Volume 27, Number 1 October/November 2017

Player of the Year Preseason Preview 2017-18!

Top 25 Predictions

Preseason Top 10: 1. Northwest Missouri 2. Queens (NC) 3. St. Thomas Aquinas 4. Shippensburg 5. Chico State 6. Bellarmine 7. Lincoln Memorial 8. Indiana (Pa.) 9. Colorado Mines 10. Rollins Page 5

Justin Pitts, NW Missouri Coaching Changes Page 3 1991 27th Season 2018 Conference Previews Page 6 2017 All-American Teams Page 11

Twitter: @SmallColHoops www.smallcollegehoops.com Editorial

Welcome to the Preseason Preview Issue! Welcome to the 2017-18 Division II to the NCAA Bulletin Preseason Preview issue! We are tournament excited about this upcoming season and announce- Editor & Publisher glad to have you join us for what should ment. Gary S. Rubin ■ be a terrific campaign. This year, This past offseason, I read two good the process Art Director books that both related to college basket- of compil- Steve Fisher ball. The first wasShoe Dog, the memoir ing the Top from Nike founder Phil Knight. Without 25 was pretty Business & Editorial Office question, Nike altered the college basket- straightfor- GSR Communications ball landscape and it was interesting to ward. The Email: [email protected] read how Knight took his own idea and No. 1 ranking grew it into one of the world’s largest this preseason Division II Bulletin is published 14 companies. Of course, I read the book goes to defending national champion times from October to April by GSR before the recent bribery scandal that is Northwest Missouri, which has three Communications. Subscription price: rocking college basketball and it’s not starters and a host of veterans back from $54 per season. © Copyright 2017 by hard to understand how we got here. It its national title team. Reigning DIIB GSR Communications. POSTMAS- will be interesting to see how this plays Player of the Year Justin Pitts (20.9 ppg, TER: Send all change of address out in the months to come. 5 apg) leads the Bearcats and also head- requests to above address. Come the NABC Convention in lines the Super 16 All-Americans listed April, I am interested to see how the on page 11. Printed in USA shoe companies represent themselves A number of teams, including Queens at the gathering. Will the lavish parties (NC), St. Thomas Aquinas, Shippensburg www.smallcollegehoops.com still be on the agenda, or will it be more and Chico State are close behind for the Twitter: SmallColHoops subdued? I can still remember attending top spot so it should be a competitive Member: USBWA several shoe company parties at the Final season. Four and walking away with some pretty I want to thank our corporate partner impressive gifts. for being part of our publication. SNA How do you think things will change, Sports is back as the title sponsor of the and will Division II coaches be impacted? Division II Bulletin Coach of the Year and Drop me a line with your thoughts. the Coach of the Month award as well. Publishing Schedule The second book was Coach Wooden The company is a big supporter of small Division II Bulletin will publish 14 and Me by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. It’s a college basketball and was great to work editions this season. Here’s a sched- touching story of a coach and his player with last year for our biggest award. I ule to keep track of the issues: and how their friendship lasted 50 years. hope you call on SNA Sports when your ● Preseason Preview If you’re a coach, I highly recommend equipment needs arise and thank them for ❍ this book and the lessons it teaches of their support of Division II basketball. December 6 the impact you have on your student Be sure to visit out our web site, www. ❍ December 13 athletes. smallcollegehoops.com, and follow us on ❍ December 20 Now, to the upcoming season. Twitter (@SmallColHoops) for updates ❍ January 3 To begin, you will see a number of new between our regular issues. ❍ January 10 coaches listed on the next page. This was Thanks for your support and we’ll see ❍ an active off-season for coaching moves you in December with the next edition. January 17 and we wish all the new floor generals ❍ January 24 luck this campaign. ❍ February 1 The publishing schedule will be famil- ❍ February 7 iar to our readers. Four years ago we ex- ❍ February 14 panded the schedule to 14 issues a season Gary Rubin ❍ and it was well received. We’re sticking to Editor & Publisher February 21 that again this year after the tremendous ❍ March 1 feedback. Basically, you’ll hear from us ❍ Postseason Review weekly in January and February during the heart of the season and the run-up

