PEACH BELT
After last season sending six teams to the NT and two more to the PI, it appears the “Peach” will take a step back this season, as seven of the twelve teams have four or more freshman on their roster. But the conference should still have a sizable contingent heading to the post season, led by getbedarded’s two-time champion Lander squad. Despite the six freshmen on their squad and a noticeable lack of rebounding, Lander’s inside-outside combo of Jimmie Pegg and Ernesto Miranda make them the class of the South Division and should take them to a 30th consecutive NT appearance.
Close on their heels will be the Spartans of USC Upstate. Despite being a young team themselves, 2nd team pre-season All-American Ryan David should be able to put the team on his shoulders and return them to the NT after three straight PI appearances.
Kennesaw St. might be the youngest of the young, but should have enough athleticism and defense to have them challenging for a NT berth.
Rounding out the South Division post-season-teams will be North Florida. Douglas Taylor has Division I offensive skills and, combined with Sr. SG Rodney Denny, should have the Ospreys dancing at season’s end. But will it be the big dance or the little one?
The class of the conference for this season, however, will reside in the North Division. Clayton State is loaded with upperclassmen and has the most athletic DII team in the nation. They’re also rated third in defense. If they can generate enough offense, they could go far.
Armstrong Atlantic is led by 1st team pre-season All-American Rick Wood and 5th-year Sr. Brian Wood, but is too deficient in their perimeter game to challenge Clayton St. They may have enough to squeak into the NT.
Pepsi has Georgia on the verge of the NT again and, if Christopher Boyd and John Katzenberger can provide enough offense, they should be there.
Frances Marion has new coach, with naskin taking over for the legendary skinnycat, and six freshman, so a NT bid may be a lot to ask of that team. But if some of their talented, young players can help out Willie Wilson on the offensive end, the PI is certainly within reach.
Augusta St. is one of the few Sr. heavy teams in the conference, but their young bench is lacking, especially at the defensive end, and may be what holds the Jaguars out of the post-season.
Columbus St. took four walk-ons this past recruiting season and is clearly in rebuilding mode.
So we’re realistically looking at maybe 5 NT bids and 2 in the PI. POY will be Taylor from NFla and COY will be wildblue from Clayton St.
8/24/2015 4:50 AM (edited)