With college basketball getting underway, media members, coaches and other sports outlets have released predictions and information on the season.
Here is what some are saying about the Northern Kentucky University men’s basketball team as the Norse prepares for its first Division I contest on Thursday:

“Media members voted similar to the coaches, with NKU predicted last. Mercer was again predicted to finish first, but by a much wider margin in the larger poll.”
-The Atlantic Sun Conference Preseason
Men’s Basketball Media Poll

“Coaches predict Mercer to finish first in the conference with six of 10 first place votes. USC Upstate
followed closely in second. On the opposite end of the poll lies NKU, predicted by coaches to finish last.”

– The Atlantic Sun Conference Preseason Men’s Basketball Coach’s Poll

“The conference website highlighted NKU senior guard Ethan Faulkner, ranking him as the league’s no. 18 ranked top scorer entering the season. Discussing the previous season, “Northern Kentucky’s Ethan Faulkner was third on the team in scoring at an even ten points, while passing out a team-best 4.3 assists.

Ranked even higher by the website entering the season is senior guard/forward Eshaunte Jones, coming in at no. 16. It talks about last season, “Jones ranked second on the Norse in scoring last season by producing 17 double-digit point games.”
– Atlantic Sun Men’s Basketball News

“The popular magazine and website previews every Division I men’s team, focusing on the move from Division II when discussing the Norse. The preview says, “As a transitional member of the conference… the Norse will not be eligible for postseason play for the next four seasons.” It also mentions the change in recruiting philosophy that will take place, noting that “as a Division II program the Norse were able to take advantage of lesser academic requirements and the ability of Division I transfers to play immediately.”

– Lindy’s Sports College Basketball Preview

“The popular basketball blog previewed each conference at the Division I level, including the Atlantic Sun. Johnson highlights NKU by describing the transition to Division I, noting, “Dave Bezold’s Norse return three of their top five scorers from last season’s 23-win team…” Also mentioned that NKU has “won at least 21 games in five of the last six seasons.”

– Raphielle Johnson, NBC
Sports College Basketball Talk