Location:Arlington, TX
Nickname:Mavericks
Conference:Southland
Last Year’s Record:16-14
Why they’ll make it: When one of the highest scoring teams in the Southland returns three of its top four scorers, that spells trouble for the rest of the conference. Rising seniors Marquez Haynes, Brandon Long, and Roge’r Guignard all scored in double figures for the Mavericks, who finished above .500 in the league last season. Led by guard, Cameron Catlett, the Mavericks, arguably have the best recruiting class in the conference as well. Head coach Scott Cross seems to have another NCAA tournament team on his hands.
Why they won’t make it: Texas A&M CC returns the Southland’s leading scorer in Kevin Palmer to the team and he’s not used to losing. The Islanders have been at the top of the conference two of the three years Palmer has been there and they look ready to challenge again. The Mavericks may have to the collective talent to be great, but Palmer is the kind of player who can take an average team and make it great.
