The Wright State men’s basketball team will enter the 2012-13 season with a chip on its shoulder, sophomore guard Reggie Arceneaux said, after being picked to finish last in the Horizon League.

The preseason poll was released Tuesday at the conference’s media day event in Rosemont, Ill.

“Championships aren’t won on paper,” Arceneaux said. “I expect a championship, nothing less.”

The Raiders finished eighth out of 10 teams last season with a 13-19 overall record and 7-11 mark in the Horizon League. It was Wright State’s worst finish in the Horizon League since 2003 and its worst overall record since it went 11-17 in 2000.

Last year’s performance, coupled with the loss of leading scorer Julius Mays, who transferred to Kentucky, and the addition of six newcomers makes the Raiders an unknown quantity in a league that should be even more wide open than usual with the loss of Butler.

“It wasn’t a surprise to me,” Wright State coach Billy Donlon said. “It is what it is. When you lose a guy who was a possible preseason player of the year, that’s going to factor in. It’s fair to say we’re the most unknown (team in the conference). But this is the most athletic team we’ve had in a long time, and athleticism can hide some holes you have.”

Valparaiso, last year’s champion, was picked to finish first and was followed by Detroit, Green Bay, Youngstown State, Cleveland State, Milwaukee, Loyola, Illinois Chicago and Wright State.

“There are some teams that bring a lot back,” Donlon said. “That’s why they’re at the top. I really believe there are five teams that could win it, and you could flip a coin, just like last year.”

Arceneaux sees potential in the roster, even if it’s unproven.

“(Junior forward) A.J. Pacher gained 25 pounds,” Arceneaux said. “He’s gotten quicker with the ball. He’s got better post moves. Jerran Young (junior transfer) is very athletic. He can play defense. I’m very excited about the guys we’ve got coming in.”

Arceneaux, who averaged 8.5 points per game last season and is the team’s top returning scorer, knows there will be pressure on him to step up his game.

“I embrace that type of responsibility,” he said, “and I’ve been in that type of role my whole life.”