Joepa's MAC Hoops Preview

[joepa66]

I'll begin with the MAC East Division and place the teams in order I predict them to finish. At the end of this thread I will post the MAC tournament champion.

MAC EAST DIVISION

KENT STATE
LAST YEAR: 21-11 overall, 12-4 in the MAC; lost in the MAC semifinals.

THE SKINNY
Kent State's goal in 2007-08 is to make it 10 straight 20-plus win seasons. A huge factor in the Golden Flashes' continued success is the play of seniors, who seemingly thrive when it's their turn to lead. For last year's two seniors — Omni Smith (13.9 points per game) and Armon Gates (9.3 ppg) — it was a matter of accepting coming off the bench. They handled their new roles well and the team won 14 of its last 17 games before a MAC Tournament loss to Akron in the semifinals.
For a sixth straight season, coach Jim Christian will have to replace the leading scorer from the previous year (Omni Smith). Christian hit on a lineup of guards Jordan Mincy (leading assist man and best defender), Rod Sherman and Chris Singletary with forwards Mike Scott and Julian Sullinger. It was almost uncanny how Kent's season turned when that group began each game by midseason. Kent has loads of experience and capability. Scott can jump out of the gym and is a great defender while Sullinger a very small 6'4" wide-body immovable post player plays like he's much bigger and is a great rebounder.

Singletary (6.0 ppg, 3.3 rpg) committed to Missouri out of high school and the 6-foot-3, 225-pounder nearly left Kent State in late December last year, but had a change of heart, and helped key a winning run. Sophomore Rodriquez Sherman and Singletary were on the All-MAC Freshman Team last season. Forward Haminn Quaintance (8.2 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 1.7 bpg) could be dominant if he's able to harness his talent and settle into a regular role. "Q" is a shot blocker with silky fast moves and runs the floor like a guard.

STRENGTHS: Tradition. Sixth-year coach Jim Christian has put five 20-plus win seasons on the back end of streak started by Gary Waters. Relative to the rest of the MAC, Kent State probably has as much athleticism on its roster as any other team and lot's of depth. If Isaac Knight can avoid the foul plagued games of last season, his defensive presence and board work will be key to the Flashes inside game. Brandon Parks, a 6-10 behemoth from Bunker Hill, IN can run the floor and gave Kent valuable minutes in the early season last year but did not fit Kent's up tempo offense. He threatened to transfer but returns this season and will play an important role in the middle.

WEAKNESS: The Golden Flashes were a miserable free-throwing shooting team last season (64.2 percent) and two of the team's better player at the line have graduated in Omni Smith and Armon Gates. Depth at point guard is a concern. Mincy is a great defender and good distributor. Sherman probably will pick up the slack.

NEWCOMERS: Three Juco transfers figure to keep Kent State stocked. Seven-footer Gabe Garcia (250 pounds), from Sao Paulo, Brazil, is a slow moving project but could help them in foul situations since they usually play a smaller lineup. Rashard Woods may be the key to the Flashes scoring slack, and the 50th ranked guard in the nation has not disappointed in the preseason scoring 28 points in an exhibition game vs. Hiram.

KEY PreMAC GAMES: The Flashes have 8 non-conference home games and would like to avoid last season's 7-7 beginning. A quick glance finds Coppin State, Detroit, Xavier, St. Louis, Youngstown, George Mason, Texas-Corpus Christi, and Cleveland State, a January2nd trip to Chapel Hill to take on the #1 Tar Heels, and a matchup vs. either Indiana or Illinois State in the Chicago Invitational on Thanksgiving weekend.

[joepa66]

MIAMI (OH)
LAST YEAR: 18-15 overall, 10-6 in MAC. Lost in first round of NCAA Tournament to Oregon.

THE SKINNY
Miami is the defending MAC Tournament champion, earning that moniker through defense and a tough non-conference schedule that primed them for a late season title push. It's a combination that has served them well and not likely to change under Charlie Coles. Coles enters his 12th season at Miami with a squad that remains primarily intact from last year and is anchored by 2007 MAC Tournament MVP, 6-6 forward Tim Pollitz, who averaged 16.1ppg and 5.6rbg last season. The RedHawks are favored to win the MAC West and contend for the overall crown.

