Mid-American Conference 2006-07 Preview
by Joe Speranza
In a conference where at-large bids to the NCAA Tournament have been few and far between, one would assume that competition is lacking and spirit is not far behind. Right? Well, not in the MAC, as far as I’m concerned. Ball State and Buffalo have two of the best student sections, relative to size of arena, in the country. “The Nest”, as the student section is called at Ball State, is a scary conglomeration of red and white t-shirts, hats, and bare chests. Buffalo’s student section doesn’t slack either; in 2006, fans were reprimanded countless times for inappropriate behavior. I’m not saying that it’s cool to suggest that the sister of an opposing player is a prostitute, but merely stating that the enthusiasm is there.
This year, fans in Akron and Toledo will have something to get excited about. Last year, Akron went undefeated at home, and they return four starters from that team. Toledo surprised a lot of people in the MAC by making a run to the MAC championship game, and they, like the Zips, return four talented players. If Toledo and Akron don’t play each other in the MAC championship game, it would be quite a surprise.
The top two returning scorers this year are Martin Samarco from Bowling Green and Skip Mills from Ball State. James Hughes, the MAC Defensive Player of the Year last year, also returns, and he should help Northern Illinois in the post this year. Here are some other players who should make an impact in the conference.
All-MAC Team
F Romeo Travis, Akron
F Skip Mills, Ball State
C Yassin Idbihi, Buffalo
G Martin Samarco, Bowling Green
G Giordan Watson, Central Michigan
Player Of The Year
Joe Reitz, Western Michigan
Defensive Player Of The Year
James Hughes, Northern Illinois
Team Predictions
MAC East
1. Akron
2. Kent State
3. Buffalo
4. Miami (Ohio)
5. Ohio
6. Bowling Green
MAC West
1. Toledo
2. Western Michigan
3. Ball State
4. Northern Illinois
5. Central Michigan
6. Eastern Michigan
MAC East
1. Akron Zips (23-10 Overall, 14-4 MAC, T-2nd MAC East)
The Zips were a young, scary team last year and finished the season with the second best record in the conference. They played an impressive non-conference schedule for a MAC team, going against Cal, Louisville, Clemson, and Nevada during the season. Nobody in the MAC played a tougher non-conference schedule, and if you take away those four losses, a 23-6 record looks very nice. The Zips set the pace early in the season, winning their first 6 conference games, and maintained a steady course throughout the season, finishing 14-4 in the MAC. They were led by forward Romeo Travis, who averaged almost 14 points per game and was a first team all-MAC selection. It helps to have a passer, and the Zips had the most efficient point guard in the league last year in Dru Joyce, who led the MAC in assist-to-turnover ratio.
Despite having a really annoying nickname, the Zips are the best team in the MAC right now. They return 4 starters from last year, and have been ranked as high as No. 20 in the country in preseason polls. Also, nobody should plan on beating them at home, as they went a perfect 13-0 last year at Rhodes Arena. There is no reason why Romeo Travis shouldn’t be selected to the all-MAC first team again, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if Dru Joyce made a case for himself at the end of the year also. The Zips should have no trouble winning the MAC regular season, and their experience in the playoffs should allow them to dance in March.
Returning Starters – Dru Joyce, Sr., G, 6-0, 165; Romeo Travis, Sr., F, 6-7, 220; Nick Dials, Jr., G, 6-1, 175; Jeremiah Wood, Jr., F, 6-6, 245
Projected Starting Lineup
F Romeo Travis
F Jeremiah Wood
G Dru Joyce
G Nick Dials
G Jimmy Conyers
Players to Watch: Jeremiah Wood, Jr., F, 6-6, 245; Steve McNees, Fr., G, 6-2, 185
It’s sometimes hard to tell how a high school player will adapt to the college game, but McNees could be big for the Zips this year. He had a monster senior year in high school, averaging 28 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists, but will come off the bench for Akron.
