October 17, 2007 
Contact: Mike Christie, Sports Information Director

Averett Picked As USA South Preseason Men's Basketball Favorite

(FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.) - Averett University, under the direction of fourth-year Head Coach Jimmy Allen, was picked in the preseason coaches' poll to win the USA South Athletic Conference 2007-08 men's basketball title. The Cougars are the defending tournament and co-regular season champions. Both titles were the second in the program's history.

Averett received three of seven first-place votes (33 points) as head coaches do not vote for their own teams in the balloting.

Greensboro College, who shared the regular season title with Averett a year ago, finished second in the voting with 29 points and two first-place votes. Last season's USA South Tournament runner-up, N.C. Wesleyan College, rounded out the top-three as the Bishops collected 28 points and the final two first-place votes.

The 2007-08 campaign tips-off on Tuesday, November 13 when Shenandoah University takes on Maryland-Eastern Shore.

2007 USA South Men's Basketball Coaches Poll
Rank	Institution (1st place Votes)	Pts.
1.	Averett (3)	33
2.	Greensboro (2)	29
3.	N.C. Wesleyan (2)	28
4.	Christopher Newport	24
5.	Methodist	14
6.	Shenandoah	10
7.	Ferrum	9