Josh Tanguay

The University of Maine at Farmington men's basketball team was selected third in the North Atlantic Conference Preseason Poll as announced by the conference today.

Defending NAC champ Husson University received all eight first-place votes for 64 points to lead the poll followed by Thomas College (55), Farmington (47), Green Mountain College (39), Lyndon State College (27), Castleton State College (23), Johnson State College (22) and Maine Maritime Academy (11). Poll

The Beavers have four starters (nine overall) back from a squad that reached the NAC semifinals last season. Farmington finished the 2008-2009 campaign with a 13-12 record after a 67-65 semifinal loss to Husson.

"We return a veteran group," said head coach Dick Meader, who is entering his 17th season. "Six out of our top seven players that finished last year are back. The concern is a lack of depth. We're capable of beating anybody. If we play well, I'm confident in this group. If we stay injury-free, we can compete for a championship."