Sun Belt

The Sun Belt begins conference play tomorrow from New Orleans.

Final Standings:

1. Georgia State, 17-1 (24-7), 64th KenPom

2. Western Kentucky, 12-6 (20-11), 179th KenPom

3. UL-Lafayette, 11-7 (20-11), 118th KenPom

4. Arkansas State, 10-8 (18-12), 150th KenPom

Georgia State has had its best season since Lefty Driesell was coaching and took them to the 2nd Round of the 2001 NCAA Tournament. At that time, Georgia State was a member of the Trans America Athletic Conference (TAAC), aka Atlantic Sun. They had a brief visit to the Colonial before joining the Sun Belt this year. I freaking love conference re-alignment. They're currently coached by Ron Hunter who was a the head coach at IUPUI until leaving in 2011. Georgia State benefited in other ways as his son RJ Hunter. The sophomore guard averages 18.5ppg and shoots 40% from deep. Don't be surprised if Hunter ends up spending time in the Association down the road.

Western Kentucky is moving to Conference USA beginning next season and looks to win one more Sun Belt title. They have 8 regular season titles and have won the conference tournament 9 times. They have 8 Sweet 16's on their resume and arguably the greatest mascot in sports history. They've stolen bids the last two years.

Louisiana-Lafayette is an interesting team with two really good players in sophomore big man Shawn Long and junior guard Elfrid Payton. Though Georgia State is the heavy favorite to win the Sun Belt, UL-Lafayette is talented enough to steal a bid.

Keep an eye on this tournament. I think either Georgia State or UL-Lafayette are capable of winning a game in the tournament. As for a winner, I'll take Georgia State behind RJ Hunter, a name that may become Steph Curry-esque.