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

Troy Trojans – JR Jordan Varnado

If it wasn’t for the play of Kevin Hervey, Troy’s Jordan Varnado would be considered the best overall player in the conference. The versatile forward, had an impressive sophomore year, averaging 16.5 points and chipped in seven rebounds as well. He finished in the top six in scoring, rebounding, and field goal percentage, cementing his role as the cornerstone for Troy’s offense.

Varnado had some monstrous games throughout conference play. In the road win at Louisiana Monroe, the Trojan star had 24 and 13, and, at Louisiana Lafayette, he broke out with 27 and six rebounds.

He could potentially play for high major programs as well, with 18 point performances against both Bennie Boatwright of USC and in the first round of the NCAA Tournament against Jason Tatum and Duke.

Part of the issue for the middle place finish was inconsistencies on both the offensive and defensive ends. There would be games where they would score or give up 90 points and others not past the 60 point mark.

Troy is too talented not to finish in the top four next year, and, all things considered, Varnado should be competing right alongside Hervey as the POY front-runners.

The “Fun Belt” conference is slated to be as good this season as years past. Kevin Hervey and the Mavericks are expected to repeat their various titles while having targets on their backs. If a team is to dethrone Texas Arlington, it will be because of one of the other stars on this list.