SAC Coaches Pick Hillcat Men's Basketball No. 2

Kendrell Thompson and the Hillcats are picked second in the SAC Coaches' Preseason Poll (photo by Ryan Weaver).

SHAWNEE, Okla. – Rogers State is picked to finish second in the Sooner Athletic Conference men’s basketball coaches’ preseason poll released Thursday the league office announced.

The Hillcats return seven players from a NAIA National Tournament quarterfinal squad that went 24-9 a year ago including 15-7 in conference play. NAIA Honorable Mention All-American Kendrell Thompson and NAIA National Tournament All-Tournament Team selection Donald Williams return for their senior season with the Hillcats.

RSU earned two first place votes and 56 points while Oklahoma Baptist earned seven first place votes and 63 points to sit atop the poll.

John Brown is third in the poll with 50 points and Lubbock Christian fourth at 40. Oklahoma City, with 39 points, is the middle team in the nine-team ranking at fifth.

USAO is ranked sixth with 28 points, followed by Wayland Baptist with 22, Mid-America Christian with 14 and St. Gregory’s with 12.

The season tips off October 30, 2012 for the Hillcats inside the Claremore Expo versus Central Baptist at 7 p.m. in Claremore, Okla.

2012-13 SAC Preseason Coaches’ Poll

1. Oklahoma Baptist (7) 63

2. Rogers State (2) 56

3. John Brown 50

4. Lubbock Christian 40

5. Oklahoma City 39

6. Science & Arts Oklahoma 28

7. Wayland Baptist 22

8. Mid-America Christian 14

9. St. Gregory’s 12