Leon Williams and Elijah Pichon, two of the Gold Rush's top returning players, enter the 2026-27 season among the players to watch in the Southern States Athletic Conference. The SSAC announced Monday that the pair had been named to the Preseason Players to Watch list. 

Williams, a 6-foot-3 senior from Cambridge, Massachusetts, is Xavier's top returning scorer, having averaged 7.6 points per game on 40 percent shooting in 31 appearances a year ago. With the departure of all-conference guard Bentravin Phillips and guard/forward Seviuhn Turner, the expectation is that Williams will elevate his offensive output. 

Pichon, a 6-foot junior from Slidell, Louisiana, has spent the last two seasons as a key reserve. This year, he will be tasked with replacing Phillips at point guard. It is a task with which Pichon is well acquainted, having been a strong backup for Phillips in 25-26. 

The full watch list is available on the SSAC website. The Gold Rush begin their 26-27 campaign on Oct. 24 with a visit to in-city opponent SUNO. Tip-off is scheduled for 5 p.m.