Wood redshirted last year while rehabbing an ACL injury he suffered in the 2004-2005 season in which he averaged 10 points and 8 rebounds. If he is healthy this year, he adds another talented player to an already loaded Akron team.
Big Game: Nevada, 12/22
2. Kent State Golden Flashes (25-9 Overall, 15-3 MAC, 1st MAC East)
The Golden Flashes owned the MAC last year. After getting off to a shaky 6-5 start that included losses to Rutgers, Saint Mary’s, and Syracuse, the Flashes broke out and won 16 of their last 19 regular season games. Sporting a 15-3 record in conference play, their regular season success carried over into the postseason and the Flashes went on to secure a bid in the NCAA tourney. DeAndre Haynes won MAC player of the year, and head coach Jim Christian was named MAC Coach of the Year, becoming the fourth coach in Kent State history to win the award.
This year, the Flashes lost Guards Jay Youngblood and Haynes, who combined to average 27 points per game. This means that returning starters Mike Scott and Armon Gates might shoulder a heavier load this year. Scott, a tall, lanky Forward shoots the ball well from outside and has the ability to score in the paint. Gates, who had an impressive MAC tournament in which he shot 73% from behind the arc, led the team in three-point shooting and can play either Guard position. Haminn Quaintance, a transfer from Jacksonville where he was a two-time All-Atlantic Sun athlete, is eligible to play this year and brings a lot of size and athleticism to the forward position. The Golden Flashes look good this year, and should extend their 20-win season streak to 9 after the season.
Returning Starters – Mike Scott, Jr., F, 6-6, 175; Armon Gates, Sr., G, 6-1, 185
Projected Starting Lineup
F Haminn Quaintance
F Mike Scott
C Isaac Knight
G Armon Gates
G Jordan Mincy
Player to Watch: Omni Smith, Sr., G, 6-4, 195
Besides holding the distinction as being the only player in the MAC to have a first name beginning with “O”, he was also the team’s top reserve last season. Look for Smith, an explosive offensive player, to challenge Gates and/or Mincy for a starting spot.
Big Game: at Duke, 12/19
3. Buffalo Bulls (19-13 overall, 8-10 MAC, 5th MAC East)
You can’t spell Buffalo without I-N-C-O-N-S-I-S-T-E-N-T. Well, I guess you can, but their 2006 season brought a whole new meaning to the word. They started the season by going 11-1, including impressive home victories over Rutgers and Fresno State, and started to get some votes in the AP poll. After a disappointing home loss to a weak Central Michigan team, the Bulls won a big game against rival Ohio, but then dropped seven of their next eight games including a 93-75 blowout against Iona on Bracket Buster Saturday, all but eliminating any chances of an at-large bid. Shifty guard Calvin Cage averaged 18.5 ppg, which was fourth in the MAC. Their season came to an end against Kent State, who eventually went on to win the MAC.
This year, the Bulls have a strong young group of players who will be expected to make a big contribution. Calvin Betts, the All-Greater Rochester player of the year in 2004, joins the team this year and should make an impact immediately. The Bulls return only two starters from last season, including Senior Yassin Idbihi, a 6’10” Forward who had a career year last season, averaging 14 points and 7 rebounds. Idbihi, if he plays to his potential, could be the MAC Player of the Year. He wants to make it to the NBA, and he knows he will need a monster year for that to happen, but he is serious and if he remains motivated throughout the season he could carry the Bulls pretty far. Coach Reggie Witherspoon, who has become an icon on campus, signed a three year contract extension in May and should lead the young Bulls to another winning season. Without Cage this year, the Bulls don’t have enough talent to compete with Akron or Kent State, but Witherspoon knows how to get the most out of his players and UB should finish near the top.
