Busting Brackets
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SWAC Basketball: Preseason rankings for 2018-19

By Bryan Mauro

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - NOVEMBER 22: Chase Cormier
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - NOVEMBER 22: Chase Cormier /
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LAS VEGAS, NV – NOVEMBER 20: Gary Blackston #3 of the Prairie View A&M Panthers drives in for a layup against Nick Mayo #10 of the Eastern Kentucky Colonels during day one of the Main Event basketball tournament at T-Mobile Arena on November 20, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV – NOVEMBER 20: Gary Blackston #3 of the Prairie View A&M Panthers drives in for a layup against Nick Mayo #10 of the Eastern Kentucky Colonels during day one of the Main Event basketball tournament at T-Mobile Arena on November 20, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /

3. Prairie View Panthers

If the Panthers meet or exceed their expectations this year, the program would be experiencing the best two-year run in their history. Prairie View is traditionally one of the worst SWAC programs in the league. As a program the 1997-1998 season is what they strive for. That was the one and only year the Panthers have made the NCAA tournament. The program only owns two winning seasons in their Division 1 basketball history.

A guard is out to try and change history for the Panthers. That guard is senior Gary Blackston.  Blackston was one of the best players in the league a season ago and did earn all-conference honors. The guard is looking to improve upon his 20 points per game a season ago. The Panthers relied on an impressive trio a year ago. One of the parts of the trio has now left campus leaving Blackston and his counterpart senior guard Dennis Jones.

Jones and Blackston are an impressive backcourt, and one who could change the course of history for the Panther program. A lot is at stake this season as the Panthers look to have their first winning season since 2008, and are seeking their second NCAA tournament appearance. Blackston is the type of player who can carry this team through the conference tournament to a victory. The Panthers have two legit guards and one who could stake his claim at the SWAC player of the year. Blackston has the ability to get a look in the NBA.