NEW ORLEANS - Old Dominion men's basketball head coach Jeff Jones and junior Mekhi Long participated in Sun Belt Conference Media Day on Wednesday, hosted at the league's offices inside the Superdome.
The Monarchs were picked ninth in the preseason coaches poll, with no one on the preseason All-Conference squads.
When asked about his thoughts on the Sun Belt, Jones responded by quoting a theme that permeates college basketball -- the transfer portal and ever changing rosters. "We have virtually a new team this year, with seven new players and two new assistants," Jones said.
"While we are not that familiar with the other programs in the league, I told the assistants not to worry about scouting other teams based on last year right now as most teams are different. Our focus is trying to get better each and every day," he added.
The Monarchs participated in the Sun Belt Conference from 1982-1991 making five postseason appearances during that stretch and claiming a pair of NCAA Tournament bids in 1984-85 and 1985-86.
Old Dominion will play 16 regular-season games at home and Jones said he did that on purpose.
"This year we made a concerted effort, with seven new faces, to play as many home games as we could and 16 is the most we have had in several years. It's a challenging schedule, but one we are looking forward to," he said.
In comparing Conference USA to the Sun Belt, Jones noted there wasn't that much difference. "Both leagues are very athletic. You don't see a lot of traditional bigs, but you'll see a lot of great guard play and athletes on the front line," he said. "In that regard, I feel we will fit right in as we have good overall size and good length on the perimeter."
Jones lauded Mekhi Long's defensive mindset and work ethic on the floor.
"Mekhi is a guy that you don't have to do a whole lot of work with, he just goes and plays. You don't have to run plays for him, yet the next thing you see he already has double figures in points," Jones said. "He can guard 1-5 on the floor.
"He might not lead us in blocks, but he can really shut down the opposition and he's the glue that makes us better."
Long said playing defense gives him a spark. "Stopping the other man from scoring is a rush for me. If I know I can shut you down, it gets me going. My stopping a player gives my teammates a boost to get them scoring more," he said.
Jones urged coaches and others who vote on defensive awards to watch Long carefully this season.
"Mekhi Long is a great defender. I would ask whoever votes for defensive teams to note what he does against a player person versus what that person does all season long," he said. "Mekhi knows how to defend. He blocks shots and makes some steals, but he does way more than that."
Jeff Jones and Mekhi Long Participate In Sun Belt Conference Media Day
