Men's Basketball plans to shake up SLIAC Coaches Preseason Poll

St. Louis, Mo. - After the biggest race for the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference ever last year, the Griffins have been tabbed to finish tenth for 2016-17. Westminster College was picked as the preseason favorites as they return all starters and have 12 returners.

Spalding University and Webster University were second and third respectively in the poll, with Greenville rounding out the fourth spot. Last year the final two spots of the SLIAC Tournament were decided after four teams tied with the same record and this year looks to be another tight race to the tournament.

Fontbonne's roster includes eight returners with lone starter Trey Watkins on the list. Last year the Griffins went 8-17 overall and 6-12 in conference play under first year head coach Lance Thornhill. Watkins, a senior guard this year averaged five points per game and 3.8 rebounds per game last season. Senior forward Orkan Bakis returns this year after an injury to provide support around the outside as well as in the lane. Also returning is key shooting guard Kody Ettinger and after a year hiatus Jack Lake is back to provide added strength and height on the boards.

Key losses from last year include forward Jared Greenlee and point guard Richard Dorhauer. This year the Griffins have nine seniors on their squad and open 2016-17 play at Maryville University on November 19th. The Griffins play in an exhibition game at Coach Thornhill's alma mater Missouri State University in an exhibition match two days prior.

FULL SLIAC RELEASE

SLIAC Preseason Coaches Poll