MSSU Men's Hoops picked to finish 6th/4th in Preseason Polls - KOAM TV 7

MSSU Men's Basketball picked to finish 6th/4th in MIAA preseason polls

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Missouri Southern men's basketball team has been picked to finish sixth in the coaches and fourth in the media MIAA preseason basketball polls, the league announced today. 

The Lions return six players and two starters from last year's NCAA Tournament team that went 22-8 and ended the season ranked 23rd in Division II. 

Returning to the starting lineup will be juniors Marquis Addison and Jordan Talbert. Both were All-MIAA selections a season ago with Addison earning third-team honors and Talbert named an honorable mention selection. Stephen Atkinson, Morgan Smith and Matt Everson all saw time last year and will help bolster a solid bench, while Greg Renfroe was redshirted last season, but practiced with the team and earned valuable experience. 

The Lions welcome in eight newcomers to the lineup that include four freshman, three junior college transfers and one four-year transfer. 

Southern starts the season receiving votes in the Division II Bulletin national poll. The public will get a chance to get a look at the 2012-13 Lions this Thursday evening at Meet the Lions night at the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center. The Lions have a pair of exhibition games at Oral Roberts on November 1 and at Missouri on November 4 and open up the regular season at home on November 9 against John Brown. 

The complete MIAA polls are listed below. 

2012-13 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Washburn (11)              188
2. Central Missouri (3)      180
3. Northwest Missouri (1)  170
T4. Fort Hays State           137
T4. Pittsburg State            137
6. Missouri Southern         131
7. Central Oklahoma         119
8. Lindenwood                  107
9. Southwest Baptist          89
10. Emporia State              73
11. Nebraska-Kearney       70
12. Missouri Western         65
13. Truman                        54
14. Northeastern State      39
15. Lincoln                         16

2012-13 MIAA Preseason Media Poll
1. Washburn (17)               267
2. Central Missouri            243
3. Northwest Missouri       236
4. Missouri Southern (1)   204
5. Pittsburg State             173
T6. Fort Hays State          171
T6. Lindenwood                171
8. Southwest Baptist         146
9. Central Oklahoma         132
10. Emporia State               96
11. Nebraska-Kearney        94
12. Truman                         89
13. Missouri Western         74
14. Northeastern State       43
15. Lincoln                         21