2 Division II Bulletin • October 2017 Newsroom

Crutchfield Moves from WLU to Division II Coaching Changes Nova Southeastern School Coach FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Nova Southeastern University Cal St. Monterey Bay Isaac Williams announced the hiring of Jim Crutchfield as the next head coach. Cal St. San Marcos B.J. Foster Crutchfield takes over the Sharks men’s basketball program Fairmont State Joe Mazzulla after 13 seasons at NCAA Division II West Liberty. Flagler Chad Warner In 13 seasons with the West Liberty men’s basketball pro- Maryville Marc Stricker gram, Crutchfield built a high-profile Division II program. Newman R.J. Allen Having coached the Hilltoppers since 2004-05, he amassed Northeastern State Mark Downey a career record of 359-61 (.855), which is the highest career Northwest Nazarene Paul Rush winning percentage in college basketball history among all Nova SE Jim Crutchfield NCAA coaches who have spent at least 10 seasons as an San Francisco State Vince Inglima (int.) NCAA head coach. That places Crutchfield in an elite class Stanislaus State Paul Trevor of coaching legends that includes Kentucky’s Adolph Rupp Urbana Nick Dials (3rd all-time), UCLA’s John Wooden (7th) and Duke’s Mike Washburn Brett Ballard Krzyzewski (21st). West Liberty Ben Howlett West Virginia Wesleyan Jack Merriweather Mazzulla Hired at Fairmont State FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Fairmont State University Director of Athletics Tim McNeely announced that Joe Mazzulla has been named the program’s 12th head men’s basketball coach. A former West Virginia University standout, Mazzulla spent five years coaching at the NCAA Division II level, including three at Fairmont State, before serving as an assistant coach in the NBA Development league last year. Fairmont State head men’s basketball coach Jerrod Calhoun stepped down to accept the same position at Youngstown State University.

Trevor Heads to Stanislaus State TURLOCK, Calif. — Stanislaus State announced the ap- pointment of Paul Trevor to the position of co-head coach of men’s basketball, joining Larry Reynolds at the helm of the Warriors. Northwest Missouri head coach Ben McCollum poses with The move to create a co-head coaching position was a mu- his 2017 SNA Sports/Division II Bulletin Coach of the Year tual decision of Reynolds and Matoso, constructed to ensure a award. The Bearcats won the 2017 national championship. smooth transition for the program. Reynolds has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. “It is going to be a great opportunity for me to be working Great Alaska Shootout Ending with Coach Reynolds,” Trevor said. “He is extremely well- ANCHORAGE – The University of Alaska Anchorage an- respected throughout the coaching profession and has been a nounced that the 40th annual GCI Great Alaska Shootout will mentor for me throughout my career. I’m also fired-up to be be the final edition of the tournament. joining the Warrior family. Stan State is an exciting and growing “The Shootout has been an iconic event at UAA for 40 athletic department with fantastic facilities. The University has years, but unfortunately we cannot sustain our funding of this made a commitment to athletic excellence and I am looking tournament in the current budget climate,” said UAA chancel- forward to being part of it.” lor Sam Gingerich. Trevor, 48, comes to Turlock after raising the basketball Born in 1978 as the Sea Wolf Classic, the GCI Great Alaska program at San Francisco State to new heights. In seven years Shootout is currently the longest-running regular-season college as the Gators’ head coach he guided his teams to a 107-86 basketball tournament in the nation. record, including 80-68 in the California Collegiate Athletic Overall, the Shootout has hosted 30 of the 35 programs to win Association. He took the Gators to five CCAA Tournaments, an NCAA Div. I men’s basketball championship, while featur- and this past season, after a 10-0 start, SFSU spent back-to- ing 132 teams – an average of 3.4 per tournament – that went back weeks in the national top-25 rankings for the first time on to make the NCAA Tournament the following spring. in school history.

