BASKETBALL: GLIAC Preseason Polls To Be Released Wednesday

BIG RAPIDS - Wednesday, the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference preseason basketball polls will be revealed by the league and we will see where everyone ranks at the start.

I imagine the Ferris State University men's team will be picked near the top of the North Division in the neighborhood with rival Grand Valley State University. Returning with standout center Justin Keenan, who already is picking up preseason honors and could be on pace for an All-American-type season, will lead the way for the Bulldogs. Look also for a big year coming up from guard Darien Gay, who really emerged a year ago as a top-notch shooter and ball handler. If Ferris can stay healthy, it has a shot to contend for GLIAC supremacy this season.

On the women's side, expect Ferris to be picked sort of middle of the pack this season as the team rebuilds with young talent to go with returning veterans like center Andrea Clancy and guard Becci Houdek. Michigan Tech University is ranked No. 1 in the nation by at least one preseason poll and will be the heavy favorite to win the league. Grand Valley also returns a lot of talent and should rank highly in the GLIAC this winter.

We should know by Wednesday afternoon how the teams rank as we enter the 2009-10 college basketball season.