Last season Miami was the only NCAA Division I team to hold every one of its opponents to under 70 points and 18 of those opponents did not even reach the 60-point plateau, including Oregon, which barely defeated Miami in the NCAA Tournament, 58-56.

Joining Pollitz will be returning starters; guard Michael Bramos a 6-5 junior who make the offense go while Tyler Dierkers, a 6-8 junior, will assume the starting center spot. Dierkers, is not a true center, and will be looked more to make the crucial outlet pass and set screens. The point is up for grabs. Because of injuries last season, true frosh Alex Moosman was pressed into and the point was one of the few weaknesses of the RedHawks' last. That could change thanks to an infusion of JUCOs and transfer players. Miami will also need to make up for the loss of its top rebounder and defensive standout Nathan Peavy.

STRENGTHS: The RedHawks will have one of the more intimidating frontcourt presences in the MAC. Pollitz is the RedHawks' top returning scorer and rebounder and will team with Bramos and Dierkers in applying a suffocating man-to-man.

WEAKNESS: If there is an identifiable weakness for the RedHawks, it is in the. Last season not one RedHawk player averaged above three assists per game.

NEWCOMERS: Probably the newcomer that is getting the most attention around Oxford is Cincinnati State JUCO transfer guard Kenny Hayes. At 6-2 Hayes can play either the point or shooting guard spot and has long-range shooting ability and has the ability earn a starting role this season. Isiah Carson, a transfer from St. Bonaventure will contend for minutes in the suddenly crowded Miami backcourt along with freshman Rodney Haddix, a 6-3 mid-range shooting all-state highschooler. Nate Winbush, at 6-7 freshman can also play any frontcourt position and averaged over 20ppg for Shaker Heights HS.

KEY PreMAC GAMES: Per usual Miami will play one of the toughest schedules of any mid-major program in the country, participating in the talent-laden Anaheim Classic, opening against South Alabama and potentially playing USC, Mississippi State and Southern Illinois Nov. 22-25; Miami will also travel to Louisville on Dec. 1, Illinois on Dec. 20 and Kansas on Dec. 22 before concluding their non-conference slate against Cincinnati on Dec. 29.

[joepa66]

OHIO
LAST YEAR: 19-13 overall, 9-7 in the MAC.

THE SKINNY
The Ohio Bobcats head into the 2007-08 season with plenty to forget. OU will try to forget last winter's meltdown when the departure of two players in mid season left them short-handed and tired by the time their season ended in the MAC quarterfinals. OU was solid at 19-13, but fell in close conference games to five times eaving the impression that the year could have been much better.

The Bobcats also lost two starters, including versatile guards Sonny
Troutman and Whitney Davis. Davis provided the team's toughness on the perimeter last season, and Troutman played anywhere from the point to power forward as he filled whatever role the team needed on a given night.

But, Ohio has plenty of reason to feel optimistic with the return of seniors Leon Williams and junior Jerome Tillman — who combined for 17 rebounds and 30ppg last year— which may add up to the best front line in the MAC. Long-range shooter Bubba Walther (12.4 ppg, 74 three-pointers) will stretch defenses, and Justin Orr, a 6-6 swingman who transferred in from Murray State, will lend an experienced hand at small forward.

Ohio's question is how quick the new faces can contribute. Four freshman — center Zach Nagtzaam (6-11), Maruice Pearson (6-9), DeVaughn Washington (6-7) and Tommy Freeman (6-5) — give Ohio more size and athleticism than at any other point in head coach Tim O'Shea's tenure.

JC transfers Michael Allen, Allen Hester and Bert Whittington will provide the 'Cats with several savvy players to handle the ball and direct the offense. Getting all those new pieces to fit will be a challenge.

STRENGTHS: The Bobcats should be a team that can compete in the paint and on the glass. Tillman & Williams, Ohio are preseason all-conference selections, and the front line has enough big bodies to keep the team competitive should foul problems arise. With three returning starters, and a fourth a veteran at another Division I program, the 'Cats will have experience in the starting.

WEAKNESS: With four freshmen and nine new faces overall the Bobcats will have trouble developing consistency and will be prone to some mistakes.

