Belmont Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:35:24 PDT

It's hard to believe that the Bruins are actually ranked in the middle of the Atlantic Sun Conference pack, since they have become one of the more recognizable mid-major programs the last five years.

But that's the way it is for Belmont this season as it's picked fourth in the A-Sun preseason poll. There's a good reason for low expectations: The Bruins lost four starters, including Player of the Year Alex Renfroe.

However, coach Rick Byrd should never be underestimated. And he's playing the motivation card for all it's worth.

"This is a statement to our players that we will be an average team and that we have no one worthy to be mentioned among the top 10 players in our league," he said.

That could change if sophomore Scott Saunders, a 6-foot-10 sophomore...