3 Division II Bulletin • October 2017 Newsroom

• San Francisco State has pro- Washburn Hires Ballard CSU San Marcos moted assistant Vince Inglima to TOPEKA, Kan. – Washburn Univer- Completes Transition interim men’s basketball coach sity men’s basketball will have a new SAN MARCOS, Calif. – California for the 2017-18 season. Inglima head coach on the sidelines for the first State University San Marcos has success- is already involved in all aspects time since the 1979-80 season as Brett of the men’s basketball program fully completed its transition to NCAA Ballard has been announced as the 15th Division II membership. including academics, recruiting, head coach in Ichabod program history strength and conditioning, travel, CSUSM President Karen Haynes by athletic director Loren Ferré. and summer camps. received the call from the NCAA mem- “This is an exciting time for Washburn bership committee notifying them that the • B.J. Foster, who served as interim basketball,” Ferré said. “Brett has pro- University is now a full-fledged Division head coach for the 2016-17 sea- gressed up the coaching ranks playing II member. son, has been named head men’s for a Hall of Fame coach in Roy Wil- “The CCAA is delighted by the basketball coach, Cal State San liams at the University of Kansas and NCAA’s announcement,” said Com- Marcos Director of Athletics Jen- working on the coaching staff of another nifer Milo announced. missioner Nate Salant. “Cal State San Hall of Fame coach in Bill Self. Add to Marcos has been exemplary throughout that spending five seasons under Danny • After two highly successful stints the process and will be a highly com- Manning earning two NCAA tournament at the helm of the Eastern Oregon petitive member of our league. I know program, Isaac Williams moves berths, I believe our program has a bright a lot of hard work went into this, so to the Central Coast to become future under Brett’s leadership.” congratulations to the entire San Marcos the seventh head coach in the Ballard spent the last three seasons as community. ” history of the Cal State Monterey an assistant coach with the Wake Forest While CSUSM has been competing at Bay men’s basketball program. basketball program after working under the Division II level during the past two Williams takes the reins from Rob head coach Danny Manning for the last Bishop, who went 86–157 over the years of transition, being a full member five combined after spending the previous means the University’s teams are eligible last nine seasons. Williams posted two seasons at the University of Tulsa. a 120–41 record in five seasons for postseason play beginning with the This past season, Ballard helped Wake leading the Mountaineer program. 2017-18 academic year. He averaged 24 wins per season Forest to its first NCAA Tournament ap- and won at least 19 games in all pearance since the 2009-10 season. five campaigns. Downey Joins NE State TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Northeastern • The GLIAC will have a new look Maryville Turns to State University announced that Mark this year as Davenport and Purdue St. Louis Native Downey was hired as the university’s Northwest enter the conference ST. LOUIS – Maryville University has head men’s basketball coach. from NAIA. Findlay, Hillsdale, announced that St. Louis native Marc Walsh, Ohio Dominican and Lake Downey comes to NSU after two sea- Stricker has been named head coach of Erie moved to the GMAC. sons at Fort Wayne (NCAA DI) as the the Saints’ men’s basketball program. program’s top assistant on the bench, and • Northwest Nazarene took the He graduated from CBC High School has helped the Mastodons to appearances interim tag off Paul Rush’s title, and returns to his hometown after spend- in the CollegeInsider.com Tournament naming him as the new head men’s ing the 2016-17 season at Oral Roberts (CIT) and the NIT, while going 44-23. basketball coach for the Crusad- University. Stricker previously worked Prior to Fort Wayne, Downey spent the ers. Rush, the top assistant and two seasons for the Maryville basketball 2014-15 season at Bowling Green where recruiting coordinator for the Cru- program as an assistant coach. they went 20-12, and he helped direct saders the past two seasons, takes “This is a dream come true for me to over after former NNU head man them into the second round of the CIT. become the head coach at a top-notch Scott Flemming announced his Downey joins NSU Athletics as its resignation on July 31 to become university that competes in the best Di- 10th men’s basketball coach in its history the Senior Director for Basketball vision II league in the nation, right here and carries a 204-103 overall head coach- Operations for NBA India. in my hometown of St. Louis,” Stricker ing record, with four NCAA Division II said. “Under the direction of Dr. Mark Tournament Appearances, and has been • California Baptist and Dixie State Lombardi, Maryville University has named Coach of the Year six times. are in their final year with the become one of the most innovative and Pacific West Conference. Biola is progressive institutions in the nation, and Send News also joining the league this season I am humbled for the opportunity to lead while BYU-Hawaii has concluded Send news, milestones and information this basketball program. its reduction of athletics and has during the season to: ended its athletic program. Stricker’s first stint with the Saints [email protected] began with the 2011-12 season.

4 Division II Bulletin • October 2017 Preseason Rankings

Northwest Missouri Ranked No. 1 in The DIIB Preseason Top 10 2017 DIIB Preseason Top 25 1. Northwest Missouri • National champs return solid cast 2016-17 Record: 35-1 Starters Returning/Lost: 3/2 Scouting Report: DIIB Player of the Year Justin Pitts (20.9 ppg) BEAVERTON, Ore. — Defending national champion North- leads the scoring attack for the defending national champs. west Missouri State is the No. 1 team in the 2017 Division II Bulletin Preseason Top 25 ranking. 2. Queens (NC) NW Missouri (35-1) has three starters and a host of veter- 2016-17 Record: 30-4 Starters Returning/Lost: 4/1 ans back from its national title team. DIIB Player of the Year Scouting Report: The Royals return 12 letterwinners and 75 Justin Pitts (20.9 ppg, 5 apg) leads the scoring attack for the percent of its scoring from an NCAA Tournament team. Bearcats and will get support from Chris-Ebou Ndow (12.5 ppg, 6.7 rpg). 3. St. Thomas Aquinas At No. 2, Queens University of Charlotte (30-4) returns four 2016-17 Record: 28-6 Starters Returning/Lost: 4/1 starters, 12 letterwinners and 75 percent of its scoring from Scouting Report: Spartans return a solid cast from their Elite last year’s NCAA Tournament team. The Royals added juco Eight team, led by league MVP Justin Reyes (20.6 ppg). standouts Lewis Diankulu and Shaun Willett, and freshman Solomon Smith, to a team that finished in the Top 25 nationally in 17 different statistical categories. 4. Shippensburg Rounding out the top five are St. Thomas Aquinas, Ship- 2016-17 Record: 27-4 Starters Returning/Lost: 4/1 pensburg, and Chico State. Scouting Report: The Raiders return four starters and 11 play- The second five includes Bellarmine, Lincoln Memorial, ers, including All-American Dustin Sleva (21.7 ppg, 11 rpg). Indiana (Pa.), Colorado Mines and Rollins. Division II Bulletin has selected a preseason Top 25 every 5. Chico State year since 1991 and is celebrating its 27th anniversary this 2016-17 Record: 26-8 Starters Returning/Lost: 4/1 season. Scouting Report: The Wildcats lost just two players from last year’s Elite Eight squad. 11. Texas Permian Basin 6. Bellarmine 12. Ferris State 2016-17 Record: 32-4 Starters Returning/Lost: 2/3 13. Cal Baptist Scouting Report: All-American forward Adam Eberhard (17 14. Southwest Minnesota ppg, 7.6 rpg) powers the Knights. 15. Merrimack 7. Lincoln Memorial 16. Barry 2016-17 Record: 30-6 Starters Returning/Lost: 4/1 17. Fort Lewis Scouting Report: The Railsplitters return five of their top seven 18. West Liberty scorers from last year’s Final Four team. 19. Indianapolis 20. Arkansas Monticello 8. Indiana (Pa.) 21. West Texas A&M 2016-17 Record: 28-4 Starters Returning/Lost: 4/1 22. Delta State Scouting Report: IUP will chase another NCAA bid behind All-American Jacobo Diaz (14.4 ppg, 10 rpg). 23. UNC Pembroke 24. Western Washington 9. Colorado Mines 25. Kentucky Wesleyan 2016-17 Record: 30-5 Starters Returning/Lost: 3/2 Others to watch: Findlay, PhilaU, Virginia Union, Chris- Scouting Report: The Orediggers return three starters from tian Brothers, Benedict, Central Missouri, MSU Moorhead, their NCAA Elite Eight squad. Tarleton State, UC San Diego, San Francisco State. 10. Rollins 2016-17 Record: 24-11 Starters Returning/Lost: 3/2 2017-18 Conference Previews Scouting Report: The Tars return three starters and 11 let- terwinners from their Elite Eight team. Begin on Page 6

