MONTGOMERY, Ala. | Alabama State was picked to finish seventh in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) preseason poll on a vote of the league's head coaches and sports information directors, announced Monday morning during Virtual Media Days.

Under first-year head coach Mo Williams, the Hornets return five players with playing experience from last season, including a pair of starters in seniors DJ Heath and Brandon Battle. They also added eight newcomers for the 2020-21 season.

Alabama State returns 27.5 percent of their scoring and 31.8 percent of their rebounding from last year, led by Battle at 6.8 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. Meanwhile, Heath averaged 4.7 points and 2.0 assists per game during his junior season.

The Hornets were picked to finish behind Alcorn State (fifth) and Grambling State (sixth), respectively, and ahead of Alabama A&M (eighth), Mississippi Valley State (ninth), and UAPB (10th). Texas Southern was picked to win the conference this season ahead of Southern, Prairie View A&M and Jackson State.

Alabama State opens the season on the road against Wake Forest on November 25 in the Mako Medical Wake Forest Classic. The Hornets will also face Longwood (November 26) and Delaware State (November 27).

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