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Sporting News, The, Nov 25, 1996

140 Pacific: Coach Bob Thomason will have trouble keeping all of his talented veterans happy.

141 Middle Tennessee State: If the newcomers live up to their billing, MITSU could run away with the OVC.

142 San Jose State: Olivier Saint-Jean is good, but there are questions about the manpower behind him.

143 Southwestern Louisiana: The backcourt is strong, but depth elsewhere is troublesome.

145 Southern Illinois: The development of Rashad Tucker and the frontcourt is key for the slumping Salukis.

147 Western Michigan: The perimeter game is strong, but the Broncos must get tough inside to contend.

148 St. Mary's: With the leadership of A.J. Rollins, injured last year, this team could be a darkhorse.

149 Delaware: Mike Brey is building a power that will rely on a strong frontcourt duo.

150 Kent: D.J. Bosse and Ed Norvell are players, but the Golden Flashes must play better defense.

151 Drake: The talent doesn't equal their MVC foes, but new coach Kurt Kanaskie could make a difference.

153 Southern: This should be the Jaguars' best team since '92-93 thanks to the return of four solid players.

154 Butler: The Bulldogs are solid, deep and balanced, but they usually stumble near the end of the season.

155 Nevada: With Faron Hand back from a knee injury, the foundation is set to meet lofty expectations.

157 Long Island:: The Blackbirds are run, gun and press to try to wreak havoc with freshman Richie Parker.

158 Valparaiso: If the three big men step up, the Crusaders may win a third straight Mid-Continent title.

159 Tennessee State: A more open, perimeter-oriented attack, led by Monty Wilson, will carry the Tigers.

161 San Diego: The blue-collar crew returns nine of its top 10 scorers, but a point guard must be found.

162 Jacksonville: The front line is thin and small, but this is one of the Sun Belt's best young teams.

163 James Madison: There's experience and a promising recruiting class, but scoring may be a problem.

164 Idaho: Unless a tough guy emerges in the middle, don't expect a Big West finish higher than third.

165 South Florida: Expectations are low as Seth Greenberg attempts to rebuild this program.

166 Iona: The guards could get the Gaels into contention for the MAAC title. Bryan Matthew also must shine.

167 Oral Roberts: All five starters, including a strong backcourt are back, but the sharp shooters lack size.

168 Portland: Depth is a concern, but the Pilots, coming off their first NCAA appearance since 1959, have the scoring threat, guard and big man to contend this season.

169 La Salle: The Explorers are at least two years from contending, according to coach Speedy Morris.

170 Richmond: If Bill Dooley can keep everyone happy, the Spiders may be a factor in the Colonial.

171 UC Santa Barbara: Kealon Wallace is a big 6-6, but incorporating six new players is the key.

172 Wisconsin-Green Bay: Because they have to break in four new starters, the Phoenix won't play in March. But you can count on them pulling one upset.

173 Boise State: The Broncos have experience, but they need to develop an interior attack to help Joe Wyatt.