NEWCOMERS: Of all the newcomers, Justin Orr could have the biggest early-season impact. Orr should help in a number of areas including giving the Bobcats a dependable defense, a steady shooter on the perimeter and dose of experience earned from two seasons at Murray State — which included an NCAA Tournament berth. Whittington will give Ohio more direction on the court. It played the last half of the 2006-07 campaign without a true point guard on the roster.

KEY PreMAC GAMES: The Bobcats play four NCAA Tournament teams from a year ago including New Mexico State in the season-opener on Nov. 9. OU also travels to Holy Cross (Nov. 26), and national-powers Maryland(Dec. 12) and Kansas (Dec. 15). They will also be a part of the Rainbow Classic (Dec. 19-21) in Hawaii and will face St. John's in the opening round.

[joepa66]

AKRON
LAST YEAR: 26-7 overall, 13-3 MAC

THE SKINNY -
The Zips are hoping when the first whistle blows that last season’s snub will vanish from their memories. However, no matter how hard they try to block it out, still fresh in everyone's mind is a chain of events that kept 26-7 UA from participating in the postseason. Until the first game is underway this season, the hangover persists.

In the 2007 MAC Tournament championship game at Cleveland's Quicken Loans Arena, Miami (Ohio) senior guard Doug Penno banked in a three-point shot with 0.6 seconds left to beat Akron 53-52. UA coach Keith Dambrot insisted there had been a timing mistake. With 6.6 seconds to play and the Zips leading 52-50, Akron's Cedrick Middleton missed the front end of a one-and-one setting up the Redhawks’ Penno, who hit the game-winner. After selection committees from both the NCAA and NIT had passed over the Zips, Dambrot was more than ticked.

Two four-year mainstays — point guard Dru Joyce (10.0 ppg, 4.5 apg) and power forward Romeo Travis (15.1 ppg, 6.0 prg) — both high school teammates of LeBron James, are gone, but the Zips do return 11 letterman. It's going to be a matter of who's going to take the tough shot at crunch time, take over the leadership role, and inherit the shot-blocking and physical ability of Travis.

STRENGTHS: Jeremiah Wood, center, was a monster during the MAC Tournament. Very few MAC teams have a legit bigman with his mobility and strength. Dambrot's teams are always difficult to score against — so defense will be Akron's hallmark.

WEAKNESS: Free-throw shooting literally killed the Zips last season. Akron shot 67.1 percent in its 7 losses. The Zips also need a new starting point guard.

NEWCOMERS: Duquesne transfer Steve McNees is expected to take over at point. Three AP first-team all-state freshmen highlight the list of new recruits. Freshmen Brett McKnight (Lancaster, Ohio), a 6-foot-6, 245-pounder, along with post player Steve Swiech (Pittsburgh, Pa.) and guard Ronnie Steward (Columbus, Ohio) are the newcomers.

KEY Pre-MAC GAMES: For the Zips, it's all about strength of schedule. Non-conference games against Austin Peay, Dayton, Temple, Winthrop, Wyoming, and the Alaska BP Top of World Classic are opportunities to build their resume and gel as a team.

[joepa66]

BOWLING GREEN
LAST YEAR: 13-18 overall, 3-13 Mid-American Conference.

THE SKINNY
After 10 seasons with Bobby Knight act-alike Dan Dakich leading the way, the BGSU breaks new ground on with head coach Louis Orr. Last year, the Falcons fell short of expectations in the strong MAC East Division. In Dakich's last two years, the Falcons regressed with records of 9-21 and 13-18. Orr, was 100-80 mark in six seasons at Seton Hall.

Guard Martin Samarco led the MAC in scoring @ 19.5ppg, but he wasn’t enough to salvage the Falcons season as they finished the conference season with a 3-13 mark. And this year, BG won't have Samarco to lead them this year. The Falcons also had trouble stopping teams, allowing 68.9ppg.

The cupboard won't be bare as juniors Nate Miller and Ryne Hamblet return. Miller had five double-doubles last season, including a triple-double. The 6-4, 225-pounder averaged 14.1 points and 7.7 rebounds last year. Hamblet, a senior 6-5 guard, started 20 games last year and finished third in team scoring at 10.4ppg and led the Falcons in assists and steals. Hamblet is the only senior on the roster, which has six underclassmen.

The Falcons didn't load their first month with heavyweight contenders. Games against Cincinnati and Temple will be good tests, but Bowling Green can gain some confidence with a favorable non-conference slate.