Returning Starters – Parnell Smith, Sr., F, 6-6, 230; Yassin Idbihi, Sr., F/C, 6-10, 260
Projected Starting Lineup
F Parnell Smith
F Greg Gamble
C Yassin Idbihi
G Calvin Betts
G Eric Moore
Player to Watch: Sean Smiley, So., G, 6-1, 165
Smiley is instant offense off the bench. As a freshman last year he saw limited playing time, but should be one of the first players off the bench this year. He is deadly from long range, and is athletic enough to get up above the rim.
Big Game: vs. Pittsburgh, 12/9
4. Miami RedHawks (18-11 Overall, 14-4 MAC, T-2nd MAC East
Miami’s season last year can be summed up in one word: streaks. After losing their opening game to No. 15 Alabama in the Preseason NIT, the RedHawks won their next four, dropped their next four, won their next five, lost their next three, and then won their next seven. After all of that, they had a 16-8 overall record, going 12-3 in the MAC. They went 1-2 to finish the regular season, lost to Ohio in the first round of the MAC, and lost to Butler in the opening round of the NIT to conclude their season. The RedHawks were led by senior William Hatcher and sophomore Tim Pollitz, who averaged 14.3 and 12.7 points per game, respectively. At home, the RedHawks were an impressive 11-2, losing only to Xavier and Kent State. A 14-4 conference record is usually enough to win the division outright, but it was only good enough for a tie for second, as Akron and Kent State also put up convincing records.
Head coach Charlie Coles is entering his 11th year with the team, and he emphasized that the forwards will be the team’s best position this year. Returning to the RedHawks’ starting lineup is Nathan Peavy, who is the team’s top returning rebounder (6.9 rpg) and second leading returning scorer (11.2 ppg). Pollitz is the top returning scorer from last year, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if the offense revolves around those two. Guard Doug Penno, who started half of Miami’s games last year, returns to the lineup and brings good size to the guard position. Monty St. Clair is Coles’ best bet at the center position, having played in all 29 games last year, and Michael Bramos, who started four games for the Hawks last year, should get the start at guard. Although anything can happen over the course of the season, Miami is unfortunate to have to play in the tough MAC East, and shouldn’t finish higher than third in the division.
Returning Starters – Nathan Peavy, Sr., F, 6-8, 218; Tim Pollitz, Jr., F, 6-6, 237; Doug Penno, Sr., G, 6-5, 211
Projected Starting Lineup
F Nathan Peavy
F Tim Pollitz
C Monty St. Clair
G Michael Bramos
G Doug Penno
Player to Watch: Monty St. Clair, Sr., C, 6-9, 249
St. Clair actually started in his freshman and sophomore seasons, but an injury prevented him from starting last season for the Hawks. He got a much-needed haircut over the off-season, and he has the talent to be a huge presence down low this season. Coles describes him as the kind of guy who does everything you ask, and his experience and attitude should allow him to put up solid numbers this year.
Big Game: at Kentucky, 11/15; vs Illinois, 11/24; at Cincinnati, 12/27
5. Ohio Bobcats (19-11 Overall, 11-8 MAC Conference, 4th MAC East)
For Buffalo fans, the simple utterance of the word “Ohio” strikes a nerve. Few forget the tip-in with .7 seconds left that gave the Ohio Bobcats the MAC Championship and an NCAA Tourney berth in the 2004-2005 season. The 2005-2006 Bobcats weren’t as good, however, which was somewhat surprising since they didn’t lose many players after their successful campaign a year prior. Last year, they jumped out of the gates quicker than Barbaro and won 12 of their first 15 games. But with a 70-51 loss at Buffalo, their season took a turn and they were a .500 team for the rest of the year. It didn’t help that Jeremy Fears, a starting guard, took a leave of absence from the team with 11 games left. They made it to the semifinals of the MAC tournament, but were bounced out by eventual champion Kent State in their final game of the year.
