By Will Cheney | Staff WriterThe Augusta University men’s basketball team is the favorite team to win the Peach Belt Conference for the 2016-2017 season, according to the conference’s Preseason Coaches’ Poll.The Jaguars received nine of 14 first place votes, finishing ahead of Young Harris College, which received two votes. Other institutions receiving first place votes included Lander University (2) and Georgia College and State University (1). Augusta University finished the 2015-2016 season with an 18-11 record, making an appearance in the Peach Belt Conference Tournament Championship before falling to Lander 87-86 in double overtime.Head Coach Dip Metress is entering his 13th season at the helm of the men’s basketball program at AU. The two-time Peach Belt Coach of the Year comes into this season with high expectations.Key players returning for the Jaguars include senior guard Keshun Sherrill and junior forward Kyle Doyle. Sherrill, a two-time All-American, was named to the preseason Peach Belt All-Conference team for 2016-2017. Doyle, an Augusta native, came to AU as a transfer from Georgia Southern University.The AU men’s basketball has an exhibition against Wichita State University on the road for Saturday, Nov. 5. The regular season begins for the Jaguars at University of Mount Olive on Nov. 11, with the home opener coming Nov. 17 against Claflin University.Contact Will Cheney at wcheney@augusta.edu.