STRENGTHS: Nate Miller has the potential to be one of the best players in the Mid-American Conference. Ryne Hamblet is a versatile player ready for a big senior season.

WEAKNESS: The Falcons will struggle early in the season determining their roles. They won't rely on Samarco to bail them out. Finding dependable team leaders is important.

NEWCOMERS: The Falcons have two new recruits. Joe Jakubowski, a 6-2 guard, is a local kid and Cameron Madlock (6-8, 200) is expected to help the Falcons in the frontcourt. Redshirt freshman Chris Knight should receive valuable off the bench.

KEY Pre-MAC GAMES: The Falcons have a good early-season schedule to help build some steam for the rugged Mid-American Conference. The Falcons travel to Cincinnati and host Temple in late November

[joepa66]

BUFFALO
LAST YEAR: 12-19 overall, 4-12 in the MAC.

THE SKINNY
Throughout his nine seasons at Buffalo, Reggie Witherspoon usually had a quality big man to lean on. That's not the case this season as with life without Yassin Idbihi begins. But the 11 freshmen and sophomores who made up the bulk of last season's team are now seasoned sophomores and juniors.

The emphasis shifts from the frontcourt — where Idbihi started for the last four seasons and Parnell Smith for the last three — to the backcourt. The leading returning scorer is junior Andy Robinson, who averaged 20.7 points over the last four games of the season, including a career-high 27 in the Bulls' MAC tournament loss to Central Michigan. His backcourt mate will be sophomore Byron Mulkey, who took over the point guard duties in the last 11 games. Sophomore Rodney Pierce, sat out last season after transferring from Rider, and sophomore walk-on John Boyer will add depth and ease the loss of guard Eric Moore, the team's second-leading scorer who transferred to Fairleigh Dickinson.

The frontcourt loses 26 points and 15.2 rebounds from Idbihi and Smith and the remaining players — senior Andrew Atman, junior Vadim Fedotov, sophomores Max Boudreau and Kambi Laleye — averaged a combined 10.1 points and 7.4 boards in just 13 starts this season. Jawaan Alston, a 6-foot-8 freshman from Uniontown, Pa., and 6-8, 225-pound junior Brian Addison will try to pick up the slack in the middle

STRENGTHS: The Bulls have a deep, talented and experienced backcourt and starting a three-guard lineup will enable the Bulls to play a more up-tempo game.

WEAKNESS: The entire frontcourt is loaded with questions, the most significant being, who is going to score in the low post and rebound? One of the young big men has to step up or Buffalo could be in for another long season.

NEWCOMERS: Junior college transfer Brian Addison, 12 points and seven boards and shooting 51.1 percent from the field, will be asked to fill the void left by Idbihi on the blocks. A third freshman walk-on Dave Barnett, a 6-5 swingman, who averaged 16.5 points and 11 rebounds as HS senior will get some action as well.

KEY Pre_MAC GAMES: The Bulls open by playing in the 2K Sports College Hoops Classic Benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer. Playing in Storrs, Conn, vs. Ohio Valley on November 7 and then play either host Connecticut or Morgan State on November 8. If they win both games, the Bulls will advance to the championship round in Madison Square Garden. The Bulls also have non-league games against South Florida, Niagara, Pittsburgh, Canisius, Tulane and Wyoming.

[joepa66]

MAC WEST DIVISION


WESTERN MICHIGAN
LAST YEAR: 16-16 overall, 9-7 in MAC.

THE SKINNY
Western Michigan was on the cusp of being a solid basketball team last season, but it just couldn't get past being mediocre. The Broncos were among the better Mid-American Conference teams on offense. They ranked second in the league in 3-point shooting percentage (.384), and third in scoring (71.5) and free throws (.721).

But there was one problem that held Western Michigan back. It didn't take care of the ball. The Broncos averaged 15.4 turnovers per game, and had a minus turnover margin. Improving in that area of the game has become their focus going into practice for the 2007-08 season. Most of what the Broncos did on offense last season went through center Joe Reitz, one of the top players in the MAC. WMU will have to have Hawkins more balance on offense this season, especially when in a half-court offense.