The Bobcats look to make it back to postseason play this year, and they have a strong core of players returning to the team. They will be without Fears, who transferred to Bradley in the off-season, and Mychal Green, who led the team in scoring and three pointers. Returning to the team are Sonny Troutman, Leon Williams, and Antonio Chatman. Troutman, a three year starter, brings experience and strong perimeter play to the Bobcats, and could make a case for himself as one of the better guards in the conference. Williams is Ohio’s all-time leader in field goal percentage and is hard to stop if he gets the ball in the post. Chatman, who emerged as the starting point guard in Fears’ absence last year, is an efficient guard with one of the better assists-to-turnover ration in the MAC.
The Bobcats have the talent, but their attitude and consistency have been a lingering problem over the last few years, and they could finish anywhere between 3rd and 5th in the conference.
Returning Starters – Leon Williams, Jr., F/C, 6-8, 255; Sonny Troutman, Sr., G, 6-6, 220; Antonio Chatman, Jr., G, 6-1, 175
Projected Starting Lineup
F Jerome Tillman
C Leon Williams
G Antonio Chatman
G Whitney Davis
G Sonny Troutman
Player to Watch: Sonny Troutman
Troutman is a crafty player without any major weakness on the floor. He shoots the ball well, and is extremely shifty in the paint. Without Mychal Green and Jeremy Fears, Troutman will be asked to do the majority of the scoring this year, and definitely has the ability to put up big numbers. At 6’6″ he is big for a guard, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him average over 17 points per game.
Big Game: at Cincinnati, 12/30
6. Bowling Green Falcons (9-21 Overall, 5-13 MAC, 6th MAC East)
The Falcons didn’t get off to a bad start last year, going 7-8 through their first 15 games. They also went 3-2 in their first 5 conference games, but, after beating Eastern Michigan 79-72 on January 18, the Falcons won only 2 games the rest of the year. A noteworthy statistic is that the Falcons actually led in 17 of their 18 conference games, despite their dismal record. If there was one positive to take away from the season it was the outstanding play of junior guard Martin Samarco. Samarco was second in the MAC last year in scoring and led the league with 100 three-point field goals.
The Falcons return 3 starters from last year, and look to improve on their record from last year. They would have returned 4, but John Floyd, the team’s starting point guard, left the team after an off-court incident. Samarco is the top returning scorer in the MAC, and if he keeps up the pace he could make a run at MAC Player of the Year. Their non-conference schedule looks weaker than last year, which should allow the team to get off to a good start. The problem with Bowling Green is that they play in the very competitive MAC East where, last year, the top 4 teams in the conference played. Also, they have no experience at the point guard position, as all three left the team this summer for various reasons.
Even if they double their MAC win total from last year, it might only be good enough for 4th place. The Falcons will have more talent this year, but don’t count on the Falcons finishing above any other team in the MAC East.
Returning Starters – Martin Samarco, Sr., G, 6-2, 195; Erik Marschall, So., F, 6-7, 235; Matt Lefeld, Sr., C, 6-11, 260
Projected Starting Lineup
F Erik Marschall
F Dusan Radivojevic
C Matt Lefeld
G Martin Samarco
G Ryan Sims
Player to Watch: Dusan Radivojevic, So., F, 6-7, 215
Radivojevic, a sophomore from Serbia and Montenegro, could make a big impact on the Falcons this year. He has good size for a perimeter player and had a decent freshman year for the Falcons. In 2004, he was the top 3-point shooter for the Belgrade Sports Gimnasium, and led the league in scoring with 35 points per game. His freshman year was a transitional year, and if he can play consistently, he has the tools to become a great player in the MAC.
Big Game: at Marshall, 12/22
MAC West
1. Toledo Rockets (20-10 Overall, 10-8 MAC, T-2nd MAC West)
The Rockets had an interesting season last year, to say the least. After going 7-2 in non-conference games to start the season, they got off to a slow start in MAC play and showed up at Central Michigan on February 4th with a 3-8 conference record. Well, last year there was no better remedy for struggling teams than playing Central Michigan. After beating them by 16, Toledo went on to win their next 9 conference games, and eventually made it to the conference finals where they lost to Kent State by 5. Second team All-MAC selection Justin Ingram was their go-to guy, leading the team in points (14.6) and steals (1.9) per game.
