Way Too Early 2012-13 Predictions

What!?!?!

The season is barely over (in fact, it isn't over, really), there are plenty of coaching changes to come in the conference, and plenty of player movement, and recruiting season all still to happen, and I'm already looking ahead to next year. So here it is- the way too early look at next year.

NORTH

1) UNC-Greensboro- No reason to think that Spartans can't repeat with Simpson and Armstrong back another year.
2) Western Carolina- The way they played down the stretch has to leave them feeling pretty good. Mutombo is the only one gone.
3) Elon- The Phoenix got the bye this year, but they will miss Spradlin. Still, that is the only contributor leaving.
4) Samford- The Bulldogs are losing Merritt. But Windler, Hood, and Kelly all return, and Hood and Kelly should be even better with a year under their belt.
5) Chattanooga- I can't help but think they'll be better. Maybe I'm an optimist. Mason and Zlovaric are ready to be major players in the SoCon.
6) Appalachian State- Butts, Carter, and Williamson are all gone. Sure, Hamilton and Nealy are back, and they won't be awful, but they won't be great either.

SOUTH

1) Davidson- The scary thing is they were a year away this year. Should be even better next year.
2) College of Charleston- So young this year. They lose Wiggins, who was great, but they should be improved if they can stay healthy.
3) Georgia Southern- The Eagles will miss Drayton and Powers, but they have plenty of talent. Ferguson is one of the best players in the league.
4) Wofford- I know that Giltner and Loesing will be gone, but I love Cochran. I think the Terriers will still be formidable.
5) Furman- They lose a bunch, and really need to find an offensive player that scares other teams. If they do that, they can be dangerous.
6) The Citadel- The Bulldogs were young this year, and seemed to be  learning late in the year. Groselle will be back, and this team will be improved. But they were so far behind Furman, they have a long way to go.

To me, the North will again be more balanced, but the South will have the strongest team in Davidson. I think the conference 2-7 will be reasonably balanced. Wofford is the clear #8 at this point in my mind. They have proven that they can reload, but they need to prove it again. The Mocs, Mountaineers, Paladins, and Bulldogs are not a bad bottom four, but they are pulling up the rear at this point, unless things change.

We'll see what happens from here. I obviously reserve the right to change my mind many times between now and then.