A preview of the 2014-15 college basketball season would not be complete, in our opinion, without a look at the sole independent, the NJIT Highlanders. NJIT had hoped to be in a conference this season, and word was that there were at least some talks with several different leagues, but in the end, NJIT has ended up once again on its own. The Highlanders are technically eligible for the NCAA tournament, but their only way in would be via an at-large bid, which would probably require them to go very close to undefeated on the season (which includes games at St. John’s on November 14, at Marquette on November 24, at Michigan on December 6 and at Villanova on December 23).
While the NCAA Selection Committee is not likely to come calling, a postseason appearance in one of the lesser tournaments, such as the CIT, is a very realistic goal this year. NJIT finished a respectable 13-16 last season and returns the team’s top two players, sophomore Damon Lynn and junior Terrence Smith. Lynn was the team’s star player last season, averaging 17.2 points per game. Smith contributed 12.2 points and 6.0 rebounds as well. Ky Howard, who added 9.1 per game returns as a junior as well. As these players keep getting better, and head coach Jim Engles adds more pieces to support them, there is no reason why the Highlanders will not finish with a solid record and a strong case to both play in the postseason. Perhaps that will be enough to finally get that elusive invitation to join a conference.
NOTE: We will be back starting Monday with previews of the top 9 conferences!