Fayetteville, N.C. - The USA South has released its preseason coaches polls for men's and women's basketball. NCW's men received a 2nd-place billing, while the Battling Bishop women were tabbed 10th overall.

The 2014-2015 Battling Bishop men posted a 13-12 overall record and a 7-7 mark in the USA South. Entering his 21st season at the helm of the program, veteran head coach John Thompson returns all five starters and 11 letterwinners from that squad, and he hopes they compliment a talented crop of 12 newcomers. Wesleyan will be led by a five-man senior class this season, which includes D.J. Weaver and Brandon Brown who each averaged double-figures as juniors.

Topping the men's poll was Averett University, who was tabbed the preseason favorite after collecting nine first place votes and 94 points overall.

On the women's side, head coach Artina Trader enters her seventh season at the helm of the NCW women’s basketball program. The 2015-2016 season features a roster that includes five returners, three of which started last season, as well as eleven newcomers. Leading her returners is two-time All-Conference performer Kenyata Harris, who averaged 14.3 ppg and 7.8 rpg as a sophomore.

Elsewhere around the league, Maryville College was tabbed the preseason favorite with 11 first place votes and 143 overall points.

N.C. Wesleyan's men tip off their 2015-2016 slate on November 15th at Division I High Point University. The Bishop women open two days later at Mid-Atlantic Christian at 6:00pm.

To view the complete USA South coaches poll in each sport, please visit www.usasouth.net.