CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. - The Stetson Hatters men's basketball team was selected to finish third in the Atlantic Sun Conference Coaches' Poll and sixth in the ASUN Media Poll as announced by the conference on Monday. Additionally, Jalen Blackmon was named to the 2023-24 Preseason All-Atlantic Sun Team, the lone representative for the Hatters.

In the previous season, Blackmon showcased his ability as a key player for the Hatters, playing in 31 games and making 27 starts. His stats speak for themselves, making 162 of 391 shots, marking a 41.4% field goal percentage, and leading the team with an average of 15.4 points per game. His scoring abilities were on full display as he contributed 478 total points, with 71 of his shots coming from beyond the arc. At the free-throw line, Blackmon was remarkable accurate, sinking 83 of 91 attempts.

Blackmon's contributions extended beyond scoring, as he averaged 2.3 rebounds per game and recorded 53 assists. On the defensive end, he made an impact with 18 steals and 5 blocked shots.

One of Blackmon's standout performances came during the ASUN Conference Tournament, where he posted a remarkable 33 points against Lipscomb, including a perfect 12 of 12 from the free-throw line. Throughout the season, he showcased his consistency, scoring 10 or more points in an impressive 10-game streak. Additionally, Blackmon set a career-high by making 7 of 12 three-pointers in a memorable game against Central Arkansas on February 4.

In addition to Blackmon's individual accolades, the Stetson Men's Basketball team has been projected to finish third in the 2023-24 Preseason Men's Basketball Coaches' Poll with 105 points. In the media poll, the Hatters were selected sixth, along with North Florida, each accumulating 334 points. This season's rankings come on the heels of a previous campaign where the Hatters achieved a 17-14 overall record, including an impressive 12-6 mark in the ASUN Conference.

The Stetson's Men's Basketball team sent Head Coach Donnie Jones, Blackmon and Stephan Swenson to the Atlantic Sun Basketball Tip Off Monday. The athletes partook in many different media sessions. You can see their interview with ESPN on the ASUN website. Make sure to check the ASUN Sports social media over the next few weeks to see the content created. 
 

2023-24 Preseason All-Atlantic Sun Team

Devontae Blanton, EKU
Terrell Burden, Kennesaw State
Jacob Ognacevic, Lipscomb
DeMarcus Sharp, Austin Peay
Garrett Tipton, Bellarmine
Camren Hunter, Central Arkansas
Isaiah Cozart, EKU
Isaiah Thompson, FGCU
Jacari Lane, North Alabama
AJ McKee, Queens
Jalen Blackmon, Stetson

2023-24 Atlantic Sun Preseason Men's Basketball Coaches' Poll

Place Team (1st place votes) Votes
1. Eastern Kentucky (8) – 140
2. FGCU – 106
3. Stetson – 105
4. Kennesaw State (1) – 103
5. Lipscomb – 99
6. Bellarmine – 81
7. North Alabama (1) – 74
8. Austin Peay (1) – 71
9. Jacksonville – 51
10. Queens – 47
11. North Florida (1) – 36
12. Central Arkansas - 23

2023-24 Atlantic Sun Preseason Men's Basketball Media Poll

Place Team (1st place votes) Votes
1. Eastern Kentucky (32) – 552
2. Kennesaw State (6) – 444
3. Lipscomb – 432
4. FGCU (2) – 382
5. Bellarmine – 350
6. Stetson – 334
7. North Alabama – 284
8. North Florida (4) – 252
9. Queens – 226
10. Jacksonville – 176
11. Austin Peay (2) – 170
12. Central Arkansas - 110