Buckle up, basketball fans – the Big South Conference is heating up with its preseason rankings for the 2025-26 season, and Charleston Southern University might just be the underdog story that surprises everyone!
The Big South, a competitive NCAA Division I conference known for its fast-paced play and talented under-the-radar teams, recently wrapped up its preseason basketball media day on Wednesday. During this exciting event, the league unveiled its preseason polls, all-conference team selections, and player awards, giving fans a tantalizing preview of what's to come. For beginners diving into college basketball, think of the Big South as a group of teams – mostly from the Southeast – that compete fiercely, often producing players who go on to bigger stages in the NBA or WNBA.
But here's where it gets controversial... Charleston Southern's men's basketball squad has been projected to finish seventh out of nine teams in this upcoming season. That's right – smack in the middle of the pack, which could spark debates among fans: Is this a fair shake for a program rebuilding from scratch, or does it underestimate their potential? On the flip side, the women's team is tipped to land in fifth place, a solid showing that might not grab headlines but could position them as dark horses to climb higher.
Diving deeper into the men's side, guard A’lahn Sumler earned a spot on the second-team preseason all-conference team. This recognition is noteworthy because Sumler didn't suit up at all last season due to an injury, but he was a standout two years ago, dropping nearly 14 points per game on average. For context, that's like being the reliable scorer who keeps the offense humming – a big deal in a sport where one player's absence can derail a whole team. Meanwhile, on the women's team, guard Tyonna Bailey also snagged second-team honors, highlighting her skills as one of the Big South's top defenders.
Looking back at last season, the men's team wrapped up with a 10-22 overall record and a 6-12 mark in conference play – not their best, but remember, college sports can be a rollercoaster with injuries, transfers, and rebuilding phases. Coach Saah Nimley, who's steering the ship, saw significant turnover: several players graduated or transferred out, leaving him with just three holdovers from the previous squad. To fill the gaps, Nimley scouted talent from Division II programs, NAIA schools, and junior colleges, essentially piecing together a fresh roster like a coach assembling a dream team from overlooked gems. And Nimley isn't shy about his optimism: “I am very excited to see this team play against other teams,” he shared, suggesting he's confident in this new mix.
The women's team fared a bit better last year with a 14-16 record, but Coach Clarisse White faced her own challenges, losing her top two scorers. Yet, Bailey stepped up as a key contributor, averaging 8.9 points per game – think of her as the steady performer who anchors the lineup, much like a reliable point guard in a pickup game.
Both squads kick off their seasons on the road on November 3, adding to the excitement. The men will take on Virginia Tech, a powerhouse ACC team, which could be a real litmus test for their rebuilt roster. For those new to this, playing a higher-tier opponent early can either energize a team or highlight growing pains. The women, meanwhile, will face Jacksonville, another tough out-of-conference challenge.
And this is the part most people miss... The preseason favorites are clear: High Point University is the top pick to win both the men's and women's championships. On the women's side, Nevaeh Zavala from High Point snagged the preseason player of the year award, while Toyaz Solomon from UNC Asheville earned the men's honor. These picks often ignite friendly rivalries – do you agree with crowning High Point as champs before a ball is even dribbled? Or is there room for an upset from a team like Charleston Southern?
For a full rundown, here's how the polls shake out:
Men’s Basketball Rankings:
1. High Point
2. UNC Asheville
3. Longwood
4. Radford
5. Winthrop
6. Presbyterian
7. Charleston Southern
8. Gardner-Webb
9. USC Upstate
Women’s Basketball Rankings:
1. High Point
2. Longwood
3. Radford
4. Winthrop
5. Charleston Southern
6. USC Upstate
7. Gardner-Webb
8. Presbyterian
9. UNC Asheville
As the season unfolds, we'll see if these predictions hold up or if surprises like a resurgent Charleston Southern squad shake things up. What do you think – are preseason rankings just hype, or do they accurately forecast the winners? Could Nimley's rebuilt team defy expectations and climb the ladder? Share your thoughts in the comments – I'd love to hear if you side with the experts or root for the underdogs!
