Originally posted by The Brain
Sly I read in the Leroy Washington ratings that Cleveland State was ranked 32 nationally. They've got a solid team.
The Horizon League coaches, media and SIDs certainly don't feel the same way about Cleveland State.
October 23, 2003
HORIZON LEAGUE ANNOUNCES MEN'S BASKETBALL PRESEASON POLL
In a preseason poll of Horizon League coaches, media members and sports information directors, UIC was tabbed as the team to beat in the league race, returning five senior starters from last year's NIT squad including preseason league player of the year Cedrick Banks. Defending league tournament champion UWM follows in second, with Sweet 16 participant Butler picked third.
Detroit loses 2003 league player of the year Willie Green and the Titans are predicted to finish fourth. Loyola and 2003 league newcomer of the year Paul McMillan are tabbed for fifth, followed by Wright State and new head coach Paul Biancardi in sixth.
UW-Green Bay comes in seventh, with Youngstown State and Cleveland State, led by new head coach Mike Garland, closing out the poll.
Among the first and second preseason teams, all 10 honorees are in their final year of eligibility.
Complete poll and preseason teams are listed below.
Team, 2002-03 Records, Points
1. UIC, 21-9/12-4, 312
2. UWM, 24-8/13-3, 251
3. Butler, 27-6/14-2, 250
4. Detroit, 18-12/9-7, 209
5. Loyola, 15-16/9-7, 173
6. Wright State, 10-18/4-12, 126
7. UW-Green Bay, 10-20/4-12, 95
8. Youngstown State, 9-20/4-12, 91
9. Cleveland State, 8-22/3-13, 68
2003-04 Preseason First Team
Cedrick Banks, UIC, G, 6-2, Sr.
Martell Bailey, UIC, G, 5-10, Sr.
Seth Doliboa, Wright State, F, 6-7, Sr.
Paul McMillan, Loyola, F, 6-6, Sr.
Dylan Page, UWM, F, 6-8, Sr.
2003-04 Preseason Second Team
Armond Williams, UIC, F, 6-4, Sr.
Adam Baumann, Youngstown State, C, 6-8, Sr.
Elijah Warren, Detroit, F, 6-5, Sr.
Vernard Hollins, Wright State, G, 6-2, Sr.
Mike Monserez, Butler, F, 6-6, Sr.
