Oct. 20, 2009

MILWAUKEE - The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee men's basketball team has been picked to finish fourth in the Horizon League this season, according to a poll of the league's coaches, sports information directors and media members that was released this afternoon.

UWM received 314 points, falling just behind Cleveland State, which reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament last season.

As expected, Butler was the clear favorite in the poll, with the Bulldogs securing 43 of the 46 first-place votes and 455 total points. Butler returns every player from last year's regular-season championship squad.

Wright State earned the second spot in the poll, collecting 398 points. The Raiders have won at least 20 games for three-straight seasons and boast the return of guard Vaughn Duggins, who missed last season with an injury.

The Panthers, who finished fifth last season, return all-league guard Tone Boyle and all-newcomer honoree James Eayrs among an extensive group of letterwinners. UWM is also hopeful of receiving an extra boost from the return of Ricky Franklin, who continues academic work to secure an additional season of eligibility. Starters Tony Meier and Anthony Hill also return, as do key reserves Jason Averkamp and Deonte Roberts.

The rest of the poll finds Green Bay picked fifth (273 points), Detroit sixth (209) and Youngstown State seventh (197). Valparaiso (137), UIC (126) and Loyola (97) round out the preseason rankings.

The Horizon League's preseason men's basketball All-League Teams will be announced Wednesday afternoon.

Horizon League Men's Basketball Preseason Poll
1. Butler (455 pts; 43 first-place votes)
2. Wright State (398; 1)
3. Cleveland State (324; 2)
4. Milwaukee (314)
5. Green Bay (273)
6. Detroit (209)
7. Youngstown State (197)
8. Valparaiso (137)
9. UIC (126)
10. Loyola (97)