana Tech
Best Overall Player: Daniel Batcho, LT
Best Shooter:
Best Defenseman: Daniel Batcho, LT
Sleeper Team (Conference): MTSU
Sleeper Team (March): Louisiana Tech
Louisiana Tech forward Daniel Batcho; Louisiana tech athletics
1. Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
2023 Record: 22-10
Returning star forward Daniel Batcho is arguably the conference’s best player — a dominant paint presence capable of controlling the glass on both ends of the floor. That’s always nice to have. Building around Batcho was the key this off season, something coach Talvin Hester went portal hunting for. Amaree Abram will be the feature backcourt piece and will pair nicely with returning guard Sean Newman. The Bulldogs’ breakthrough depends on its ability to sustain consistent three point shooting.
2. Liberty Flames
2023 Record: 18-14
The Flames made the transition from ASUN to CUSA last season, finishing above .500 and fourth in conference play. There is a good core back from that team — three starters to be exact — including versatile guard Kaden Metheny and lightning rod Colin Porter in the backcourt. Zach Cleveland is the rebounder down low for the Flames, who look to improve on the defensive glass after a poor outing in 2023.
3. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
2023 Record: 22-12
There are returning pieces for the Hilltoppers from last season’s tournament team, but a new coaching staff comes to Bowling Green after Steve Lutz departed for Oklahoma State. Guard Don McHenry is one of the best in the conference, and Khristian Lander is expected to blossom into a starting role this year. Tyrone Marshall averaged nearly five rebounds per game last season from the wing, but the Hilltoppers will be in search of a commanding paint presence as two of its top three reounders departed in the off season.
4. Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders
2023 Record: 14-19
Patched together by a litany of misfit transfers and injured stars, the Blue Raiders survived 2023 after becoming hobbled early in the season. The return of star guard Camryn Weston is huge for coach Nick McDevitt, who surrounded the senior standout with pieces such as Jlynn Counter from IUPUI via the portal. The emergence of many reserves late last season was a good sign for the development of the 2024 squad, a team returning three starters overall.
5. Sam Houston State Bearkats
2023 Record: 21-12
Inconsistencies shooting and rebounding plagued the Bearkats last season, who finished first in conference play only to be eliminated by UTEP in the second round of the C-USA Tournament. Sam Houston hired Chris Mudge as the new head man, who inherits weapons such as Lamar Wilkerson and Damon Nicholas Jr. in the backcourt. Similarly to a handful of CUSA teams, finding a stable rebounder will be paramount for continued success in Huntsville.
6. Texas El Paso Miners
2023 Record: 18-16
The ball was all over the court last season during Miners games, as UTEP forced and committed turnovers at the highest rate in the conference. Honing in — on both sides of the ball — will be paramount for a UTEP team returning over half of its production from 2023 including second leading scorer Otis Frazier III and physical rebounder Kevin Kalu. UTEP must improve from downtown in order to support its stable rebounding attack. That all stats with the development of new backcourt pieces such as Devon Barnes.
7. New Mexico State Aggies
2023 Record: 13-19
The Aggies were the last team to defeat Connecticut in March Madness — yea. Since then, roster turnover has been perpetual, as NMSU prepares for year three with almost an entirely new roster. The two returnees, Christian Cook and Jaden Harris, are key backcourt pieces expected to step into large roles. The transfer in of Dionte Bostick gives the Aggies a third, explosive scoring option off the bench. Finding a frontcourt identity will be crucial for the Aggies’ contending status in 2024.
8. Jacksonville State Gamecocks
2023 Record: 14-18
Improving the offense is first and foremost the priority for the Gamecocks, a unit that struggled immensely from all areas of the floor last season. Insert high-level scorer Jaron Pierre Jr., and JVILLE State may have found its answer. The Witchita State transfer averaged double digits with the Shockers and before that, Southern Miss. Shifty guard Jao Ituka returns — again — as a potential second option. Marcellus Brigham is the lone returning starter from last season.
9. Florida International Panthers
2023 Record: 11-22
FIU’s 357th ranked defense in 2023 did not get the job done, as the Panthers dropped 22 games and allowed the highest eFG% in C-USA. The retooled roster returns two starters, neither of whom averaged double digits last season. Guard Dashon Gittens will be looked to early to score, with many new Panthers being relatively inexperienced. FIU did find success last season when the offense slowed the tempo and opened up shots inside the arc.
10. Kennesaw State Owls
2023 Record: 15-16
Four starters are gone, including program great Terrell Burden and a bevy of experienced scorers. The Owls’ fast paced offensive attack opened the gates for a plethora of scoring opportunities but oftentimes hindered its defensive efficiency, which ranked near the bottom of the ASUN last season. Returnee Simeon Castle will be a lights out scorer in the rim-running style, but surrounding the proven bucket getter will be the first month’s top priority.