The Augusta State men's basketball team is the preseason favorite to win the Peach Belt Conference, according to a vote of league coaches.
The Jaguars, coming off back-to-back Division II Tournament Final Four appearances, received 10 of 13 first-place votes for 142 points. Augusta State, which won a school-record 30 games last season, returns three starters, including All-American senior guard Ben Madgen.
The Jaguars are ranked No. 10 in the NABC/Division II preseason poll.
Last season, Augusta State won the Peach Belt Conference regular season and tournament titles. The Jaguars went on to defeat USC Aiken in the regional championship. Augusta State defeated Christian Brothers in the Elite Eight, but lost to Cal Poly Pomona in the Final Four.
Clayton State (one first-place vote) was picked to finish second at 123 points.
USC Aiken, which went 1-3 against the Jaguars last season, grabbed the remaining two first-place votes to come in third at 118 points.
Georgia College & State finished just behind the Pacers with 114 points.
MEN'S PRESEASON POLL
| Team | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Total |
| 1. Augusta State | 10 | 2 | 0 | 142 |
| 2. Clayton State | 1 | 5 | 4 | 123 |
| 3. USC Aiken | 2 | 3 | 2 | 118 |
| 4. Ga. College & State | 0 | 3 | 5 | 114 |
| 5. Lander | 0 | 0 | 0 | 89 |
| 6. Francis Marion | 0 | 0 | 1 | 83 |
| 7. Montevallo | 0 | 0 | 1 | 80 |
| 8. North Georgia | 0 | 0 | 0 | 74 |
| 9. Armstrong Atlantic | 0 | 0 | 0 | 57 |
| 10. Columbus State | 0 | 0 | 0 | 48 |
| 11 Ga. Southwestern | 0 | 0 | 0 | 47 |
| 12. UNC Pembroke | 0 | 0 | 0 | 22 |
| 13. Flagler | 0 | 0 | 0 | 17 |
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