5 Division II Bulletin • October 2017 Conference Previews East Region Atlantic Region Defending champion: St. Thomas Aquinas Defending champion: Fairmont State Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Top Teams: Top Teams: North: 1. Bloomfield 2. Caldwell 3. Dominican Northern: 1. Va. Union 2. Bowie St. 3. Virginia St. South: 1. Philadelphia 2. Wilmington 3. Goldey-Beacom Southern: 1. Shaw 2. Winston-Salem 3. Livingstone Player of the Year: Player of the Year: Nick Davidson, Bloomfield, Sr. Quincy January, St. Augustine’s, Sr. Outlook: Outlook: Defending champion Bloomfield (22-10) has lofty expectations Virginia Union (22-8) is looking to return to the NCAA Tourna- as it lost only two players from last season’s rotation (top 8). ment behind two returning starters and a deep veteran roster. The Bears will feature four returning starters plus get back two The Panthers need to replace their top three scorers and will players who were not with them in the second semester of last look to senior James Paige (9.0 ppg) to increase his offensive year. Senior forward Nick Davidson (17.1 ppg, 6.0 rpg) leads numbers this season. In the South, Shaw (14-13) must replace the scoring charge. In addition, the Bears added three transfers more than 50 of its 70 points per game this year. DeAng and a freshmen who could all have an impact this season. In Stephens-Bell (7.6 ppg) is the leading returning scorer for the the South, Philadelphia (21-9) returns four starters and three Bears. Bowie State (16-15) has eight veterans back from its double-figure scorers to the lineup. The backcourt of Kaison CIAA title team, led by Ahmaad Wilson (16.6 ppg). Randolph (17 ppg) and Jordan DeCicco (15.3 ppg) is one of the most productive in the region. Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Top Teams: East Coast Conference East: 1. Shippensburg 2. Kutztown 3. East Stroudsburg Top Teams: West: 1. Indiana 2. Gannon 3. Pitt-Johnstown 1. St. Thomas Aquinas 2. Daemen 3. Bridgeport Player of the Year: Player of the Year: Dustin Sleva, Shippensburg, Sr. Justin Reyes, St. Thomas Aquinas, Sr. Outlook: Outlook: Shippensburg (27-4) is fresh off its best season in school his- The St. Thomas Aquinas Spartans (28-6) are looking to build tory, setting a new single-season record for wins en route to its off the program’s first-ever NCAA Elite Eight appearance. second PSAC Championship and its first NCAA Tournament STAC added six talented players to a core group of returners victory in school history. The Raiders return four starters and 11 who have won 76 games in the past three years. League MVP players from last year’s roster, including NABC All-American and top scorer Justin Reyes (20.6 ppg, 9.3 rpg) headlines four senior forward Dustin Sleva (21.7 ppg, 11 rpg). In the West, returning starters. The Daemen Wildcats are coming off a 19-9 IUP (28-4) is coming off its seventh PSAC West regular season season, the program’s sixth consecutive year with at least 19 title and eighth NCAA tournament appearance in 10 years. Four wins. Two starters are back in the mix this year, including starters from last season are back, including junior honorable second-leading scorer Supreme Hannah (13.9 ppg). mention All-American and PSAC West Player of the Year Jacobo Diaz (14.4 ppg, 10 rpg). Northeast-10 Conference Top Teams: Mountain East Conference 1. Merrimack 2. St. Anselm 3. LeMoyne Top Teams: Player of the Year: 1. Fairmont St. 2. West Liberty 3. Wheeling Jesuit Tim Guers, St. Anselm, Jr. Player of the Year: Outlook: Will Vorhees, Notre Dame, Sr. Merrimack (19-12) returns four starters and a core of eight Outlook: student-athletes from a team that advanced to the regional National runner-up Fairmont State (34-3) will have a new look semifinals. Leading scorer Ryan Boulter (18 ppg) is the go-to this season with a new head coach and just two starters back offensive option for the Warriors and has plenty of offensive on the floor. The Falcons will also have to replace their top support. St. Anselm (20-9) has high expectations with the return two scorers from last year, and will look to top returner Jason of three double-figure scorers, led by junior Tim Guers (21.7 Jolly (12.5 ppg) to lead the offensive attack. West Liberty (28- ppg). Taylor Fortin (15.2) and Cody Ball (13.2) add scoring 4) head coach Jim Crutchfield departed but the high-scoring punch for the Hawks, who put up more than 85 points a game ways should continue for the Hilltoppers. All-league guard last season and won by almost 10 points per game. A team to Dan Monteroso (18.8 ppg) is among three returning starters watch is LeMoyne (22-7), which returns four double-figure from last year’s team that finished second in the nation in scorers from its NCAA Tournament team. Russell Sangster scoring (97 ppg). Wheeling Jesuit (25-8) is a team to watch (11.5 ppg) leads the Dolphins. in the MEC race.

