Columbus State basketball teams open preseason Thursday

The Columbus State basketball teams will be coming at their respective seasons from two completely different directions.

The men's team returns just four players -- only one which saw any meaningful minutes of playing time. Those four accounted for less than 9 percent of the scoring last season.

Meanwhile, the Lady Cougars return eight players -- including three starters. Those eight accounted for just less than 67 percent of the scoring a year ago.

One thing the two programs have in common. They hold their first preseason practice Thursday afternoon.

"This is going to be a little different with 10 new guys," men's coach Robert Moore said. "It is going to be a matter of can we put it together."

The Cougars went 22-8 last season, losing to UNC Pembroke in the NCAA Southeast Regional quarterfinals. It was the most wins by the Cougars since the 2005-06 season.

"These guys saw the success we had last year, and they want to finish what they started," Moore said. "They have been working hard during preseason workouts."

Brent Jackson made one start and averaged just un

der 18 minutes per game. The other returnees are Cam Baker, JaCori Payne and Markis Boyd. Baker is a former Kendrick standout who sat out last season.

"Brent Jackson is the only one really with experience. We are going to be looking to him to be a leader on and off the court," Moore said.

The Lady Cougars had plenty of success last season as well. CSU went 31-2, losing to Anderson in the NCAA Southeast Regional semifinals.

CSU won the Peach Belt Conference regular season title. It went on to win the PBC tournament for the second straight year.

The team's three returning starters are Michelle Mitchell, Ashley Asouzu and Britteny Tatum.

Mitchell was named PBC co-Player of the Year last year and made multiple All-America teams after averaging 20.1 points and 7.5 rebounds per game.

"I hope that the success we had last year is something they want to build on," women's coach Jonathan Norton said. "I hope they enjoyed that taste and want more."

The CSU teams both play an exhibition game against the Army All-Stars on Nov. 5. The women open the regular season at 7 p.m. on Nov. 13 against Fort Valley State. The men open the next day against Middle Georgia at 1 p.m.

This story was originally published October 14, 2015 at 10:29 PM with the headline "Columbus State basketball teams open preseason Thursday ."