SWAC Basketball: Grambling State, Jackson State tops latest power rankings
9. Alabama A&M SWAC: 2-3 (upcoming games: 1/27 @ Texas Southern, 1/29 @ Prairie View A&M)
The Bulldogs have been streaky this season, they opened SWAC play winning two straight. Now they are on a three-game losing streak. Turnovers have plagued this team averaging 16.8 turnovers per game. This may not be a team that will challenge for the league title, but the Bulldogs still have bite. Dallin Smith (17 points per game and 45% 3-point shooting) is the reason why the Dogs can't be counted out of any game. If they want to make the conference tournament (only 8 teams make it) they must get out of their own way.
8. Alcorn State SWAC: 2-3 (upcoming games: 1/27 @ Florida A&M, 1/29 @ Bethune Cookman)
The Braves have been the team that hasn't lived up to their expectations so far. The reigning SWAC regular season Champs have gotten off to a rough start. This team only lost 3 conference games last season and they have already matched that total. I'm not worried about this team because they are built to contend and they will overcome this slow start. They are one of the few league teams that have an inside/outside presence. Jeremiah Kendall (16.1 ppg and 7 rebounds per game) is the guy who gets it done inside. Jeremiah Gambrell (12.1 ppg and 41% 3 point shooting) Byron Joshua (11.7 ppg and 53 assists) and the outside guys. The Braves take care of the ball extremely well and that will make them tough to beat. They may not win the regular season but they will be tough to beat in the tournament.
7. Texas Southern SWAC: 3-3 (upcoming games: 1/27 vs Alabama A&M, 1/29 vs Alabama State)
When you speak of SWAC basketball you probably mean Texas Southern. The Tigers have won three straight SWAC tournaments and are typically most people's choice to return to the big dance. I think TSU has taken the old San Antonio Spurs approach, just make the postseason and then do work. I never doubt this team, they won it all as the 8 seed last year. They are off to another slow start in SWAC play, inconsistent shooting (29% 3-point shooting) and injuries have slowed them so far. PJ Henry (13.2 ppg) and Johnathan Cisse (10.2 ppg) pace this team. It's not time to hit the panic button but the Tigers need to have a run of success to keep their paws on a tournament berth.