Forward Jon Workman had ankle surgery during the summer and was sidelined much of the summer. He's isn't 100-percent going into the start of fall practice. Several other players had surgeries that sidelined them for a month during the summer. Reitz had an appendectomy, F Dan Hess had a shoulder problem, G Shawntes Gary (hand) and F Derek Drews (back).

STRENGTHS: Western Michigan could be the most balanced offensive team in the Mid-American Conference West. The Broncos can go inside with C Joe Reitz, and they have good outside scoring threats in guards David Kool (a 3pt. streak shooter) and Derek Drews.

WEAKNESS: The Broncos must work on their ball-handling and ball movement. They committed 15.4 turnovers per game last season, a number exceeded by only four other MAC schools.

NEWCOMERS: The only new player is freshman guard/forward Juston Hairston. But there are so many returning players that the Broncos have the luxury of being patient with Hairston and letting him grow into the system.

KEY PreMAC GAMES: Western should find out about two weeks before MAC play starts how much progress it has made in the non-conference season. The Broncos host Southern Illinois onDec. 18, and open the season Nov. 10-12 in a tournament in Eugene, Ore., where they will take on Oregon in the final game.

[joepa66]

CENTRAL MICHIGAN
LAST YEAR: 13-18 overall, 7-9 in the MAC.

THE SKINNY
Expectations have taken a sharp upward turn in after only one season under Ernie Ziegler who took over a program that had won only four games the year before his arrival and had become the proverbial doormat of the MAC. Ziegler, came to Central Michigan after serving as an assistant at Pitt and UCLA, and led the Chips to a third-place finish in the MAC West last season and with a strong core of returning starters, appears well-situated to make a run at the top spot in the MAC West.

Led by All-MAC point guard Giordan Watson, a senior, who finished second in the MAC in scoring last season @ 18.8ppg and one of the top playmaking guards who can breaking down defenses off the dribble, the Chipps have a solid backcourt. Joining Watson is sophomore shooting guard Jordan Bitzer, an excellent perimeter shooter.

The frontcourt is led by the return of junior forward Chris Kellerman. Kellerman, 6-8, 240 needs to improve on his average of 3.2 rebounds per game, and sophomore Marko Spica, a 2006 All-MAC Freshman is a great passing forwards at 6-9, 225 pounds, should present more presence in the low post. The big man in the middle is Justin Blevins, a 6-7 senior who averaged 5.1 points and 3.3 rebounds per game last year but is know best for his ability to defend.

CMU only lost one starter from last season's squad, and with a strong backcourt, increased depth, and as one of the more athletic teams in the conference, they will also benefit by playing in the MAC West, considered to be the weakest of the two MAC divisions.

STRENGTHS: Last season Watson was forced to take on the role of both shooting and point guard in many games but with the development of his surrounding cast, Watson should be able to dish out more assists and focus on defense. It will all start in the backcourt this season their ability to handle late-game pressure.

WEAKNESS: Central Michigan suffered from the lack of a serious post presence last season. Rebounding must also improve as not a single returning player averaged more than 3.4 rebounds per game last season for CMU.

SCOUTING THE NEWCOMERS: Marcus Van, a 6-7, 220 pound junior transfer from Wabash Valley Community College, will contend for a starting role and could provide the rebounding edge that was missing from last season's squad. Van was WVCC's MVP last season. Nate Minnoy has football player size at 6-3, 270 pounds and the JUCO transfer can excel at the 2,3 or 4-spots with his long-range shooting skills.

KEY PreMACGAMES: The Chips should get an early-season indication of where they stand with a game against Missouri on Nov 12, Nov. 24 at Minnesota followed by a home tilt Nov. 26 against UIC. They also visit to Michigan on Dec. 15.

[joepa66]

TOLEDO
LAST YEAR: 19-13 overall, 14-2 in MAC; Suffered a 77-61 defeat at Florida State in the first round of the NIT Tournament

THE SKINNY
The Rockets recorded one of the best years in the school's history in 2007. They also captured the school's first outright MAC regular-season title in 27 years. But, they lost the heart of last year's team in Justin Ingram, Keonta Howell and Florentino Valencia.
The three former Rockets combined to average 61.3ppg and 46.8 percent of the team's points and rebounds last year.

