Dillard Bleu Devils Again Reign Supreme ATop GCAC in Coaches Preseason Poll

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana -- The Dillard University Bleu Devils own Gulf Coast Athletic Conference basketball, at least according to the 2018 GCAC Preseason Coaches Poll, released today by the conference office.

The Bleu Devils claimed the top spot in both the men's and women's coaches voting following their wins at the 2018 GCAC Basketball Tournaments. Still, it was a tight race, as Xavier Head Coach Alfred "AJ" Williams' Gold Rush received 3 first-place votes to Dillard's 4, nearly resulting in a first-place tie.

Dillard University Head Coach Mike Newell has caused a renaissance on Gentilly Boulevard. Once one of the weakest programs in the conference, the Bleu Devils have won the GCAC Men's Basketball Championship for the past three years. The Bleu Devils also had a solid showing at the 81st annual NAIA Division I Men's Basketball National Championship earlier this year, advancing to the second round of the tournament.

For his part, Williams has made the Gold Rush contenders again, as well, leading the Uptown, New Orleans team to the final of the GCAC Men's Basketball Tournament. The Gold Rush also received a bid to the NAIA National Championship.

Tougaloo's Tonzell Handy, who was selected for the 2018 GCAC All-Defensive Team and was a 2018 First Team All-Conference awardee, was named 2018 Preseason Player of the Year.

2018 GCAC Men's Preseason All-Conference

Tonzell Handy, Tougaloo
Will Ibeh, Edward Waters
Christopher Journet, Philander Smith
Malik Amos, Dillard
Rayshawn Mart, Xavier

2018 GCAC Men's Preseason Player of the Year

Tonzell Handy, Tougaloo

GCAC Men's Preseason Coaches Poll Results

1. Dillard University (4)*
2. Xavier University (3)*
3. Edward Waters
4. Philander Smith
5. Talladega
6. Tougaloo
7. Rust
8. Southern – NO

*Indicates first place votes

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