Preseason poll: NSU has MEAC's top team, player

NORFOLK, Virginia -- Norfolk State interim basketball coach Robert Jones isn't putting much stock in the target that's about to be painted onto his team.

But if the Spartans return to the NCAA tournament, they'll have to do it as MEAC favorites.

NSU was picked to finish first in a poll of league coaches and sports information directors expected to be released today. Senior guard Pendarvis Williams was named preseason Player of the Year.

Jones, in his first season on the job after six years as an assistant under former Spartans coach Anthony Evans, said that while being recognized is nice, preseason polls generally have little value.

"At least it shows that we have some talent," said Jones, who returns 11 letter winners from a squad that went 21-12 (16-0 in the MEAC) last season.

"Just because you're picked No. 1 doesn't mean you're going to finish No. 1.Of course, you strive for that."

Williams, a 6-foot-6 Philadelphia native, led the team and finished fourth in the MEAC with 14.3 points per game to earn the league's Player of the Year award last season.

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