The most experienced returnee for the Rockets is senior guard Kashif Payne. He earned the Mid-American Conference Defensive Player of the Year award last year after helping the Rockets average a league-high 9.2 steals per game.

Senior forward Jerrah Young emerged as a force in the frontcourt, but will need the juniors to step up and fill the scoring, rebounding and leadership lost. For the Rockets to contend for the conference title, Jonathan Amos, Ridley Johnson and Tyrone Kent must take their games to the next level.

STRENGTHS: The Rockets are battle-tested after winning big games in the conference last year. Senior Kashif Payne is poised to show why he’s one of the elite guards in the MAC. The Rockets will continue to run the ball and play aggressive defense, and wear out opponents with their depth and quickness.

WEAKNESS: The lack of senior leadership should take a toll on the Rockets. The Rockets have added eight new players. The Rockets had trouble in the rebounding category last year, and that will be another area of weakness with all the new players and lack of size.

NEWCOMERS: Freshmen Paul Becklens and Corey Bingham both are expected to play immediately in the backcourt. Freshman Justin Anyijong, at 6-foot-9 and 190, will try and help Toledo's rebounding problems.

KEY PreMAC GAMES: The Rockets will get tested early with their season-opener at home against Missouri State. Three days later, Toledo entertains Sweet-16 Vanderbilt and then plays eight of their next nine games away from home.

[joepa66]

EASTERN MICHIGAN
LAST YEAR: 13-19 overall, 6-10 in MAC.

THE SKINNY
Now in their third season under Charles Ramsey, the Eagles are finally seeing an upturn in their basketball fortunes. The once-proud EMU basketball program, which has seen the likes of greats like George "The Iceman" Gervin, Grant Long and Earl Boykins pass through, and who eliminated Duke in the 1998 NCAA Tournament, had become mired at the bottom of the MAC standings for several years. Last year EMU recorded their first post-season victory in the MAC Tournament since the 1998-99 season.

The Eagles return three starters, none more important than junior point guard Carlos Medlock. Medlock, the team leader, missed the second half of the MAC season after suffering a fractured ankle, but returns as the Eagles' leading scorer, having averaged 13.2ppg, and who acts as the floor general.

Helping carry the load will be wingman Jesse Bunkley, a defensive specialist with a scoring touch (11ppg), and sophomore Justin Dobbins will anchor the frontcourt but will be expected to significantly improve on his 4.8 rebound per game average.

EMU will look to replace Brandon Bowdry, voted to the All-MAC Freshman squad last season. He suffered a fractured foot just before the start of opening camp and required extensive surgery that will keep him out for the season.

STRENGTHS: The Eagles will be a team that will rise and fall on the play of its point guard, Medlock is well respected by opponents and teammates.

WEAKNESS: Rebounding. The Eagles lost their top returning rebounder when Bowdry fractured foot and will need Justin Dobbins to crash the glass with greater regularity, but after him there was a significant drop off with James Matthews — who has academic issues entering the season — the next highest at three boards per game.

NEWCOMERS: Wendale Farrow, a 6-7 junior transfer is EMU's top recruit entering the new campaign and could easily land a starting role. Farrow may not only provide an answer in the rebounding department (8rpg last year), but has a solid scoring touch as well. Solomon Farris, a 6-4 wing player out of Detroit's Osborn High School, will also have a shot at some playing time this year.

KEY PreMAC GAMES: Dec. 1 at Notre Dame; Dec. 4 vs. Illinois State; Dec 22. at Temple, an appearance in the Texas A&M Corpus Christi Tournament Dec. 28-29.

[joepa66]

BALL STATE
LAST YEAR: 9-22 overall, 5-11 in MAC.

THE SKINNY -
Ball State looks like they are on the weight watchers as practice begins for the 2007-08 season. Two incoming recruits left the program in August after Billy Taylor replaced Ronny Thompson (yes, son of G-Town legend John Thompson) as coach. Taylor dismissed four players in the first two months he was on board for various violations of team rules.

While Taylor has installed discipline and responsibility in the program, the defections have left him short on bodies. The Cards have just eight scholarship players on board, and will add rely on four walk-ons. The shortage will cause practice problems and limit BSU playbook and any injuries will become a factor.

