My own guess on what the coaches/press poll will rank the ASUN teams pre-season. Of course I think Mercer has potential to be a contender this year, but I'm ranking this from an outside rational perspective.

1. ETSU (Too many returners and experience.)
2. Lipscomb (solid returners, questionable coaching.)
3. Belmont (Byrd)
4. Mercer (Returning 3 strong starters, plus another senior. High potential in recruiting class)
5. Jacksonville (I just don't know what to think of JU)
6. Kennesaw State (Question marks all over from coaching to players. Who knows, but definitely better than the rest)
7. Campbell (This is probably best case scenario in their last year in the ASUN. I expect teams to send them out accordingly.)
8. North Florida (showed a lot of heart last year, but still UNF)
9. Stetson (Best coach of the bad teams. Sadly little support from school to build program.)
10. FGCU
11. USC Upstate

So looking back on this it appears:
-I severely underestimated Byrd. I won't be making that mistake again.
-ETSU overrated but not by much.
-Lipscomb just doesn't have the coaching or depth to be a real contender.
-Mercer I think I place a spot too high, looks like they might finish 5th.
-Jacksonville I placed a spot too low, however, I do think MU has their number in Macon.
-Kennesaw WAY too high. They have clearly regressed and had their worst year in D1.
-Campbell about right. Life without J-Rod.
-North Florida way too low... they have been impressive and easily their best D1 season. Will be their first A-Sun tourney barring a meltdown.
-Stetson can still beat teams here and there, but mostly just losing.
-FGCU & Upstate not shocking results here.

I do feel like Mercer has a chance to put together another ASUN Tourney run. The new faces are playing well alongside Mills & Mark Hall.

(02-07-2011 07:56 PM)MercerFan Wrote:  So looking back on this it appears:
-I severely underestimated Byrd. I won't be making that mistake again.
-ETSU overrated but not by much.
-Lipscomb just doesn't have the coaching or depth to be a real contender.
-Mercer I think I place a spot too high, looks like they might finish 5th.
-Jacksonville I placed a spot too low, however, I do think MU has their number in Macon.
-Kennesaw WAY too high. They have clearly regressed and had their worst year in D1.
-Campbell about right. Life without J-Rod.
-North Florida way too low... they have been impressive and easily their best D1 season. Will be their first A-Sun tourney barring a meltdown.
-Stetson can still beat teams here and there, but mostly just losing.
-FGCU & Upstate not shocking results here.

I do feel like Mercer has a chance to put together another ASUN Tourney run. The new faces are playing well alongside Mills & Mark Hall.

MB, I couldn't agree more with Lipscomb. I actually thought they had the players to win it all. Sanderson just doesn't seem to be the floor coach that he needs to be. They have some talent, but they don't play good defense. I am also with you on UNF and Kennesaw.

I'll tell you this, no one is wanting to play Mercer, especially on their home floor. It's too bad that you guys had to endure the injury bug this year.