Sun Belt Basketball: Who are the stars for every team in 2017-18?

The Georgia State Panthers, led by future first round draft pick R.J. Hunter pulled off the biggest win in recent Sun Belt memory, beating the third seeded Baylor in the opening game of the NCAA Tournament. This upcoming season will feature many other talented players as well.

The last few years have seen the Sun Belt elevate themselves into one of the better mid major conferences in the country. Nicknamed with the hashtag “#funbelt” for the entertaining style of play as well as the close finishes, Monday nights are becoming a showcase for these programs.

The conference, in general, has recently been enjoying a few years of stability, something that hasn’t always been the case. Since its inception in 1976, the Sun Belt has dealt with numerous expansions and departures with various programs in the surrounding southeastern part of the United States.

The most recent departures stung the most with schools like Western Kentucky and Middle Tennessee State heading to Conference USA, leaving a glaring hole at the top. Filling the void has required a collective effort, with eight different regular season champs and seven conference tournament champions over the past ten seasons.

Ranked No. 14 out of 32 Division I conferences last season, the Sun Belt has had their share of talented players over the years. Notable names include current NBA players Courtney Lee and Jeremy Evans of former member Western Kentucky, and Shawn Long and Elfrid Payton of Louisiana Lafayette.

Lots of talent has graduated and moved on, but plenty remains in what should be a competitive and entertaining race to the top of the standings. Here’s the best player from each team likely to be a big part of their success.