Troy University Athletics
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/ Basketball (M)
Photo by: Joshua Thurston
Thomas Earns Preseason All-Sun Belt Honors
10/23/2014 10:00:00 AM | Basketball (M)
NEW ORLEANS, La. – The Sun Belt Conference announced the Preseason Sun Belt All-Conference team Thursday morning. The leagues 10 head coaches chose Kevin Thomas, Troy's lone returning starter, All-Sun Belt third team.
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Thomas averaged 6.9 rebounds in 2013-14, which ranks second among returning rebounders in the Sun Belt Conference. He finished his junior campaign with 215 rebounds in 2013-14, the eight most in a single season in Troy's Division I history. He also led the Trojans in blocks with 22.
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On the season, he averaged 9.2 points per contest and scored in double figures 14 times last season, including four double-doubles. Thomas tallied 15 points and 12 rebounds in Troy's double overtime win over Alcorn State. He also scored a season-high 19 points against both UAB and Alabama State. In the Trojans regular season finale against Texas State, Thomas helped Troy clinch a berth in the Sun Belt Championships, as he was 6-of-7 from the field with 13 points. On the season, Thomas shot 49.8 percent overall. Â
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Georgia State tallied all eleven votes, as they were picked to finish first in the conference this year. The Panthers, winner of the 2013-14 Sun Belt Conference regular season championship, had one loss in conference play last year. Their sole loss came at Trojan Arena as Troy defeated Georgia State, 85-81. The Trojans were picked to finish eighth in the conference this year with 42 points, one point behind Texas State.
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As always, to keep up with Troy men's basketball, follow the team on Twitter at @TroyMensHoops, and Instagram at @TroyHoops
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For more information on Troy Athletics, be sure to visit TroyTrojans.com. Fans can also find Troy on Twitter at @TroyAthletics or on Facebook at Facebook.com/TroyAthletics.
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Preseason Coaches Poll
(First place votes in parenthesis)
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Thomas averaged 6.9 rebounds in 2013-14, which ranks second among returning rebounders in the Sun Belt Conference. He finished his junior campaign with 215 rebounds in 2013-14, the eight most in a single season in Troy's Division I history. He also led the Trojans in blocks with 22.
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On the season, he averaged 9.2 points per contest and scored in double figures 14 times last season, including four double-doubles. Thomas tallied 15 points and 12 rebounds in Troy's double overtime win over Alcorn State. He also scored a season-high 19 points against both UAB and Alabama State. In the Trojans regular season finale against Texas State, Thomas helped Troy clinch a berth in the Sun Belt Championships, as he was 6-of-7 from the field with 13 points. On the season, Thomas shot 49.8 percent overall. Â
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Georgia State tallied all eleven votes, as they were picked to finish first in the conference this year. The Panthers, winner of the 2013-14 Sun Belt Conference regular season championship, had one loss in conference play last year. Their sole loss came at Trojan Arena as Troy defeated Georgia State, 85-81. The Trojans were picked to finish eighth in the conference this year with 42 points, one point behind Texas State.
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As always, to keep up with Troy men's basketball, follow the team on Twitter at @TroyMensHoops, and Instagram at @TroyHoops
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For more information on Troy Athletics, be sure to visit TroyTrojans.com. Fans can also find Troy on Twitter at @TroyAthletics or on Facebook at Facebook.com/TroyAthletics.
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Preseason Coaches Poll
(First place votes in parenthesis)
| Rank | Team | Points (1st Place Votes) |
| 1 | Georgia State | 121 (11) |
| 2 | UL Lafayette | 110 |
| 3 | UALR | 94 |
| 4 | UT Arlington | 75 |
| 5 | Arkansas State | 73 |
| 6 | UL Monroe | 69 |
| 7 | Texas State | 43 |
| 8 | Troy | 42 |
| 9 | Georgia Southern | 38 |
| South Alabama | 38 | |
| 11 | Appalachian State | 23 |
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Preseason First Team All-Conference
Jelani Hewitt (Georgia Southern, Senior, Guard)
Ryan Harrow (Georgia State, Senior, Guard)
R.J. Hunter (Georgia State, Junior, Guard)
Shawn Long (UL Lafayette, Senior, Forward)
Lonnie McClanahan (UT Arlington, Senior, Guard)
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Preseason Second Team All-Conference
Josh Hagins (UALR, Junior, Guard)
James White (UALR, Junior, Forward)
Xavian Rimmer (UL Lafayette, Senior, Guard)
Tylor Ongwae (UL Monroe, Senior, Forward)
Emani Grant (Texas State, Junior, Forward)
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Preseason Third Team All-Conference
Tab Hamilton (Appalachian State, Senior, Guard)
Trent Wiedeman (Georgia Southern, Senior, Guard)
Curtis Washington (Georgia State, Senior, Forward)
Jamel Outler (UT Arlington, Senior, Guard)
Kevin Thomas (Troy, Senior, Forward)
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Preseason Player of the Year
R.J. Hunter (Georgia State, Junior, Guard)
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Preseason First Team All-Conference
Jelani Hewitt (Georgia Southern, Senior, Guard)
Ryan Harrow (Georgia State, Senior, Guard)
R.J. Hunter (Georgia State, Junior, Guard)
Shawn Long (UL Lafayette, Senior, Forward)
Lonnie McClanahan (UT Arlington, Senior, Guard)
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Preseason Second Team All-Conference
Josh Hagins (UALR, Junior, Guard)
James White (UALR, Junior, Forward)
Xavian Rimmer (UL Lafayette, Senior, Guard)
Tylor Ongwae (UL Monroe, Senior, Forward)
Emani Grant (Texas State, Junior, Forward)
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Preseason Third Team All-Conference
Tab Hamilton (Appalachian State, Senior, Guard)
Trent Wiedeman (Georgia Southern, Senior, Guard)
Curtis Washington (Georgia State, Senior, Forward)
Jamel Outler (UT Arlington, Senior, Guard)
Kevin Thomas (Troy, Senior, Forward)
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Preseason Player of the Year
R.J. Hunter (Georgia State, Junior, Guard)
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