Findlay Ranked No. 1 in D-II Bulletin Men's Basketball Preseason Poll, GVSU Ranked 23rd.

BEAVERTON, Ore. - Great Lakes Regional finalist University of Findlay is the top team in the 2008 Division II Bulletin Preseason Top 25 ranking. The announcement was made in the publication's special Preseason Preview issue, which was released earlier today.  2007-08 NCAA Division II quarterfinalist Grand Valley State University landed at No. 23.

Findlay (28-5) welcomes back all five starters from last season's Sweet 16 squad. The Oilers return 75.8 of their 78.7 points per game and feature the GLIAC's top player in senior forward Josh Bostic (13.8 ppg, 6.0 rpg), who was also named the publication's Preseason Player of the Year.

"Findlay looks to have it all this season and could take a shot at a national title," said Gary Rubin, publisher of Division II Bulletin. "It was a difficult decision picking a top team this season because so many teams are talented. It should be an entertaining year in Division II basketball. "

The 2007-08 GVSU men's basketball team finished with a 36-1 record, the first No. 1 ranking in school history and a berth in the Elite Eight for the second time in as many years. Grand Valley State also won a Great Lakes Regional Championship and their third consecutive GLIAC North Division title.  The Lakers ranked first in the nation in scoring defense (54.3 ppg) and field-goal percentage defense (36.3 percent). They were also second in the nation in scoring margin, outscoring opponents by 20.2 points per game. The Lakers won 36 consecutive games and held 15 consecutive teams under 60 points.

Senior Pete Trammell (Jenison, Mich.) is the team's leading returning scorer after averaging 10.2 points per game last season. He also chipped in 3.5 rebounds and shot at a .492 clip.  Wesley also brought in senior Jerret Smith (Romulus, Mich.) and sophomore K'Len Morris (Grand Blanc, Mich.) from the University of Michigan.  Smith appeared in 33 games for the Wolverines last season and started in 11 of them. He averaged 5.7 points and 3.4 assists per contest.

In addition, Findlay senior forward Josh Bostic was tabbed as the Division II Bulletin Preseason Player of the Year.

Bostic, a NCAA Division II all-American last year as a junior, averaged 13.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.9 steals per game during the 2007-08 season. He was named first team all-American by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) and was also a first team all-Great Lakes Region and Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) selection.

In postseason play, Bostic earned spots on the all-tournament teams for the GLIAC and Great Lakes Region championships.

"Josh is no doubt one of the top front court players in Division II this season," said Rubin. "He is expected to have another outstanding year and is most deserving of this award."

2008 DII Bulletin Men's Basketball Preseason Rankings

1. Findlay
2. Florida Southern
3. Bentley
4. Northern Kentucky
5. USC Aiken
6. Minnesota State
7. Central Oklahoma
8. Winona State
9. Northwest Missouri
10. Augusta State
11. Southwest Baptist
12. C.W. Post
13. Central Washington
14. Lenoir-Rhyne
15. North Alabama
16. Gannon
17. Drury
18. Mount Olive
19. Christian Brothers
20. Catawba
21. Pitt-Johnstown
22. Clayton State
23. Grand Valley State
24. BYU-Hawaii
25. Philadelphia

Division II Bulletin, founded in 1991, is the leading publication covering Division II men's basketball. It is published by GSR Communications based in Beaverton, Oregon.