6 Division II Bulletin • October 2017 Conference Previews South Region Southeast Region Defending champion: Rollins Defending champion: Lincoln Memorial Gulf South Conference Conference Carolinas Top Teams: Top Teams: 1. Delta St. 2. Christian Brothers 3. Valdosta St. 1. Limestone 2. Barton 3. King Player of the Year: Player of the Year: Adam Dieball, Christian Brothers, Jr. Deion Lane, Belmont Abbey, Sr. Outlook: Outlook: Delta State (23-9) welcomes back three starters from its NCAA Coming off one of the best performances in program history, the Tournament team. The Statesmen will need to fill the void left Limestone Saints (27-6) will look to continue the momentum by All-American Devin Schmidt, but Brett Warner (12 ppg) in the 2017-18 season with two returning starters. The Saints seems ready to step into a larger scoring role. DSU is deep will rely on their eight returners to fill the void of graduated with four seniors and four veterans who averaged more than all-conference performers Shaun Stewart and Shaq Dance. 20 minutes per game last season. A team to watch is Christian Junior guard Kenny Hairston (8.4 ppg, 1.7 rpg) is expected to Brothers (18-13), which returns all five starters led by the increase his offensive output. Barton (20-10) is rebuiling its dynamic scoring duo of Adam Dieball (17.5 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 1st roster and has no seniors on the team this year. Seven freshmen team All-GSC) and Jeff Larkin (17.4 ppg, 2nd team All-GSC). and a pair of transfers join the Bulldogs and will be expected The Pirates put up more than 75 points a game last season but to contribute immediately. also gave up more than 73 per outing. Valdosta State (26-6) Peach Belt Conference returns just one starters from its NCAA Tournament team. Beau Top Teams: Justice (14.3 ppg) will need to pick up some of the scoring void East: 1. UNC Pembroke 2. USC Aiken 3. Augusta for the Blazers, who scored better than 88 points per game on West: 1. Columbus St. 2. Young Harris 3. Clayton State average last season. Player of the Year: Sunshine State Conference Jacori Payne, Columbus St., Sr. Top Teams: Outlook: 1. Rollins 2. Barry 3. Eckerd UNC Pembroke (24-8) returns three starters and six other let- Player of the Year: terwinners from last season’s PBC regular season and PBC Elvar Fridricksson, Barry, Sr. Tournament championship team. The Braves will look to Outlook: all-league forward Nigel Grant (14.6 ppg, 6.0 rpg) to be the Returning three starters and 11 letterwinners from its Elite Eight offesnive catalyst this campaign. USC Aiken (18-9) and Au- team a year ago, expectations are at an all-time high for Rollins gust (24-8) will be top contenders in the division. In the West, (24-11). Seniors Sam Philpott (15.3 ppg) and Jeff Merton (14.7 Columbus State (20-10) has three starters back in the mix, ppg) and SSC Freshman of the Year Connor Mckim (10.1 ppg, including leading scorers Jacori Payne (19.1 ppg) and Darius 3.8 apg) will lead the way for the Tars. Barry (23-7) welcomes Joell (13.1 ppg). Jesse Deloach comes to Columbus State from back three starters from its NCAA Tournament team. The Bucs Division I Western Carolina University where he played in 42 have a true international flavor as 10 players, including likely games over two seasons for the Catamounts and should be an the entire starting lineup, hail from overseas. Barry also has immediate factor in the lineup. seven Division I transfers on its roster. Senior point guard Elvar South Atlantic Conference Fridriksson (17.4 ppg, 4.3 reb, 7.7 ast) powers the offense for Top Teams: the Buccaneers. 1. Queens 2. Lincoln Memorial 3. Carson-Newman Player of the Year: Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Charles Clark, Carson-Newman, Sr. Top Teams: Outlook: East: 1. Benedict 2. Clark Atlanta 3. Claflin Defending champion Queens University of Charlotte (30-4) West: 1. Lane 2. Spring Hill 3. LeMoyne Owen returns four starters, 12 letterwinners and 75 percent of its Player of the Year: scoring from last year’s NCAA Tournament team. The Royals Brandon Morris, Benedict, Sr. added juco standouts Lewis Diankulu and Shaun Willett, and Outlook: freshman Solomon Smith, to a team that finished in the Top 25 Two starters are back for Benedict (17-12), including league nationally in 17 different statistical categories. Senior forward MVP Brandon Morris (18 ppg, 7.4 rpg). The Tigers lost only Todd Withers (13.6 ppg, 7.0 rpg) is the top returning scorer. four players from last year and feature a deep roster of veter- Lincoln Memorial (30-6) welcomes back four starters and five ans. Clark Atlanta (20-12) returns two starters from its SIAC of its top seven scorers from its Final Four team. Trevon Shaw Tournament title team, led by Tajai Johnson (12.2 ppg). Lane (11.4 ppg, 3.2 rpg), Cornelius Taylor (10.7 ppg, 2.6 apg) and (15-11) looks like the frontrunner in the West division. Emanuel Terry (10.1 ppg, 8.0 rpg) lead the Railsplitters.

