Southland Basketball: 2018 Conference Tournament preview

Key players in the Southland

JR Tevon Saddler – Nicholls State

2017-18 stats: 15.8 ppg 6.6 rpg 2.8 apg

The transfer from UNC-Greensboro has been a huge addition to the Colonels, filling up the stat sheet. His best game of the season came in a win at Lamar, scoring 22 points and grabbing 16 rebounds.

SR Roddy Peters – Nicholls State

2017-18 stats: 19.5 ppg 5.7 rpg 4.3 apg

After getting dismissed from South Florida for violations of team rules Peters landed in the Southland. And he’s made good on his third chance, becoming arguably the best sixth man in the country. He started the first nine games of the season, before moving to the bench. But it hasn’t affected his play nor his minutes, on his way to collegiate redemption.

JR Marlain Veal – Southeastern Louisiana

2017-18 stats: 12.6 ppg 5.3 rpg 6.1 apg

A starter since his freshman year, Veal has seen steady growth in all aspects of his game. He’s the leading passer in the Southland, and fills up the stat sheet on any given night. The junior has eclipsed the double-digit assist mark five times, and had a 27 point, 10 rebound and six assist game versus the Lumberjacks.

SR Travin Thibodeaux – New Orleans

2017-18 stats: 16.3 ppg 5.7 rpg 2.9 apg

The Privateers really needed someone to become a go-to scorer this season, and the senior obliged. He’s reached 20 points nine times this season, and has even added a three-point shot to his arsenal.

SO Christopher Galbreath Jr. – Sam Houston State

2017-18 stats: 15.2 ppg 7.9 rpg 1.3 apg

The future looks bright for this sophomore, taking a 5 ppg jump from his first year. He’s also one of the top rebounds in the Southland, and just had a monster 33 point and 14 rebound game against Houston Baptist.