The Big South Conference has released its highly anticipated preseason basketball rankings for the 2025-26 season, and it's time to dive into the exciting world of college hoops! Let's uncover where Charleston Southern University's men's and women's teams stand in this competitive league.
A Tale of Two Teams: CSU's Basketball Journey
The Big South Conference's media day revealed some intriguing preseason predictions. While the men's team is predicted to finish seventh in a nine-team league, the women's team has a slightly higher ranking, placing fifth. But here's where it gets controversial: these rankings might not tell the whole story, especially with the men's team undergoing significant roster changes.
On the men's side, guard A'lahn Sumler, a second-team preseason all-conference pick, is a key player to watch. However, the team's overall record last season was 10-22, and with several departures, coach Saah Nimley has a rebuilding task ahead. Sumler's return from injury could be a game-changer, as he averaged an impressive 14 points per game two seasons ago.
Nimley has strategically rebuilt his roster, bringing in players from various divisions, and he's confident about the team's potential. His excitement is palpable: "I can't wait to see this team in action!"
The women's team, led by coach Clarisse White, finished last season with a 14-16 record. Despite losing their top scorers, guard Tyonna Bailey, a second-team selection, is a standout player and a top defender in the Big South. Bailey's performance will be crucial to the team's success.
Both teams kick off their seasons on the road on November 3rd. The men face a tough challenge against Virginia Tech, while the women take on Jacksonville. High Point University is the preseason favorite to win both the men's and women's championships, with Nevaeh Zavala and Toyaz Solomon named players of the year for their respective genders.
And this is the part most people miss: rankings are just predictions, and the beauty of sports lies in the unexpected. Will CSU's men's team defy the odds? Can the women's team surpass expectations? Only time will tell.
So, what do you think? Are these rankings accurate, or will CSU surprise us all? Feel free to share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
