The prevailing thought as the 2014-15 campaign gets set to begin is that a new team could grab the mantle, and Alabama State could be that squad. It may seem odd for a team that was picked to finish last in this preview a year ago, but the Hornets far outplayed their preseason projections, finishing 19-13 overall and 12-6 in conference. They were the only team besides Southern and Texas Southern to finish the season with an overall record above .500. Obviously, what they did last season doesn't guarantee a league title this time around, but there is plenty of returning talent to think it is a realistic goal. Led by do-it-all guard Jamel Waters, the Hornets return five starters and a few important reserves from last season.
Plenty of other teams will be in contention for the SWAC championship as well. Arkansas-Pine Bluff went 11-7 in league play last season and has a potent backcourt anchored by Marcel Mosley and Tevin Hammond. Prairie View A&M also is hoping to make significant strides, led by a strong backcourt duo of its own in Montrael Scott and John Brisco. Alcorn State could be an intriguing pick as well, with excellent scoring and strength up front, thanks to LeAntwan Luckett, Octavius Brown and Marquis Vance. Southern still can't be ignored, if only because 2014 SWAC Coach of the Year Roman Banks has proven in just two seasons that he is the best mentor in the league.
Unlike Southern, Texas Southern is in for a fall from grace. The team may have gone 12-6 in conference play last season, but that was with SWAC Player of the Year Aaric Murray. Murray is one of four starters missing for the Tigers this time around.
The bottom of the conference will likely be inhabited by Grambling State, Jackson State, Mississippi Valley State and Alabama A&M.
Grambling State has some nice pieces in A'Torri Shine and Terry Rose, but even with those two, it won just three conference games last season. Jackson State can play defense fairly well, but scoring could be a real issue. The Delta Devils are just three seasons removed from a NCAA Tournament bid, but this team is nowhere near as deep or experienced. Finally, Alabama A&M's best returning scorer is Justin Colvin, who averaged only 3.4 points per game in 2013-14.
CONFERENCE CHAMPION: Alabama State
PREDICTED OREDER OF FINISH:
1. Alabama State
2. Arkansas-Pine Bluff
3. Prairie View A&M
4. Alcorn State
5. Southern
6. Texas Southern
7. Grambling State
8. Jackson State
9. Mississippi Valley State
10. Alabama A&M
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