CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The West Liberty University men’s basketball team is ranked No. 8 in the NCAA Division II section of The Sporting News College Basketball Preview magazine.
Senior guard Corey Pelle was selected as an Honorable Mention Preseason NCAA Division II All-American by the publication, which featured a list of the projected Top 10 teams for the 2010-11 season along with possible breakthrough squads and an All-America Team.
Coach Jim Crutchfield welcomes back four senior starters – all double-figure scorers – from last year’s West Virginia Conference championship squad, which came up one win shy of a trip to the NCAA Division II “Elite Eight.” West Liberty set a school record for victories with a 29-3 season and was ranked No. 10 in the final NCAA Division II coaches’ poll.
Starters returning along with Pelle (17.7 ppg.), a 5-11 All-Region guard who has already scored 1,365 points and set a school record with 229 career steals, are Barry Shetzer (14.9 ppg.), John Wolosinczuk (13.8 ppg.) and Jordan Fortney (12.5 ppg.).
Entering his seventh season at the West Liberty helm, Crutchfield ranks No. 2 nationally in winning percentage among active NCAA Division II coaches (142-39, .785) and has led the Hilltoppers to six consecutive 20-win seasons.
Findlay (Ohio) was No. 1 in The Sporting News’ NCAA Division II rankings followed by Bellarmine (Ky.), Grand Valley State (Mich.), Arkansas Tech and defending national champion Cal Poly-Pomona.
Indiana (Pa.), last year’s national runner-up which defeated West Liberty in the Atlantic Region title tilt, is No. 6 followed by Seattle Pacific, the Hilltoppers, Winona State (Minn.) and Bentley (Mass.).
West Liberty tips off the 2010-11 campaign at home on Nov. 14 against Lock Haven (Pa.). Admission for WLU students is free (with ID), Adults $6.00, Children (7-11) $2.00, Children (6 & Under) Free.
The Sporting NewsNCAA Division II Men’s Basketball
2010-11 Preseason Top 10
1. Findlay (Ohio)
2. Bellarmine (Ky.)
3. Grand Valley State (Mich.)
4. Arkansas Tech
5. Cal Poly-Pomona
6. Indiana (Pa.)
7. Seattle Pacific (Wash.)
8. WEST LIBERTY
9. Winona State (Minn.)
10. Bentley (Mass.)