Conference USA - 2009-2010 Basketball Betting Preview | Sportsbookbuzz.com

Memphis lost its head coach, four starters from last year’s 33-4 (23-13 ATS) squad, and a jacked recruiting class, and they could easily walk away with another league title. The Tigers and new head coach Josh Pastner should remain a very respectable wager on reduced price alone.

Doug Wojcik could easily lead Tulsa to the C-USA crown and a berth in the NCAA Tournament. Jerome Jordan and Ben Uzoh provide the best inside-outside combination in the conference. Expect the Hurricane to be less profitable because of their increased national exposure.

UAB went a disappointing 14-19 ATS (22-12 SU) last season, and failed to make the Big Dance. Filling the roster for Mike Davis is a hodge-podge of junior college transfers and freshmen. AlabamaBirmingham might be a better bet, but this roster won’t remain elite in C-USA.

The Houston Cougars lost big men Marcus Cousin and Qa’rraan Calhoun from last year’s team that went 21-11 (12-16-1 ATS). Houston has excellent guard play, led by the dynamic duo of Aubrey Coleman and Kelvin Lewis.

UTEP was one of the best bets in the conference last season, going a respectable 16-11-1 ATS (19-12 SU). The Miners are a sleeper play once again, and have a shot at the league title if talented former Louisville forward Derrick Caracter comes committed to play in EI Paso.

Central Florida went 15-10 ATS (17-14 SU) in 2008-09. Jermaine Taylor is gone to the NBA after averaging 26.1 points per game last year. UCF returns no one that put up more than 8.2 points a night, but the recruiting class includes Marcus Jordan, son of some former NBA player named Michael.

Marshall could flip last season’s 9-15-1 mark against the number if it cuts down on turnovers, and that should happen with six of its top seven scorers from last season returning. The Thundering Herd are experienced and they center their attack around their post players.

The Green Wave are set to overachieve once again this season, as Dave Dickerson returns all but one of his rotation players from last year. Senior point guard Kevin Sims figures to lead the way once again. The lack of an inside presence will keep the Wave from moving up the ladder in C-USA.

East Carolina will remain in the red for bettors as long as they continue to struggle on the defensive end. Speedy Pirates point guard Brock Young is one of the most exciting players in the league, but his overall effectiveness will be put to the test this season after the departures of shooters Sam Hinnant and James Legan.

Expectations were high for Southern Miss last season and that kept the price elevated on the Eagles, who finished 10th in the conference. Southern Mississippi was the least profitable wager in C- USA last season (9- 18 ATS), but the Golden Eagles should improve in that department.

At Rice, 6-foot-7 forward Arsalan Kazemi is the first Iranian-born player to suit up in Division I hoops. He has the ability to contribute right away, as does point guard Tamir Jackson. If the duo finds some chemistry, the Owls should be a sharp underdog play later in the season.

The key to profitability for SMU backers is forward Papa Dia, who regressed last season. If Dia rebounds (literally), the Mustangs should stay in the black for bettors. Southern Methodist has finished 11th, 11th, and 12th in C-USA in Matt Doherty’s three seasons at the helm, so his job is on the line.