The Covenant men's basketball team, under fifth year head coach Kyle Taylor, has been picked to finish seventh by the coaches in the USA South Athletic Conference preseason poll, announced the league on Wednesday afternoon.
Covenant is in its first season in the league joining former Great South Athletic Conference members Maryville, Piedmont, Huntingdon and LaGrange. The conference has 11 schools that compete in men's basketball. Covenant is also in its first full year of being an active member of NCAA Division III.
"Having a conference is so huge for our guys, and we are especially excited about being a full active member of the USA South Athletic Conference and NCAA Division III," said Taylor. "Getting to play for a conference championship and a spot in the postseason will be a great experience for our student athletes."
Maryville received six of 11 first place votes and 93 points as head coaches do not vote for their own teams in the balloting. Covenant received 37 total points to place in a tie for seventh with Averett.
Covenant lost six seniors from last season's 13-11 team, but Taylor and assistant coach Brian Millar have brought in several newcomers that could have an immediate impact on the team.
The top eight teams in the final USA South standings will advance to the conference tournament in late February. The top seeded team will host all three rounds of the tournament.
Covenant will begin the regular season on Nov. 15 when they take part in the Berry College Classic against host Berry.