Valdosta, Ga. - Valdosta State's returning senior, David Murray, has been selected to the 2013-14 Men's Basketball Preseason All-Gulf South Conference Team, as announced by the GSC on Friday. The preseason poll also projected the Blazers to finish fifth after receiving 20 points in the poll voted on by coaches throughout the league.
The Blazers received three fifth place votes, two sixth place votes, and one seventh place vote for a total of 20 points. The North Alabama Lions topped the preseason picks with a total of 44 points, which included four first place votes, one second place vote, and two third place votes. The Lions edged out the Bucs of Christian Brothers by one point to claim the top spot. Alabama -Huntsville was projected to finish third with 37 points, followed by Delta State in the fourth position with 27 points. Rounding out the final three slots were West Alabama with 19 points, followed by West Florida and West Georgia, who each received 17 points. To view the full release, click here.
Head Coach Mike Helfer will look to Murray to play a key leadership role in the 2013-14 season. Last year, the forward played in each of the Blazers' 29 games and averaged 10.5 points per game. Murray was second on the team with 60 three pointers and enjoyed a breakout game on February 9th against Shorter when he scored a season high 25 points. The 6'4" returnee from Birmingham, Ala. was named to the GSC All-Tournament Team last year, despite suffering an injury early in the GSC championship game against Christian Brothers. The preseason All-GSC Team honor marks the first of Murray's career.
Practice for the Blazers begins next week, as Valdosta State begins preparing for a return appearance in the Gulf South Conference championship game. The season kicks off at home on Monday, November 11, when the Blazers host Trinity Baptist at 8:00 p.m. at the VSU Complex. Click here to view the full 2013-14 schedule.