The big news out of Toledo this off-season was the sudden death of Center Haris Charalambous. During a practice, the 6-10, 270 pound Charalambous collapsed after a blood vessel to his heart ruptured and died immediately. While Charalambous wasn’t expected to make a huge impact on the court, it will be interesting to see how Toledo begins the season. Such an unfortunate incident, while tragic and sad, can often help a team come together and play with great emotion. The Rockets return 4 starters from last year, including Ingram, Keonta Howell, and Florentino Valencia. The team has something to play for this year, and with a lot of talent returning, they can be pretty scary. Look for the Rockets to finish at the top spot in the MAC West.
Returning Starters – Kashif Payne, Jr., G, 5-9, 155; Keonta Howell, Sr., G/F, 6-4, 218; Justin Ingram, Sr., G, 6-2, 182; Florentino Valencia, Sr., F, 6-5, 244
Projected Starting Lineup
F Florentino Valencia
F Keonta Howell
C Allen Pinson
G Justin Ingram
G Kashif Payne
Player to Watch: Tyrone Kent, So., G/F, 6-5, 194
Head coach Stan Joplin declared Kent the most talented player on the team, but he will probably come off the bench this year for the Rockets. His reputation is such that competitors need moon shoes to keep up with his leaping ability. 6’5″ is the perfect height for a dunker, and he will definitely provide some highlights throughout the season. As is par for a talented, exciting, and raw young player he will need to work on his consistency and competitiveness before he makes a big impact for the Rockets.
Big Game: at Kansas, 12/9
2. Western Michigan Broncos (14-17 Overall, 10-8 MAC, T-2nd MAC West)
Despite finishing 2nd in the MAC West with a 10-8 record, finishing with a losing record is never an ideal season for a team. The Broncos’ non-conference schedule proved too much to handle, as they started the season 3-7 before losing to Ohio in their first conference game. Over the course of the season, the Broncos lingered around the .500 mark but never exceeded it, and their season concluded with a loss at Akron. Senior guard Brian Snider finished his career by leading the MAC in steals and assists in 2006, and Stane’s Bufford also went out in style by averaging almost 10 points a game.
This year, the Broncos return three starters and should be a threat to win the MAC West. Coach Steve Hawkins has compiled an impressive 60-35 record over three years and needs only 3 more wins to reach the 200-win milestone. Their formidable frontcourt should be even better than last year. Joe Reitz, who as a sophomore last year averaged 15.5 points and 7.4 rebounds, has become a legitimate candidate for MAC Player of the Year and the team will only go as far as he takes them. Joining Reitz in the frontcourt is classmate Andrew Hershberger, who started almost every game last year and finished second on the team with just under 7 rebounds per game. It will be interesting to find out if anyone can replace Snider at the point guard position, but that should be the only place for concern among fans in the Kalamazoo, Michigan area.
Returning Starters – Shawntes Gary, So., G, 6-2, 208; Andrew Hershberger, Jr., F, 6-7, 223; Joe Reitz, Jr., F, 6-7, 256
Projected Starting Lineup
F Andrew Hershberger
F Derek Fracalossi
C Joe Reitz
G Shawntes Gary
G Andre Ricks
Player to Watch: Silver Laku, Jr., G, 6-2, 180
Because of a shoulder injury, Laku received a medical redshirt for the season after only appearing in five games for the Broncos. Laku was a dangerous scorer in high school, averaging over 30 points per game in his last two years. He hasn’t broken out in the NCAA yet, but this year could be the year that he emerges, as the Broncos can’t rely solely on frontcourt scoring if they want to win.
