The JSU men, playing with a full allotment of scholarships for the first time in coach James Green’s three-year tenure, were picked eighth. The women, under the direction of new coach Annette Watts, were picked ninth.
The preseason order of finish was announced during Monday’s OVC Basketball Media Day.
The Gamecocks also had one player on each of the preseason All-OVC teams.
Senior guard Nick Murphy was picked on the men’s team, while junior post Brittany Wiley was picked on the women’s team.
Murray State was the runaway pick to win the men’s title, picking up 18 of 20 first-place votes. Eastern Illinois was picked to win the women’s race, gaining a slight nod over Morehead State.
Morehead State swept the preseason player of the year honors, with Kenneth Faried earning the men’s honor and Chynna Bozeman earning the women’s honor.
Once again, only the top eight finishers on the men's and women's side will advance to the OVC tournament. Unlike previous years, however, all eight teams will converge on the Nashville Municipal Auditorium to battle for the league's NCAA automatic bids.
