Methodist Picked USA South Preseason Men's Basketball Favorite

(FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.) - Methodist College, under the direction of seventh-year Head Coach David Smith, was picked to win the USA South Athletic Conference 2005-06 men's basketball title in the preseason coaches' poll.  The Monarchs are coming off their third straight USA South regular season title and their second straight trip to the NCAA Tournament.

Methodist received six of seven first-place votes (36 points) as head coaches do not vote for their own teams in the balloting.

North Carolina Wesleyan College, the 2005 Conference tournament runner-ups finished second in the balloting with 30 points.  Averett University rounded out the top-three as the Cougars collected 23 points and one first-place vote.

The 2005-06 campaign tips-off on Friday, Nov. 18 when Greensboro College, Shenandoah University, Ferrum College and Christopher Newport University are all in action.