7 Division II Bulletin • October 2017 Conference Previews Central Region South Central Region Defending champion: Northwest Missouri Defending champion: Colorado School of Mines

Great American Conference Heartland Conference Top Teams: Top Teams: 1. AR Monticello 2. East Central 3. Arkansas Tech 1. AR-Fort Smith 2. Dallas Baptist 3. Rogers State Player of the Year: Player of the Year: Derylton Hill, AR Monticello, Sr. Patrick Burke, Dallas Baptist, Sr. Outlook: Outlook: Arkansas Monticello (23-7) lost only one player from last year’s Arkansas Fort Smith (23-11) returns three starters, led by roster. Four starters and three all-league performers are back DaVaunta Thomas (12.2 ppg). Dallas Baptist (24-12) returns for the Weevils, led by first-team selection Derylton Hill (16.8 four starters from last year, headlined by senior all-conference ppg, 7.1 rpg). East Central (25-8) will have a new look with forward Patrick Burke (13.6 ppg, 5.1 rpg) and starting point the loss of league MVP Braxton Reeves. Eight new players guard Julian Miranda, the Heartland’s Newcomer of the Year join the Tigers this season. after dishing out a team-best 147 assists. Mid.-America Inter. Athletic Association Lone Star Conference Top Teams: Top Teams: 1. NW Missouri 2. C. Missouri 3. Neb. Kearney 1. Texas Permian Basin 2. West Texas A&M 3. Tarleton St. Player of the Year: Player of the Year: Justin Pitts, NW Missouri, Sr. Daeshon Francis, Texas Permian Basin, Sr. Outlook: Outlook: NW Missouri (35-1) has three starters and a host of veterans Texas Permian Basin finished last season 26-6 and won the Lone back from its national championship team. DIIB Player of the Star Conference regular season and tournament championships Year Justin Pitts (20.9 ppg, 5 apg) leads the scoring attack for in its first season of competition in the league. This year, the the Bearcats and will get support from Chris-Ebou Ndow (12.5 Falcons return four starters including league MVP Daeshon ppg, 6.7 rpg). Minnestoa State transfer Joey Witthus (13.7 ppg, Francis (18.2 ppg, 6.6 rpg) and should be a top contender in the 4.7 rpg) joins the program after starting all 61 games he had region. West Texas A&M (26-9) is coming off the program’s appeared in for the Mavericks the past two seasons and earning first Sweet 16 appearance since 1997-98. Three starters return, All-NSIC honors. With three returning starters and an influx led by David Chavlovich (20.2 ppg, 4.1 apg) and Jordan Evans of new talent, UCM (21-9) should be in the mix again for a (13.1 ppg). Tarleton State (22-8) is going after its ninth straight conference crown. Senior guard Spencer Reaves (17.1 ppg, 4.2 NCAA bid with three returning starters. Sophomore forward rpg) powers the Mules. Anthony Davis (9.9 ppg, 4.6 rpg) is the top returning scorer Northern Sun Conference for the Texans. Top Teams: Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference North: 1. MSU Moorhead St. 2. Northern St. 3. St. Cloud St. Top Teams: South: 1. Southwest MN St. 2. Augustana 3. Upper Iowa 1. Colo. Mines 2. Fort Lewis 3. CSU-Pueblo Player of the Year: Player of the Year: Gage Davis, St. Cloud St., Jr. Rasmus Bach, Fort Lewis, Sr. Outlook: Outlook: The NSIC is expected to be another tough race this year. Min- The RMAC is shaping up as another right race. Colorado nesota State University Moorhead (24-6) is chasing its fifth School of Mines (30-5) returns three starters from its NCAA straight NSIC North title but must do so with only one starter Elite Eight squad. Sharpshooter Luke Schroepfer (14.7 ppg, back. The Dragons have to replace three of their top four scor- 1.8 rpg), point guard Ben Sonnefeld, and bigs Ben Clare and ers. Tanner Kretchman (16.7 ppg) leads the Dragon offensive Adam Laine will look to help Mines repeat as RMAC champi- attack. Four starters are back for Southwest Minnesota State ons after the best season in program history. Fort Lewis (26-7) (28-6) from its team that fell in the Regional finals to NW Mis- must replace league MVP Joshua Blaylock but the Skyhawks souri State. Ryan Bruggeman (15.5 ppg) leads the offensive are still loaded with talent. Four starters return, led by high- attack for the Mustangs and will get plenty of help from more scorer Rasmus Bach (18.2 ppg), and will be joined by Division than 50 returning points per game from a deep roster of veterans. I transfer Derris (DJ) Miles (University of Northern Colorado). Augustana (24-9) replaces three starters this year. The Vikings Colorado St.-Pueblo (19-12) welcomes back six of its top 10 will look to All-NSIC performer Jordan Specer (15.9 ppg) to players from last year, including its leading scorer, assist player carry the offensive load, and get help from fellow returning and all three top 3-point shooters. Three starters and more than starter John Warren (9.9 ppg). Augustana put up 88 points a 50 points are back on the roster. The ThunderWolves will look game last campaign on average while holding opponents to to Will Newman (12.4) and reserve Mark Williams (13.9 ppg) just over 81. to lead the scoring attack. 