LOUISVILLE, Ky.—The Division II Bulletin holds the Bellarmine men's basketball team and senior Rusty Troutman in high regard.  The publication has just released its 2016-17 preseason rankings and the Knights are No. 1 in the nation while Troutman was named as a "Super 16" selection.
 
The publication, which is in its 25^th year, made the preseason selections available on its website at www.smallcollegehoops.com. The DII Bulletin preseason top 25 includes a number of Bellarmine's 2016-17 opponents.  In order of their ranking, they include:  No. 3 Lincoln Memorial, No. 5 Saginaw Valley State, No. 9 Alabama Huntsville, No. 11 Drury, and No. 17 Indianapolis.
 
The Knights have made eight straight NCAA appearances, including a national championship in 2011 and final four appearances in 2012 and 2015.  Last season, Bellarmine finished 23-7 and claimed the Great Lakes Valley Conference East Division's regular season title.
 
The Super 16 is the publication's list of its top two players in each region.  Troutman and Lake Superior State's Akaemji Williams were the Midwest Region's honorees.
 
Last season, Troutman earned NABC All American honors after leading the Knights last season in scoring (18.2), 3-point percentage (46.9) and 3-pointers made (61). The Bullitt East (Ky.) High School product ranked second on the Knights in rebounding (4.8) and field-goal percentage (56.1) and third on the team in free-throw percentage (80.0), assists (2.7) and steals (26).
 
The DII Bulletin accolade is the second preseason honor for Troutman.  Last week, he was named to The Sporting News' preseason All-American squad last week.
 
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DII BULLETIN PRESEASON FACT SHEET (PDF)