West Central Reporter

The Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) has released its preseason poll for the 2024-25 Men's Basketball Season. The Western Illinois Leathernecks have been predicted to finish second, according to votes from conference coaches and communicators. Two Leathernecks players, Ryan Myers and Sean Smith, have been highlighted as Players to Watch.

Ryan Myers, a senior guard from Brooklyn, New York, had a strong first year with the Leathernecks last season. He led the team in scoring with an average of 13.3 points per game and was recognized as a Second-Team All-OVC selection. Myers is remembered for his game-winning shot against Tennessee State in the quarterfinals.

Sean Smith joins the Leathernecks this season as another Player to Watch. The senior guard from Louisville, Kentucky, has played at three different colleges over his career. Last season at Alabama State, he averaged 5.1 points per game.

Little Rock topped the preseason poll after sharing last year's OVC title and returning key player KK Robinson. They are followed by Western Illinois and SIUE in third place.

Western Illinois will return three players from last year's team: Ryan Myers, Tay Knox, and Rodrick Payne. Head coach Chad Boudreau has brought new talent through transfers.

The conference remains unpredictable with many teams bringing in new players. SIUE received 151 votes for third place while Tennessee State and Morehead State were placed fourth and fifth respectively.

Eastern Illinois was picked sixth with Southeast Missouri close behind in seventh place. Southern Indiana, Lindenwood, UT Martin, and Tennessee Tech rounded out the bottom of the poll.

The Leathernecks will start their season on November 4th against San Jose State.