8 Division II Bulletin • October 2017 Conference Previews Midwest Region West Region Defending champion: Bellarmine Defending champion: Chico State Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference California Collegiate Athletic Association Top Teams: Top Teams: 1. Ferris St. St. 2. Michigan Tech 3. Lake Superior 1. Chico State 2. UC San Diego 3. San Franciso State Player of the Year: Player of the Year: Zach Hankins, Ferris State, Jr. Warren Jackson, San Francisco St., Sr. Outlook: Outlook: Expectations are high at Ferris State (28-5) with four starters Chico State (26-8) lost just two players from last year’s Elite back from the best season in school history, including league Eight squad. The Wildcats feature four returning starters — MVP Zach Hankins (15 ppg, 10.5 rpg). The Bulldogs will three of them All-CCAA performers — led by forward Isaiah chase their fourth straight GLIAC title with 10 total returning Ellis (13.3 ppg, 6.4 rpg) plus sophomore reserve center Justin letterwinners, a trio of talented redshirt freshmen along with Briggs back to form the likely starting five. Defending cham- two significant Division I transfers in former Stony Brook guard pion UC San Diego is coming off its most successful season DeShaun Thrower and Hofstra wing TyQuone Greer. Michigan ever, setting program highs for wins (27) and CCAA victories Tech (16-14) will be a factor with four returning starters, led (17). The Tritons return three starters and must replace leading by top scorer Kyle Monroe (20.1 ppg, 7.2 rpg) and sophomore scorer and league MVP Adam Kile. Chris Hansen (12.5) is the Tommy Lucca (15.7 ppg), who was last year’s GLIAC Fresh- top returning scorer. San Franciso State (25-6) has three starters man of the Year. back from its NCAA Tournament squad. All-conference selec- tion Warren Jackson (16.8 ppg) will again be the focal point Great Lakes Valley Conference for the Gators’ offense. Top Teams: Great Northwest Athletic Conference 1. Bellarmine 2. Indianapolis 3. Wis. Parkside Top Teams: Player of the Year: 1. W. Washington 2. W. Oregon 3. UA Anchorage Adam Eberhard, Bellarmine, Jr. Player of the Year: Outlook: Preston Beverly, Montana St. Billings, Jr. Led by returning All-American forward Adam Eberhard (17 Outlook: ppg, 7.6 rpg), the Bellarmine Knights (32-4) return two starters Defending champion Western Washington (25-6) must replace this season. A wealth of seasoned players and a rich batch of league MVP Taylor Stafford but returns several key players newcomers should make the Knights strong in the backcourt. from last season, including GNAC All-Stars Daulton Hommes Up front, BU should also be solid with 6-7 sophomores Ben (12.5 ppg) and Deandre Dickson (14.1 ppg). The Vikings signed Weyer and Alex Cook (2017 GLVC All-Freshman Team) join- guards Tyler Payne and Micah Winn from Cerritos College and ing Eberhard. Indianapolis (16-12) is expected to make a major both are expected to contribute right away. Western Oregon move this season as it returns its top seven scorers from a season (18-13) returns four starters and will count on senior Tanner ago, including three All-GLVC Second Team performers in Omlid (15.6 ppg, 7.6 rpg) to again lead the scoring effort. Eric Davidson (14.9 ppg), Jesse Kempson (14.5) and Jimmy The Wolves lost only four seniors from last year’s team. UA King (11.5). The Greyhounds also feature All-Defense selec- Anchorage (21-8) will have a new look with 10 new players tion Ajay Lawton (11.4) and welcome transfer C.J. Hardaway, on the roster. The Seawolves added Division I transfers Malik an All-GLVC pick from Saint Joseph’s, and 6-7 true freshman Clements (North Dakota State), Maleke Haynes (Pacific), Jacob Trevor Lakes. Wisconsin Parkside (22-8), Southern Indiana Lampkin (Pacific) and D.J. Ursery (Pacific). (25-5), and Quincy (25-7) all figure to be key players in the three-division league. Pacific West Top Teams: Great Midwest Athletic Conference 1. Cal Baptist 2. Dixie State 3. Point Loma Top Teams: Player of the Year: 1. Ken. Wesleyan 2. Findlay 3. Alderson Broaddus Trevor Hill, Dixie State, Sr. Player of the Year: Outlook: Ty Jordan, Malone, Sr. California Baptist University (26-5) enters the 2017-18 season Outlook: looking for its fifth-straight NCAA postseason appearance. The Defending champion Kentucky Wesleyan (28-3) must replace Lancers return three starters, including All-West Region and three starters this year but still has a veteran squad. Malek All-PacWest big man Kalidou Diouf (15.8 ppg, 6.9 rpg), and Harris (10.6 ppg) is the top scorer for the Panthers. Findlay welcome seven new players into the mix with nine returners. (25-7) joins the league this season and will be a factor with Of the new faces, Gabe Taylor transfers in after playing at three returning starters, led by Martyce Kimbrough (19.3 ppg) Division I Portland, where he averaged 11.6 ppg and 5.5 rpg. and Tarrin Sullivan (18.1 ppg). Dixie State (19-9) will be a factor in the PWC race. 9 Division II Bulletin • October 2017 Schelde is now NORTH AMERICA

