Oct. 16, 2007

ABILENE, Texas - Hardin-Simmons' men's basketball team was picked to finish third in the American Southwest Conference West Division and HSU senior center Mardochee Jean was named the ASC West Preseason Player of the Year as voted on by the coaches, media and sports information directors of the conference.

Jean, a 6-8 senior from Missouri City, averaged 13.3 points and 11.6 rebounds as a junior and he also had 80 blocked shots. He was also named to the DIII News Preseason All-American team on Tuesday. He was one of only three players from the South Region on the team and the only player from the American Southwest Conference.

Defending co-champions Mary Hardin-Baylor and McMurry were picked number one and two in the poll and both received 10 first place votes. UMHB had 170 total points in the poll and McMurry had 163. HSU was third with 140 points and one first-place vote and Concordia (Texas) received three first-place votes and 131 total points.

Howard Payne, Sul Ross State, Texas Lutheran and Schreiner rounded out the West Division poll. Mississippi College and LeTourneau were the top two picks in the East Division with Tyler Winford of MC earning preseason player of the year honors.

The Cowboys are coming off a 16-12 year that saw them reach the ASC Tournament finals.