Ohio Valley Basketball: Preseason power rankings for 2024-25

No. 2 – Little Rock Trojans

Little Rock has been the consensus favorite all summer and fall until this week. Preseason OVC player of the year K.K. Robinson went down with what could be a season-ending knee injury. If he comes back, they are a potential OVC power. Without him, they will still be very good. 

Veteran coach Darrell Walker has rebuilt the roster that took his team to last year’s co-championship, but he has to find that team leader and ‘alpha dog’ to lead this team. 

Robinson averaged 15.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.3 assists last year. Those are difficult numbers and a difficult role to fill. Does senior Jordan Jefferson step up and take over? The 6’4 Jefferson averaged 6.4 points and is the team’s leading returning scorer. He has appeared in 81 Trojan games and 54 starts. 

Creighton transfer Johnathan Lawson and returner Creed Williamson were each top-150 players nationally coming out of high school. Perhaps this is the year they fulfill their potential. 

Isaiah Lewis comes to Little Rock after an outstanding freshman season in junior college and the intriguing Mwani Wilkinson arrives from LSU. The 6’5 grad-transfer played in 100 games for the Tigers and he too, was a top-150 prep player. 

Playing in his fourth program in four years is Tuongthach Gatkek. The 6’9 forward began his career in junior college and played single seasons at Florida and Texas State. Walker loves his defensive ability and he will find time on the floor. 

Walker’s ability to find and define roles for these newcomers and holdovers won’t be easy. But his ability to connect with his players is unique and will aid in this journey. The Trojans are characteristically long, athletic and determined.