NEW ORLEANS – This time of the year much of college sports fan’s attention is focused on fall sports with football taking most of the headlines.  The month of November also marks the beginning of basketball season and a transition to winter sports. 

November also marks the beginning of the early signing period for all sports except soccer, track and field, and football.  The hard work coaches have put into recruiting will pay off as National Letters of Intent are received.

Jerry Meyer, a national men’s basketball recruiting analyst for Rivals.com, took a moment to talk about the Sun Belt Conference’s men’s basketball recruiting class recently.

“The recent success of Sun Belt teams in the post season is certainly helping the Conference as a whole in recruiting,” said Meyer.

“Western Kentucky University's class stands out the most with the signing of two forwards who were both heavily recruited.”  John Brady's initial class at Arkansas State is right behind WKU.  ASU signed a couple of players who should have an immediate impact in the Sun Belt Conference.  South Alabama also signed one of the more productive big men at several events over the summer.”

ESPN.com’s Chris Hansen, a women’s basketball recruiting and high school basketball analyst, also shared his take on the Sun Belt Conference’s women’s basketball recruiting classes.

“The big headliner for the Sun Belt Conference in terms of the early signing period is Middle Tennessee”, said Hansen. 

“Coach Rick Insell has another solid class of future Blue Raiders and has set the bar incredibly high for the rest of the conference.  WKU also has a solid class and both programs have signed five players in this year’s class.”