Longwood was picked to finish 9th in the 10-team Big South Conference at the league's media day last week. This is commentary provided by NCAA Hoops Digest:
9. Longwood
This pick has the biggest potential and, I would argue, likelihood to look very different at the end of the year. As referenced earlier, the Lancers closed last year with just six available players. One of those six, forward Khris Lane, has transferred east to VCU to close his collegiate career. Jayson Gee's club will dress 17 men this year, though, which is quite the welcome departure from the injury-riddled campaign of last year. Athleticism abounds on the Lancer roster, with guards Walton and Juan Munoz joining Mount St. Mary's transfers B.K. Ashe and Charles Glover. Forward Jahleem Montague returns from injury, joining sophomore small forward JaShaun Smith, veteran Damarion Geter, Lamar transfer Boaz Williams and returner Chris Shields in the frontcourt.
Keep an eye on: The entire team. Gee has never been afforded the luxury of playing with a full complement of players in his time at Longwood, and it will probably take a little time to see how the group gels together. The assortment of talent certainly has the capability to significantly outperform this ranking.
Coach Gee says: "I just sent this (a photo of the preseason rankings) to our team, (and said) that this is the way they think of you. That's gonna change. [] Being where we're at is not where we're gonna finish. I've made those proclamations, and my whole mentality now (is) it's time. It's time to take that next step. [] I've got 17 guys that feel the same way. I made sure they felt the same way with what I just sent them."