Big Game: at Indiana, 12/20
3. Ball State Cardinals (10-18 Overall, 6-12 MAC, 4th MAC West)
The Cardinals got off to a poor start in MAC conference play, losing their first five conference games, and never really recovered. A big reason was losing Peyton Stovall, the MAC’s leading returning scorer from the year before. After he suffered a season-ending ACL injury against Wright State in the second game of the season, the team was forced to play without their top scorer for the rest of the year. After losing their first five games, they played the rest of the season around the .500 mark, and their season came to an end with a loss at Buffalo. During Stovall’s absence, Skip Mills emerged as the team leader and finished the season averaging 18.6 points a game, good for third in the MAC.
This year, the Cardinals are a totally new team. The changes start with new head coach Ronny Thompson, who added six new players to the team in the off-season. Thompson, in his first year of head coaching, is the brother of Georgetown coach John Thompson III and son of coaching legend John Thompson. He is excited about the team this year, both because of the recruiting class and the returning players. Ahmaad Cook and Rashuan McLemore join the Cardinals last year, coming from basketball powerhouses Westchester High School and Mt. Zion Academy, respectively. If Stovall remains healthy, the Cardinals have a very legitimate scoring tandem in Stovall and Mills, as they both have the ability to put up 20 a game. Along with the new faces, the returning starters and the tough schedule will revive the team and possibly make them a contender in the weaker MAC West.
Returning Starters – D’Andre Peyton, Sr., F, 6-6, 220; Skip Mills, Sr., F, 6-3, 205; Peyton Stovall, Jr., G, 6-1, 190
Projected Starting Lineup
F D’Andre Payton
F Skip Mills
G Jalon Perryman
G Peyton Stovall
G Brandon Lampley
Player to Watch: Peyton Stovall
An ACL injury is brutal for a basketball player, and Stovall went through it not once, but twice. He put up very impressive numbers as a sophomore, averaging 16.7 points per game which ranked him fifth in the MAC. His health is the only concern coach Ronny Thompson has right now, but if he is 100% by the time the season starts, as he is expected to be, watch out.
Big Games: Kansas, 11/24; at Georgetown, 11/27; at Indiana, 12/30
4. Northern Illinois Huskies (17-11 Overall, 12-6 MAC, 1st MAC West)
Despite having the seventh-best overall record in the conference, the Huskies finished first in the MAC West. They had an average season as far as upsets go, winning the games they were supposed to win and losing the games they were supposed to lose. The Huskies matched up particularly well against Eastern and Western Michigan, winning those four games by a combined 96 points. They key to the Huskies’ MAC success was simply that they made their shots, shooting a MAC-best 48.5% from the field, which ranked 12th in the country. Forward Todd Peterson led the Hawks in scoring with 12.1 ppg, but the theme of the offense seemed to be balance, as nobody else on the team averaged double figures. Their season ended with a loss to Toledo in the Quarterfinals of the MAC tournament.
Returning to the Huskies this year is center James Hughes and guard Mike McKinney. Hughes averaged almost 10 points a game last year, and is one of the tallest guys in the MAC at 6’11”. McKinney won the Mike Korcek Slam Dunk award for the second consecutive season, and is one of the most exciting players in the conference. Other than that, however, the team is pretty thin. Guard Ryan Paradise should expect to see time as a starter this year, but he only played 15 minutes a game last year and averaged only 5 points. Swingman Ben Rand could see time this year after playing over 20 minutes a game last year, but an ACL injury suffered late last season might keep him off the court for a while. If Hughes and McKinney don’t carry the team this year, it’s hard to see a lot of scoring coming from anywhere else. The team is a pretty big question mark right now, but they won’t finish lower than fourth in the conference.
Returning Starters – James Hughes, Sr., C, 6-11, 217; Mike McKinney, Sr., G, 6-4, 210
Projected Starting Lineup
F Ben Rand
F Zach Pancratz
C James Hughes
G Mike McKinney
G Ryan Paradise
Player to Watch: Quintan Lipkins, So., G, 5-8, 168
In high school, Lipkins led the state of Texas (class 4A) in scoring and finished second in assists. Texas is a big state, so it’s hard to ignore those numbers. There was a logjam last year at the guard position, and as a freshman, Lipkins didn’t see much time. This year, with two starting guards gone, Lipkins could be the first player off the bench, and may challenge Paradise for the starting point guard spot.
