#8 - Monroe

POSITIVES: This should be a team with some momentum this season. Keith Richard is a veteran coach, and a good one. He has both his double-figure scorers coming back in Travis Munnings and Sam McDaniel. They also happen to have been his two leading rebounders. Also returning in Jordon Harris, who shot 40% from the arc.

NEGATIVES: Gone is long-time point guard Nick Coppola, and replacing a veteran point can be a painful process. Their shooting last year was adequate, but no better, so they need to find a shooter or two.

Last year was a rough one in Monroe. Optimism should be somewhat higher this season. We'll see how high the available talent can take them in the standings, but it should be higher than last year.