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Dustin Sleva Shippensburg Senior Forward Wil Vorhees Notre Dame Senior Forward Honorable Mention MIDWEST Jacobo Diaz, IUP, Jr. Adam Eberhard Bellarmine Junior Forward Martyce Kimbrough, Findlay, Sr. Zach Hankins Ferris State Junior Center Ethan Alvano, Cal St. San Marcos, Sr. Nick Davidson, Bloomfield, Sr. CENTRAL Adam Dieball, Christian Brothers, Jr. Justin Pitts NW Missouri Senior Guard Chris Walters, S. New Hampshire, Sr. Gage Davis St. Cloud State Junior Guard Patrick Burke, Dallas Baptist, Sr. Quincy January, St. Augustine’s, Sr. SOUTH Dan Monteroso, West Liberty, Sr. Trevor Hill, Dixie State, Sr. Brandon Morris Benedict Senior Guard Deion Lane, Belmont Abbey, Sr. Elvar Fridriksson Barry Senior Guard Derylton Hill, AR Monticello, Sr. Rasmus Bach, Fort Lewis, Sr. SOUTHEAST Kalidou Diouf, Cal Baptist, Sr. Ty Jordan, Malone, Sr. Charles Clark Carson-Newman Senior Guard Tanner Omlid, Western Oregon, Sr. Jacori Payne Columbus State Senior Guard Jaymon Mason, Edinboro, Sr. Sam Daniel, Florida Tech, Sr. SOUTH CENTRAL Jordan Spencer, Augustana, Sr. Daeshon Francis UT Perm. Basin Senior Guard Amir Hinton, Lock Haven, So. David Chavlovich West Texas A&M Senior Guard Akaemji Williams, Lake Superior, Sr. Jalin Alexander, Queens (NC), Sr. WEST Christian Mortellite, Bloomsburg, Sr. Ryan Richmond, Bentley, Jr. Warren Jackson San Francisco St. Senior Forward Randy Bell, Holy Family, So. Preston Beverly MT St. Billings Junior Forward Randall Shaw, Anderson, Jr.

11 Division II Bulletin • October 2017