Big Game: vs Winthrop, 12/2; at Michigan, 12/16
5. Central Michigan Chippewas (4-24 Overall, 1-17 MAC, 6th MAC West)
On January 21, 2006, the Central Michigan Chippewas came into Buffalo and beat the Bulls by 10. That game was 25% of the Chippewas’ 2006 victories, as the 2006 Chippewas’ squad was terrible, and it must have been extremely frustrating for guards Sefton Barrett and Giordan Watson, who both had strong seasons averaging just under 14 points a game. There other three victories came against teams I like to call “who?” teams: Wisconsin-Green Bay, Rochester College, and Morehead State. They lost by an average of 14 points a game, so their losses weren’t close.
The best part about Chippewas’ 2005-2006 season is that it’s over. After finishing last in both the MAC West and the MAC, coach Jay Smith resigned after nine years and the void was filled by UCLA assistant Ernie Ziegler. The Chippewas will have exciting seniors Barrett and Watson back for one more year, and if they play well they both have the potential to be one of the best guard tandems in the MAC. Ziegler brings big time experience to a program that needs revival, and Watson gives the Chippewas a legitimate scoring threat. They didn’t lose a single starter, and this team could, could, become very competitive in the MAC West this year.
Returning Starters – Justin Blevins, Sr, F, 6-7, 255; Chris Kellerman, Jr., F, 6-8, 240; Eddie Spencer, Sr., G/F, 6-6, 200; Giordan Watson, Sr., G, 5-10, 175; Sefton Barrett, Sr., G/F, 6-6, 205
Projected Starting Lineup
F Eddie Spencer
F Chris Kellerman
C Justin Blevins
G Giordan Watson
G Sefton Barrett
Big Game: Cincinnati, 11/25
6. Eastern Michigan Eagles (7-21 Overall, 3-15 MAC, 5th MAC West)
Eastern Michigan got off to a good start last year, beating Pac-10 opponent California in the opening game. That game, however, was the best win of the season. They went 2-4 over their next 6 games, then went about a month and a half before winning their next one. By that time, nothing could be done to salvage the season and it was over well before the playoffs started. Senior John Bowler made the all-MAC team, and was the only player in the MAC to average a double-double (20.1 points, 10.8 rebounds) for the season, but he couldn’t carry the team alone and the Eagles struggled to find production elsewhere. The season ended with a loss at Western Michigan.
Eastern Michigan had a lot in common with Central Michigan last year. They both had ugly seasons, but they both have young teams that can only get better with experience. Head coach Charles Ramsey, entering his second year with the program, is excited about the upcoming season and notes that the recruiting class should blend in nicely with the returning players. They will not find a replacement for Bowler, but their scoring should be a little more balanced this year. Sophomore Carlos Medlock had a surprisingly productive freshman season, starting 26 out of 27 games at the point guard position. Along with Medlock, Nick Freer, Zane Gay, and James Matthews all return and could be better with another season under their belt. However, if the team went 7-21 with Bowler, it’s hard to see them doing any better without him.
Returning Starters – Carlos Medlock, So., G, 6-0, 170; Nick Freer, Jr., G/F, 6-6, 195
Projected Starting Lineup
F Craig Cashen
F Nick Freer
C James Matthews
G Zane Gay
G Carlos Medlock
Player to Watch: Kyle Dodd, Fr., F, 6-11, 210
Dodd redshirted last year but played for the Great Britain under-20 team over the summer at the FIBA games. He doesn’t have much experience at the college level, but it’s hard to ignore his height. At 6-11, he has the potential to dominate against smaller MAC opponents, and though it will be tough to replace Bowler, he has the size to put up big numbers.
Big Game: at Michigan, 11/12
