BYU-Hawaii selected preseason favorite to win National Championship

BYU-Hawaii preseason favorite to claim National Championship

BEAVERTON, Ore. - West Regional finalist BYU-Hawaii is the top team in the 2009 Division II Bulletin Preseason Top 25 ranking.

The Seasiders (27-2) return All-American Lucas Alves (19.8 ppg, 7.5 rpg - photo right) in the post and senior point guard Virgil (J.R.) Buensuceso (11.4 ppg), a Cousy Award finalist last season.

BYU-Hawaii also features junior Marques Whippy (8.2 ppg, 7.4 rpg) and sophomore Tsung-Hsien (Jet) Chang (12.3 ppg), the PacWest Conference Freshman of the Year.

"This is the first time a team from Hawaii has been ranked No. 1 in our preseason Top 25," said Gary Rubin, publisher of Division II Bulletin. "It was a difficult decision, but we felt BYU-Hawaii has the talent to carry onto the national stage. "

Right behind at No. 2 is defending national champion Findlay, which returns two starters.

Rounding out the top five are Southwest Baptist, national runner-up Cal Poly Pomona and Bellarmine.

The second five includes Tusculum, Merrimack, Augusta St., Florida Southern and Bentley.

Top 25 Poll

Division II Bulletin has selected a preseason Top 25 every year since 1991.