NCAA Basketball: Hosana Kitenge injury a massive blow for Louisiana's 2024-25 season

Earlier this week, the preseason Sun Belt rankings were released, with Arkansas State getting the top vote share. Last year's champions (Appalachian State) is at 7, while the league's representative to the NCAA Tournament (James Madison) was at 2. Troy also got a first place vote and 3rd overall, with Louisiana placing 4th.

The Ragin Cajuns finished 19-14 overall and 10-8 in the Sun Belt, led by leading scorer Kobe Julien and three other double-digit scorers. However, Julien transferred in-state to preseason favorite Arkansas State, with Joe Charles and Themus Fulks also left. The one key guy who returned was Hosana Kitenge, a 6'7 and 250-pound big man from the United Kingdom.

Kitenge averaged 11.9 ppg and 6.5 rpg on 56% shooting from the field, along with nearly two assists per game. The skilled big man was an All-Sun Belt performer and projected to be a preseason Player of the Year favorite. Unfortunately for him, we won't get to see the star big man for this year, suffering a season-ending injury.

It's a devastating development for the Cajuns, who didn't have much size for a Sun Belt team to being with. This puts all the pressure on the team's lone freshman, 6'10 Jeremiah Evans to have an impact out the gate. Transfers Zeek Cook and Kyndall Davis will have to play more in undersized lineups as well.

The hope is that the backcourt can keep Louisiana in contention. Returning guards Kentrell Garnett and Michael Thomas are potential all-league guys after having good roles in the rotation last year. Plus, Louisville transfer and former JUCO All-American Koron Davis could be a breakout newcomer to watch.

Still, it would've been nice to have Kitenge to play off of this season. Louisiana may will have to fight hard to remain a top-half team in the Sun Belt this year.