Oct. 17, 2006

ABILENE, Texas - For the first time since the league was formed in 1997, the Hardin-Simmons men's basketball team has been selected as the favorite to win the American Southwest Conference West Division by the league's coaches, sports information directors and media.

"We have the right mix of players and they are really getting after it in practice," said HSU head coach Dylan Howard. "We have two senior starters that have been a huge part of the turn around of our program and they want nothing more than to cap their careers with a conference title."

The Cowboys went 14-11 last season losing several close games, including the last game of the year to Concordia-Austin on a last second shot by 2007 ASC West Preseason Player of the Year Valentino Maxwell that left them sitting home for the conference tournament.

"I think last year we underachieved a little bit, because we could not finish some games" said Howard. "This year our players have talked about doing what it takes to finish those tough games. We have a demanding schedule, but we also have the players that can mentally handle that challenge. We are looking forward to a big season."

The Cowboys return four starters including all-ASC West selection Zach Pickelman at forward and ASC West Defensive Player of the Year and all-region selection Mardochee Jean at center. Senior point guard Matt Brackett and junior guard James Peters give the Cowboys' experienced talent all over the floor.

HSU picked up nine of the 18 first-place votes in the poll and finished with 135 points. Defending West champion Howard Payne (125) and Mary Hardin-Baylor (123) are second and third followed by McMurry, Concordia-Austin, Sul Ross State, Texas Lutheran and Schreiner.

Mississippi College was picked to win the ASC East.