FIU men’s basketball picked to finish fifth in SBC

By: Igor Mello / Asst. Sports Director

After finishing last in their division last season, Isiah Thomas and his Golden Panther men’s basketball team were picked to finish dead last in the East Division of the Sun Belt Conference.

Head coach Isiah Thomas, who is entering his third year coaching at FIU, is not surprised at the results of the preseason coaching polls, especially after their 11-19 campaign last season.

“Clearly the people making the polls think that the other teams have better players than we do, and they probably do. I think it just speaks of the strength of the conference,” Thomas said.

The Golden Panthers were picked to finish ninth overall in the conference, just ahead of UALR, Troy and Louisiana-Monroe. In-state rival FAU, on the other hand, were picked by the coaches to finish first overall, receiving 11 first-place votes during Sun Belt Media Day.

SIZE MATTERS

It is also no surprise that Thomas has only two seniors returning this season. He has always fielded a young team, even in the professional level.

One of his key recruits during the off-season was the seven-foot, 240-pound center from Belgium, Gilles Dierickx. The Golden Panthers have not had a seven-footer on their team since the 2008-2009 season, when Russell Hicks was on the team.

“I’ve always coached a young team. Even in the NBA, I never had a veteran team,” said Thomas.

During the off-season, Thomas and a few Miami Heat players organized a charity All-Star basketball game at U.S. Century Bank arena. This gave the team a chance to watch NBA-caliber players practice in their home court.

“Having the pro players here on campus definitely was helpful and beneficial to the players to see that type of professionalism and work ethic,” Thomas said. The Golden Panthers will begin their season on Nov. 14 against George Mason in the NIT Season Tip-Off.

COLEY ALL-SBC

Jerica Coley earned preseason All-Sun Belt first-team honors as her Golden Panther women’s basketball team were picked to finish second overall in the East Division of the SBC.

Coley, who is now a sophomore, averaged 15.7 points per game and became the second player in school history to score over 500 points in their freshman season.

“She is just an amazing kid. She’s definitely right up there as one of the best players I’ve ever coached,” said head coach Cindy Russo. “You just say anything to her, she listens, pauses for a second and says, “okay.” Then she goes out there and does it. It’s pretty much unheard of these days.”

POINT GUARD BATTLE

With Michelle Gonzalez graduated, Russo expects Carmen Miloglav to fill in the void at the point guard position. Russo may have an inexperienced team this season. She has six newcomers and only one senior returning: Fanni Hutlassa, a redshirt.

The Golden Panthers will face Barry in an exhibition game on Nov. 5 before starting the regular season at home versus Jacksonville on Nov. 11.