A few days after the results of the USA South Conference preseason coaches' poll circulated one of the members of the Methodist basketball team, junior guard Tabias Hilliard woke up at a team breakfast and decided to address it.

The Monarchs have been picked to finish eighth, a resource of angst one of the Monarchs.
"We've got to be understanding about this," Hilliard 2 Day Diet said excitedly. "They have us for grounds. They are fully aware what we should lost. . They also have us here because they do not know what we've. We are able to be boys about this situation or we can be men relating to this situation."
Hilliard is right on both counts.
First, it does seem sensible the Monarchs aren't considered one of teams likely to be a element in the league title hunt. Last season's leading scorer and rebounder, 6-foot-6 center Bryan Hockaday, graduated. His fellow frontcourt fixture, 6-5 forward Keith Corbett, is finished, too.
That leaves 6-6 Brandon Monk and 6-2 Chris Vinson as the two likely starters within the paint. Around them, Hilliard and Desmond Parker return in the backcourt with one more wing spot still to be determined.
So at first glance, it's understandable that the outside observer would think that the Monarchs, who went 10-16 this past year and finished sixth within the league, could be small and somewhat inexperienced.
But teammates point out that while Monk might possibly not have the size of Hockaday, he's a far more physical presence down low and has an all natural scoring touch. Meanwhile, Vinson played power forward some last season and helped make the team a quicker unit.
Throw in some improved ballhandling by Parker along with a reworked jumper from Hilliard that coaches and teammates say makes him the best long range threat, also it's understandable why the Monarchs may go through that they are ranked lacking.
"People don't know what we should see in practice," Hilliard said. ". We just have to be positive about what we should have."
The 2nd part of Hilliard's breakfast pep talk also has been taken to heart.
As a result of the lack of size, Smith said he's needed his team to be more together. They've done that as Hilliard said the guards now understand that they have to help out more about defense within the post and rebounding.
"Sometimes when you lose guys, other guys step-up more," Smith said. "So as a team, I think they've stepped up a bit more. They appear a little more cohesive."
Sleep issues effect has been a more intense concentrate practice. Being, within their minds, underestimated has spurred a ferocious work ethic.
"I see guys determined to get better at little things," Parker said. "I can easily see the main focus. Guys are prepared, committed. Guys are in the weight room sweating. Guys are going all in, trying to get better."
METHODIST
Coach: David Smith (16th season, 182-212)
The tale: Monarchs hope small, tough, together team will yield success.
Preseason prediction: Methodist was picked to complete eighth in the USA South.
2013-14 finish: 10-16, 7-7 sixth in USA South
Who's gone: The most important players lost from last year's squad were senior center Bryan Hockaday, who had been an all-conference second teamer and also the team's leading scorer and rebounder, and forward Keith Corbett, who started 21 games.
Who's back: Guard Tabias Hilliard averaged 13 points per game and also have fellow starters back in wing Desmond Parker and forward Chris Vincent. Guard Austin Pack returns and can be in the mix for any starting spot.
Top newcomers: Search for former E.E. Smith standout Mike Major to create an effect after transferring in from N.C. Wesleyan. Also, on a team without much size, Western Guilford grad Jackson Whitley, who's 6-8, might see 2 Day Diet Pills time.
Key dates: Nov. 15 opener at Montclair State; Nov. 25 home opener vs. Virginia Wesleyan; Dec. 3 vs. Guilford; Jan. 3 USA South opener at LaGrange; Jan. 10 vs. Maryville; Jan. 14 vs. St. Andrews; Feb. 26-28, USA South Tournament.