Following four straight winning seasons, this could may be be the season that Lamar contends in the Southland. While there are glaring holes to fill, a group of returning starters gives head coach Tic Price a good nucleus to build around.

After struggling to a 10-win season in Aqua Franklin’s first season, Lamar will lean on two experienced guards, a handful of other veterans and a bevy of newcomers in the hope of moving up in the Southland Conference standings.

Zach Nutall highlights a roster that includes four JUCO transfers and has recorded five 20-win campaigns in the last seven seasons under Jason Hooten. Tristan Ikpe, a star at Blinn, has star power with his rebounding and high-scoring.

Ravon Justice has the Bearkats looking like a league title threat. The roster includes talented returners and newcomers. If depth is developed, Sam Houston could be special and dancing in the postseason, either in the NCAA or another tournament.

Hey, buddy, what does that SFA team have this season? The one that defeated Duke on its home court last season? Well, the Lumberjacks may have lost league MVP Kevon Harris, but with 70 percent of the offense back, Kyle Keller’s squad is the solid favorite to claim the Southland’s  hardware.

The SFA Ladyjacks look scary good. With all five of the leading scorers from a 23-win squad highlighting the roster, this team carries the tag of a solid favorite to capture the Southland’s regular-season crown.

The only team to defeat SFA in Southland Conference play last season, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, strives for consistency under Willis Wilson. The Islanders return their top two scorers and added three guards, giving them the look of a dark horse in the conference.

The Islanders are transitioning — going from championship-caliber to simply trying to find consistency. With the list of stars and players from a huge season gone, it’s up to a short list of veterans and a long list of new faces to give this team a chance of success.

UTRGV features 10 veterans, only three seniors and a handful of newcomers looking to make their mark. With third-year coach Lane Lord piecing it together, the Vaqueros should be an interesting team to watch in the WAC race.