As ULM’s football team surprises the Sun Belt Conference (SBC) this season, the men’s basketball team strives to do the same. Last year, SBC ranked ULM’s football and men’s basketball at the bottom of the conference. With roster improvements, our men’s basketball team can surprise the SBC as the underdogs.
In the 2023-24 season, ULM performed poorly with a conference record of 6-12 and got knocked out early in the playoffs. The Warhawks struggled with size and skill due to injuries that sidelined key players such as forward Nika Metskhvarishvili and center AD Diedhiou. Fortunately, Diedhiou is expected to play this season.
On a recent SBC Media day, head coach Keith Richard mentioned that the team’s three-point shooting had been a setback. However, Richard believes newcomer Coltie Young has been shooting well in practice and can help the Warhawks from beyond the arc.
Despite last season’s mediocre performance, Richard kept a promising tone for the rest of the interview.
“There is no way we will finish last,” Richard said. “They [the team] really want it this year.”
Richard also discussed how freshman forward Renars Sondors can impact the team.
“He can help us stretch the floor at the forward position,” referring to his size and skill.
Tough opponents await ULM early in the conference, but coach Richard considers these games opportunities to grow and trusts that his veteran players handle the trip.
For the 2024-25 season, SBC ranked Arkansas State as the team favored to win, followed by James Madison and Troy. These teams are the toughest competitors to beat this season. Last season, JMU even made it to the final SBC championship game and reached the second round of the NCAA tournament.
Compared to these teams, ULM might seem under-qualified. However, ULM has improved, having retained 10 of our previous 14 players and promising new additions. Our team has good defense and rebounding. We struggled with shooting last season, but our new players may help in that area. We might not be able to win the SBC tournament or play in the NCAA, but we have a legitimate opportunity to make a deep run in the playoffs. The Warhawks are the dark horses with the potential to surprise everyone this season.