SWAC Basketball: 2020 conference tournament preview and predictions

DAYTON, OHIO - MARCH 19: Gary Blackston #3 of the Prairie View A&M Panthers is helped up by teammates during the second half against the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights in the First Four of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at UD Arena on March 19, 2019 in Dayton, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

2 of 6

NEWARK, NJ – DECEMBER 22: Darius Williams #2 of the Prairie View A&M Panthers (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

Key Players for the Southwest Athletic Conference Tournament

JR Tristan Jarrett – Jackson State

2019-2020 stats: 17.5 ppg 3.4 rpg 2 apg

The leading scorer in the conference, the transfer from Three Rivers Community College, where he nearly broke Latrell Sprewell’s record for scoring, has doubled down on his JUCO league success and has become one of the most electric scorers in the mid-major world. He’s definitely not the most efficient scorer and takes a ton of bad shots (shoots under 40% from the field) but if Jarrett gets hot, he’s virtually unguardable and can carry his Tigers a long way in the SWAC tournament.

SR Gerard Andrus – Prairie View

2019-2020 stats: 15.1 ppg 5.5 rpg 1 apg

Tasked with filling the huge void left at guard by all-conference player and conference tournament MVP Gary Blackston, Andrus has stepped up to the plate and delivered big time for the Panthers. A role player and defensive specialist for the team last season, Andrus now leads the Panthers in scoring and is still a force defensively, ranking #1 in the conference in Defensive Rating. Like Blackston, Andrus is a stone-cold leader and has SWAC tournament MVP written all over him.

SR Tyrik Armstrong – Texas Southern

2019-2020 stats: 14.3 ppg 3.5 rpg 4.1 apg

In what is a conference known for it’s defensive-minded coaches, 2nd-year coach Johnny Jones has turned the Tigers into one of the most exciting offenses amongst mid-major squads. They rank 123rd nationally in ppg and have 6 different rotation players averaging over 7.5 ppg. Armstrong is the catalyst for this offense and all around the best playmaker in the conference, ranking 5th in ppg and 2nd in apg. Texas Southern has thrived in-conference under his leadership and like Andrus, should be a favorite for conference tournament MVP.

SR Devante Jackson – Grambling

2019-2020 stats: 13.3 ppg 5.4 rpg 1.3 apg

This was a tough choice between Jackson and his point guard Ivy Smith Jr, but I already listed 3 guards so I should probably give a little love to the big man. Ranking 2nd in the SWAC in Effective Field Goal %, Jackson is the most dominant big man in the conference and at 6-9 towers over most defenses.

SR Maurice Howard – Alcorn St

2019-2020 stats: 13.7 ppg 2.7 rpg 3.7 apg

Another tough choice here, as Alcorn St has a very balanced offense, with four different players averaging 12 or more points, but I had to go with the most prolific 3-point shooter in the conference for the 2nd straight year, Maurice Howard. His numbers aren’t as gaudy as last year, where he lead the conference in every single 3pt category, but he still remains an extremely dangerous spot-up shooter and could shoot the Braves to a SWAC title.