Hornets slotted fourth in preseason SWAC poll
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (bamastatesports.com) – The Alabama State men’s basketball team was predicted to finish fourth in the 2016-17 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) preseason poll of the league’s head coaches and sports information directors.
The announcement was made during Wednesday’s annual SWAC teleconference for media members.
The Hornets (14-17 overall, 9-9 SWAC in 2015-16) ended last season on a relatively high note by winning eight of 10 games down the stretch to conclude its regular season before losing to Southern in the SWAC Tournament in Houston.
Texas Southern (18-15 overall, 16-2 SWAC in 2015-16) was selected to win the SWAC championship (180 points) after losing to Southern in last season’s tournament semifinals.
Runner-up Jackson State (165 points) was picked to finish second followed by Southern (160) in third, and Alabama State (118) to round out the top four teams.
“The guys have been very loud in practice and very enthusiastic about coming to practice and trying to get better every day,” said ASU head men’s basketball coach Lewis Jackson.
“It’s been good to see. They’re working hard and cheering each other on. We are excited about that. We have seven returning players. Losing Jamal [Waters] at the point guard spot, that is a concern for us. But, we’re athletic. We can get up and down the floor well. We’re going to play fast so I think we are going to be an exciting team.”
Rounding out the conference includes Alcorn State (108) in fifth followed by Prairie View A&M (91), Mississippi Valley State (67), Alabama A&M (60), Arkansas-Pine Bluff (49) and Grambling State (47).
The Hornets’ lone All-SWAC Preseason selection was awarded to senior forward Tony Armstrong.
The Montgomery, Ala. native from G.W. Carver High School was named to the All-SWAC Preseason First Team after averaging 12 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game.
Armstrong also ranked in the top 10 in the conference in field goal percentage (.480) and was fourth in blocks per game.
“We do still want to go inside as that has been our thing,” Jackson said.
“I think Tony Armstrong is one of the better back-to-the-basket players in our league. He can score around the basket. We have a couple of other big guys who can give us some depth at that position.”
