Cajuns Picked Second in Sun Belt Preseason Hoops Poll

Despite losing three starters, including national defensive player of the year and top ten NBA pick Elfrid Payton, the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns are picked to finish second by the coaches in their annual preseason poll released by the Sun Belt Conference.  The defending tournament champions return first team all-league player Shawn Long and guard Xavian Rimmer as starters from last year.

Both Long and Rimmer were named to the preseason team, with Long a first team selection and Rimmer on the second team.

It should be no surprise that Georgia State is picked to repeat as regular season champions.  Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year R. J. Hunter returns and is picked to repeat that honor this year.  All league guard Ryan Harrow, who scored 37 points against the Cajuns last year in the Sun Belt title game is back as well.

Georgia Southern's Jelani Hewitt was the other preseason first team selection.

UALR was picked third in the league, with UT Arlington fourth.  Arkansas State was the #5 choice, followed by ULM, Texas State and Troy.  South Alabama and Georgia Southern were tied for ninth, with Appalachian State rounding out the poll.

Only the top eight teams will qualify for the league tournament in New Orleans in March.