In the preseason, Butler was the conference favorite - returning all players from their regular season HL championship team.
Butler received all but three first-place votes in the preseason poll of HL coaches, media, and sports information directors.
Wright State received the one first place vote, capturing second in the preseason poll, and defending HL Tournament champion Cleveland State claimed two first place votes, finishing third.
[1] The preseason player of the year was 2009 HL MVP Matt Howard of Butler.
Matt Howard of Butler was named the tournament MVP.