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MID-AMERICAN
Most people would consider the Mid-American Conference to be among the upper echelon of mid-major conferences. Perhaps it is because the MAC also plays FBS level football. Or perhaps it is because the MAC consistently places at-large teams into the NCAA Tournament. Wait. Strike that last sentence. Despite being one of the better known mid-majors, the MAC has not had an at-large entry into the NCAA Tournament since Miami-Ohio received a bid back in 1999. This season, the MAC will give us at least one team that should have at-large worthy credentials if they falter in the conference tournament. Central Michigan returns virtually everyone from last season’s regular season co-champions and MAC tournament runner-ups.
Last season, it was Buffalo that got the league’s only dance ticket when Bobby Hurley’s Bulls upset CMU in the championship game. Buffalo received a 12 seed, losing in the Round of 64 to West Virginia. They also then lost Bobby Hurley to Arizona State. Central Michigan was relegated to the NIT, while four other teams also received postseason invitations. Kent State, Bowling Green and Western Michigan all participated in the CIT. Eastern Michigan played in the CBI.
This year, Central Michigan is the clear pick to win the West Division, overall #1 seed and a tournament berth. In fact, they are good enough to be in the at-large discussion if they play up to their preseason potential. The second best team in the West will likely be Western Michigan, but the Broncos probably will not be able to keep pace with the Chippewas. In the East Division, three teams will all be in contention for the division crown. Akron is the pick to take it, but Miami-Ohio and Kent State could both be factors.
Predicted Order of Finish
East Division
1. Akron – The Zips should be a contender at least in the East Division, with all of their key pieces back led by center Pat Forsythe. Despite being plagues by injuries, this team still found a way to win 21 games last year. There is no reason why they will not be even better this time around.
2. Miami-Ohio – Eric Washington and Geovonie McKnight will be the leaders on a team with six key seniors. Do not be surprised if the Redhawks are a contender for the division title.
3. Kent State – The Golden Flashes return their entire starting frontcourt led by Jimmy Hall, who averaged just shy of 16 points per game last season. However, their backcourt is gone which means they will need to rely on Kellon Thomas, who redshirted last year, and Maine transfer Xavier Pollard. Pollard did average over 14 points per game two years ago for the Black Bears.
4. Buffalo – It was a tough offseason for the Bulls as they lost their head coach, Bobby Hurley, and their starting point guard, Shannon Evans, both to Arizona State. The also lost MAC Player of the Year Justin Moss, who was dismissed from the school in August. The Bulls do have a solid backcourt pair in Lamonte Bearden and Jarryn Skeete.
5. Ohio – Antonio Campbell will be a force down low, but the Bobcats will need to rely on a handful of transfers if they want to be successful this year. Kenny Kaminski (Michigan State) and Jaaron Simmons (Houston) will probably be the keys to the season.
6. Bowling Green – The Falcons do not appear to have the pieces to make up for the loss of Richaun Holmes.
West Division
1. Central Michigan – The Chippewas return a very deep, experienced roster led by a trio of seniors, Chris Fowler, John Simons and Rayshawn Simmons, along with junior Braylon Rayson. They appear to be the best team in the MAC by a solid margin, and if they can play up to their talent level, could be in the hunt for an at-large bid in case of a slip-up in the MAC tournament.
2. Western Michigan – The Broncos feature depth, experience and size down low. However, they will need to find the outside scoring to replace David Brown and Austin Richie. If they do, they will be tough to beat.
3. Northern Illinois – The Huskies have a pair of seniors in the backcourt (Aaric Armstead and Travon Baker) that will be joined by top recruit Marshawn Wilson. If Darrell Bowie can get some help down low, this team could surprise.
4. Ball State – The Cardinals return four starters from last year’s team plus have Jeremie Tyler eligible to play again. Youngstown State transfer Ryan Weber leads a solid group of newcomers as well. Head coach James Whitford’s team should be vastly improved over last season’s 7-23 record.
5. Toledo – The Rockets have Nathan Boothe down low and Jonathan Williams in the backcourt, but it will be very difficult for them to replace the loss of their top three scorers from last season.
6. Eastern Michigan – Raven Lee was second in the MAC in scoring last season, but he is the only starter returning this year. If the newcomers do not step up, this could be a long season in Ypsilanti.