2024-25 Sun Belt Basketball Preview

Conference Overview

Join us for our 2024-25 Sun Belt Basketball Preview as we examine a competitive and entertaining mid-major conference. Last season, James Madison dominated with 32 wins, capturing the Sun Belt Championship and making an impressive run in March Madness, upsetting #5 Wisconsin before falling to Duke in the second round. This season, the two teams from last year’s final are back in the spotlight, with one relying on retention and the other introducing fresh faces. The Sun Belt offers solid depth, with nearly every team staying competitive, promising an exciting season.

Arkansas State, last season’s runner-up, returns four key players and brings in top intra-conference transfer Kobe Julien from Louisiana. The team’s scoring duo of Taryn Todd and Derian Ford leads a strong backcourt, while the frontcourt is bolstered by Dyondre Dominguez and potential Player of the Year candidate Izaiyah Nelson, a standout defender poised for a breakout year.

In contrast, James Madison reloaded through the transfer portal under a new coach, bringing in three high-major transfers: Noah Williams (Washington), Elijah Hutchins-Everett (Seton Hall), and Justin Taylor (Syracuse). Williams, a proven scorer, will be a major X-factor, while Mark Freeman, a talented point guard from Morehead State, returns after an injury last season.

Troy fields a projected starting five of all returners, with double-digit scorer Tayton Conway and wing Myles Rigsby expected to lead the way. Appalachian State, last season’s top seed, returns key players including potential all-conference point guard Myles Tate, who teams up with JUCO standout Jamil Muttlib in the backcourt.

Louisiana’s strong returning backcourt is anchored by center Hosana Kitenge, who has all-conference potential. Texas State also brings back solid depth, especially in the backcourt, and welcomes back Tyrel Morgan, who was sidelined by an injury early last season.

Southern Miss returns standout point guard Andre Curbello, and Miami transfer Christian Watson, a former top recruit, joins to add depth. Georgia Southern boasts one of the top JUCO prospects, Nakavieon White, who strengthens a frontcourt led by Eugene Brown III and Avantae Parker.

Georgia State adds high-scoring Division II guard Darnell Evans, creating a potent duo with Toneari Lane, though frontcourt cohesion remains a question. Marshall returns one of the league’s strongest backcourts and center Nate Martin, a double-double machine, with added depth from two transfers, one from the SWAC and another from Canada.

Old Dominion, after struggling last season, adds Siena’s top scorer Sean Durugordon, who can carry a team but will need a contributions from the returners to create a cohesive offense. South Alabama pairs NAIA transfer Jayden Cooper with double-digit scorer Maxwell Land, while Coastal Carolina strengthens its backcourt with top JUCO transfers Jordan Battle and Rasheed Strong.

Finally, ULM, having lost key players to the portal, will rely on returning players to step up in bigger roles as they rebuild without a clear go-to scorer.

With a #11 seed reaching the conference tournament semifinals last season, our 2024-25 Sun Belt Basketball Preview promises a season full of competitiveness, excitement and potential surprises.

Sun Belt Basketball Preview: Projected Standings

1. Arkansas State
2. James Madison
3. Troy
4. Appalachian State
5. Louisiana
6. Texas State
7. Southern Miss
8. Georgia Southern
9. Georgia State
10. Marshall
11. Old Dominion
12. South Alabama
13. Coastal Carolina
14. ULM

Sun Belt Basketball Preview: Projected Award Winners

Player of the Year: Izaiyah Nelson, Arkansas State

Defensive Player of the Year: Izaiyah Nelson, Arkansas State

Newcomer of the Year: Noah Williams, James Madison

Freshman of the Year: Brice Lindsay, James Madison

Coach of the Year: Bryan Hodgson, Arkansas State

Sun Belt Basketball Preview: Projected All-Conference First Team

Myles Tate, Appalachian State

Tayton Conerway, Troy

Noah Williams, James Madison

Hosana Kitenge, Louisiana

Izaiyah Nelson, Arkansas State

Appalachian State Mountaineers

Projected Starters:

PG: Myles Tate (9.4 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 3.5 apg)

SG: Jamil Muttilib (19.2 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 1.8 apg @ JUCO Kilgore)

SF: Jackson Threadgill (5.6 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 1.1 apg @ Charlotte)

PF: CJ Huntley (7.5 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 0.8 apg)

C: Jalil Beaubrun (8.0 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 0.8 apg @ Stephen F. Austin)

6M: Alonzo Dodd (6.6 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 3.0 apg @ Texas A&M-Commerce

Arkansas State Red Wolves

Projected Starters:

PG: Taryn Todd (12.8 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.4 apg)

SG: Derian Ford (10.4 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 1.5 apg)

SF: Kobe Julien (17.3 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 1.2 apg @ Louisiana)

PF: Dyondre Dominguez (10.3 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 1.5 apg)

C: Izaiyah Nelson (9.8 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 0.4 apg)

6M: Terrance Ford, Jr. (4.5 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 2.5 apg)

Coastal Carolina Chanticleers

Projected Starters:

PG: DA Houston (6.5 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 2.2 apg @ Longwood)

SG: Jordan Battle (13.9 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 4.1 apg @ JUCO Salt Lake)

SF: Rasheed Jones (11.8 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.4 apg @ JUCO Northwest Florida State)

PF: Braeden MacVicar (6.1 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 0.7 apg)

C: Noah Amenhauser (1.2 ppg, 0.5 rpg, 0.1 apg @ Grand Canyon)

6M: Joshua Meo (14.2 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 3.3 apg @ D2 Mineral Area)

Georgia Southern Eagles

Projected Starters:

PG: Bradley Douglas (9.9 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.5 apg @ Little Rock)

SG: Eren Banks (10.2 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 1.9 apg)

SF: Dontae Horne (6.5 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 1.3 apg @ Texas State)

PF: Eugene Brown III (9.3 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 0.8 apg)

C: Avantae Parker (8.2 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 1.1 apg)

6M: Nakavieon White (17.4 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 6.2 apg @ JUCO National Park)

Georgia State Panthers

Projected Starters:

PG: Darnell Evans (23.5 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 3.6 apg @ D2 Caldwell)

SG: Toneari Lane (13.3 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 0.8 apg)

SF: Zarique Nutter (15.4 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 2.0 apg @ Northern Illinois)

PF: Justin Archer (8.6 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 0.8 apg @ Radford)

C: Cesare Edwards (7.2 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 0.4 apg @ Missouri State)

6M: Nick McMullen (9.9 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 0.8 apg @ UNC Asheville)

James Madison Dukes

Projected Starters:

PG: Mark Freeman (15.0 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 3.7 apg @ Morehead State) 2022-2023 Stats

SG: Xavier Brown (6.3 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.0 apg)

SF: Noah Williams (8.7 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.9 apg @ Washington) 2022-2023 Stats

PF: Luke Anderson (19.8 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 2.2 apg @ D2 Florida Southern)

C: Elijah Hutchins-Everett (3.5 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 0.3 apg @ Seton Hall)

6M: Justin Taylor (5.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 1.0 apg @ Syracuse)

Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns

Projected Starters:

PG: Michael Thomas (6.0 ppg, 1.3 rpg, 1.9 apg)

SG: Kentrell Garnett (9.0 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 1.3 apg)

SF: Koron Davis (23.8 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 3.2 apg @ LA Southwest CC)

PF: Kyndall Davis (10.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 1.6 apg @ Eastern Illinois)

C: Hosana Kitenge (11.9 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 1.9 apg)

6M: Christian Wright (3.3 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 0.9 apg @ Oregon State)

Marshall Thundering Hurd

Projected Starters:

PG: Jalen Speer (15.5 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 4.0 apg @ Florida A&M)

SG: Dezyane Mingo (20.8 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 4.8 apg @ Guelph (Canada))

SF: Mikal Dawson (5.3 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 0.7 apg @ Akron)

PF: Obinna Anochili-Killen (14.4 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 1.6 apg)

C: Nate Martin (10.8 ppg, 10.1 rpg, 2.8 apg)

6M: Wyatt Fricks (6.0 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 0.4 apg)

Old Dominion Monarchs

Projected Starters:

PG: Immo Essien (4.3 ppg, 1.0 rpg, 1.5 apg)

SG: Sean Durugordon (18.0 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 0.6 apg @ Siena)

SF: R.J. Blakney (7.9 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 0.6 apg)

PF: Stephaun Walker (9.9 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 1.0 apg @ Robert Morris)

C: Caelum Swanton-Rodger (1.5 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 0.1 apg @ Maryland)

6M: Robert Davis, Jr. (4.1 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 0.6 apg @ UMass)

South Alabama Jaguars

Projected Starters:

PG: Jayden Cooper (21.1 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 3.0 apg @ NAIA Faulkner)

SG: Maxwell Land (10.1 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 0.8 apg)

SF: Barry Dunning, Jr. (1.2 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 0.1 apg @ UAB)

PF: Julian Margrave (7.0 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 0.3 apg)

C: Elijah Ormiston (6.2 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 0.8 apg)

6M: Randy Brady (3.5 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 1.5 apg @ Chattanooga)

Southern Miss Golden Eagles

Projected Starters:

PG: Andre Curbelo (13.6 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 3.8 apg)

SG: Cobie Montgomery (7.0 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 0.5 apg)

SF: Christian Watson (2.8 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 0.8 apg @ Miami)

PF: Denijay Harris (0.6 ppg, 0.8 rpg, 0.3 apg @ Arkansas)

C: Tegra Izay (4.1 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 0.3 apg)

6M: Neftali Alvarez (7.8 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 2.9 apg) 2022-2023 Stats

Texas State Bobcats

Projected Starters:

PG: Kaden Gumbs (9.1 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 3.5 apg)

SG: Dylan Dawson (8.2 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 1.4 apg)

SF: Franck Emou (7.1 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 1.2 apg @ UMBC)

PF: Tyrel Morgan (14.0 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 1.5 apg)

C: Christian Turner (6.0 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 1.0 apg)

6M: Tylan Pope (3.6 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 0.2 apg @ Nevada)

Troy Trojans

Projected Starters:

PG: Tayton Conerway (11.8 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.5 apg)

SG: Marcus Rigsby, Jr. (4.1 ppg, 1.0 rpg, 0.6 apg)

SF: Myles Rigsby (11.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 1.5 apg)

PF: Thomas Dowd (6.3 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 0.6 apg)

C: Jackson Fields (6.5 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 1.0 apg)

6M: Theo Sang (4.9 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 0.8 apg)

ULM Warhawks

Projected Starters:

PG: Tyreese Watson (9.2 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 1.1 apg)

SG: Jalen Bolden (7.7 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 1.0 apg)

SF: Jacob Wilson (5.2 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 1.6 apg)

PF: Makai Willis (6.2 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 0.5 apg)

C: Jerry Ngopot (6.2 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 0.4 apg)

6M: Devon Hancock (3.5 ppg, 1.3 rpg, 1.5 apg)

Coming Next

Thank you for reading the 2024-25 Sun Belt Basketball Preview. To view the conference preview release schedule, keep up to date with us on X @collegehoopsrpt. If you haven’t already, feel free to check out one of our other conference previews linked below! Next up is the SWAC. Thank you for reading, and we appreciate all the support!

• America East Conference Preview
• American Athletic Conference Preview
• ACC Conference Preview
• ASUN Conference Preview
• A10 Conference Preview
• Big East Conference Preview
• Big Sky Conference Preview
• Big South Conference Preview
• Big Ten Conference Preview
• Big 12 Conference Preview
• Big West Conference Preview
• CAA Conference Preview
• CUSA Conference Preview
• Horizon Conference Preview
• Ivy Conference Preview
• MAAC Conference Preview
• MAC Conference Preview
• MEAC Conference Preview
• Missouri Valley Conference Preview
• Mountain West Conference
• NEC Conference
• Ohio Valley Conference
• Patriot Conference
• SEC Conference
• SoCon Conference
• Southland Conference
• Summit Conference

Cover Image: Photo Credit: Sun Belt Conference