Despite the pitfalls, BSU wants to put last year in their rear-view mirror. The one-year Thompson era was marred by a school-record 22 losses last season, two cases of the school self-reporting NCAA violations, an NCAA, and Thompson’s claim that he resigned because Ball State created a racially hostile work environment. Thompson had a clause in his contract that he must pay Ball State his salary if he left the school in the first two years of the five-year deal. He was due to make $182,000 this season.

STRENGTHS: Ball State will have a crop of good guards this year, led by senior Peyton Stovall. Rob Giles is expected to provide some outside shooting punch, and freshman PGs Deontay Twyman and Melvin Goins will elevate the team's athletic ability.

WEAKNESSES: The Cardinals have no inside game. The tallest player on the roster is 6-5 small forward Anthony Newell, who probably will play power forward. He was a good rebounder for his size last season, but Ball State has no way to compete against taller teams.

NEWCOMERS: The Cardinals are excited about the potential of two freshman guards Twyman and Goins. Twyman was a basketball and football standout in Sandy Spring, Md., and led both programs to high school tournament championship games. Goins is a quick and can score. Transfers; Rob Giles provided perimeter shooting in junior college, Malik Perry ended up at Ball State last January and sat out the season after initially committing to Iowa in 2005.

KEY Pre-MAC GAMES: Ball State’s strange schedule has their first four games at home, then five games in three weeks on the road. The non-conference schedule is more than they can handle, with games against Butler, Georgetown, St. Joseph's and Purdue.

[joepa66]

NORTHERN ILLINOIS
LAST YEAR: 7-23 overall, 4-12 in MAC.

THE SKINNY
Last year, the Huskies won seven games for their ninth losing season in 11 years. Enter Ricardo Patton who spent the previous 11 years at Colorado, the new leader of the Northern Illinois men's basketball program.

Patton is certainly shooting high, electing to get into recruiting battles with some of the best programs in the country for recruits. First, he must change the negative culture surrounding the program. Even with one of the best facilities in the Mid-American Conference, the Huskies haven't made the NCAA Tournament since 1996.

The Huskies lost several players from last year's squad. Mike McKinney and James Hughes were very productive, but lacked leadership and consistency to lift the team to a higher level. Patton will lean on seniors Ryan Paradise, Ben Rand, Shaun Logan and Egan Grafel to carry the team. The seniors won't hurt opponents with their athleticism, but Patton expects them to display strong leadership and hard work.

The tough part for the Huskies will be adjusting to all the new faces, and the added responsibilities for a mostly quiet group of seniors. The Huskies lack size in the frontcourt, forcing them to rely on 6-6 sophomore Bristan Kelley. With eight new faces, the Huskies will need some time to adjust to a new coaching staff and style. As with any retooling program, they’ll have to rely on good defense and push the ball on offense.

STRENGTHS: With so many newcomers, the Huskies will take some lumps early, but should rebound for a strong second half. The four seniors will be asked to carry the leadership role until the younger players learn the ropes. The play of senior guard Ryan Paradise is essential in the first two months.

WEAKNESS: The Huskies don't have much size or bulk in the frontcourt. With senior guard Zach Pancratz redshirting, the Huskies don't have many reliable shooters to spread teams out defensively. The Huskies must find some capable shooters, and be able to attack the glass to offset their inexperience.

NEWCOMERS: Eight newcomers dominate NIU's roster. Junior college recruits Najul Erwin and Sean Smith will be key players this year, along with freshman Jake Anderson and Jeremy Landers. Darrius Gaters and Jarvis Nichols sat out last season for injury and academic reasons, but have knowledge of the conference and program.

KEY PreMAC GAMES: The Huskies open the season at the BTI Tip-Off Tourney in Cedar Falls, Iowa. The tournament is followed by a road game at Southern Illinois. The Huskies must endure five-straight road games to open the season, and eight of 11 away from Deklab.

[joepa66]

MAC TOURNAMENT CHAMPION

KENT STATE:thumbs:


DAMNED HOMER!


Shows what I know....CollegeInsider has ranked MAC teams in the top 25 of mid-majors as:

Akron #14
Kent #15
Miami #17
Western Michigan #23
Central Michigan #24

[manmythlegend]

good stuff joe :thumbs:

[NittanyLions94]

Thank you Joe, it's almost time for some games actually worth wagering on to start up :beerbang: