RoyalBlu

As we close in on the middle of May, I encourage those of you who are interested to check out the new players arriving at Bowling Green, Toledo, Ohio, Eastern Michigan, Central Michigan and Kent. The only prediction I will make is I believe the MAC Middle will be pretty thick next season, and the bottom (NIU-Buffalo aside) rank a bit higher. Generally speaking, it looks like everyone went for size, even if it was more 6-5 to 6-7 wing types, but there are some 6-9 plus guys coming into the league as well. Another interesting tidbit; Miami, Toledo, Kent all have 4 or more freshmen coming in as well. Some of them will have to play.

I see where Harris signed with Cleveland State ... interesting. Thought he would get some A-10, Mo-Valley looks. Even other MAC looks. He didn't play much for Zips due to injury, but his West Virginia resume was pretty solid before that.

It would be sound to say, "Post Season Success" is what Akron is looking for. That might equate to a NCAA Tournament victory ... a 2 or 3-game run in the NIT ... or a championship run in whatever post season tournament the Zips choose to play in. The key here, no matter NCAA, NIT, Whatever, is to get into a 'one-and-done tournament vs. teams you probably don't know,... and rise above. Beating MAC teams you play 3-times a year, and beat, kind of loses its luster over 5-10 years, when that is as far as you get, year after year.

Not trying to 'hype' any team. Just saying take a look at what other programs are bringing in, and how these new rosters look. Yes, most of these teams lost a lot through defection, ejection or graduation. Just saying players these teams are bringing in seem to be interesting pieces. Doubtful any of these teams turn out like the Zips of last season - putting it all together to run through the conference - but, based on in-coming talent (?), the bottom of the league should be higher, the middle of the league thicker, and the top of the league about the same.

This probably belongs in another thread, but looking forward to next season, I would suggest checking out late recruiting being done by Eastern Michigan, UMass, Central Michigan, Toledo and even Kent. MAC teams will definitely be taking on some new personalities around the league. For example, CMU has picked up a pair of 7-footers, and a PG, former Michigan HS POY, originally signed by Michigan. Toledo, UMASS and EMU have hit the portal/juco hard. Kent has hit portal/HS ranks. Looking at some of those rosters is very interesting.

BG will be his sixth (6th) school .... Gotta luv the Portal

I understood none would play Akron ... that's what we always heard ... much less PAY Akron to play them. It's truly a new world we're living in.

'Nagging back injury' at 260lbs ... does not sound promising???

My guess would be Cleveland State or Youngstown

I'm not sure ... but I thought Euros were not eligible for NIL. Am I wrong about that????

Expecting Briscoe and Ravon to start is a real stretch IMO ... doubt if either are more than 12-15-min players before January; Ravon behind Safford, Briscoe behind Gillespie. And when is the last time a solid MAC contender (if Kent is one) started a freshman post player? That said, ... if one or both prove equal to their projections ... come February that could be a formidable MAC baseline, at least athletically, defensively and rebounding. There is no evidence any of those guys, including Gillespie, can be much more than 10-12 ppg scorers at this point.

No doubt he's had some injuries, from what I've read. But he also led his team to a state championship game and was twice named POY in Indianapolis as a soph and junior. That said, it does not look like he has grown much or improved much. How that translates to the MAC, who knows. I understand the reservations, but 3-5 years ago getting a player with his credentials as a freshman in April signing period would be considered a plus. No matter what MAC school got him.

Judging from his stats, career, ... perfect example of a guy long on potential and short on 'game.'

One thing is clear ... MAC basketball should be a lot different next season. Only time will tell if it will be better. Ohio has made major inroads getting both size and proven 3-pt shooting out of the portal ... UMass has also added size to go along with a juco PG ... BG has gotten a quality player to return and added some size ... Toledo has added some perimeter experience and some unproven size ... Miami has lost some key pieces, but return as much as anyone in the league plus a stellar recruiting class ... CMU has a new coach from D-II, and has brought several of his former players/recruits with him ... Kent lost a trio of proven 4-year players (that might be a MAC trivia question/answer soon enough) but is still to be heard from re: portal pickups or new prep recruits. Of course now Akron has lost 3 starters - late - off its MAC title team to the portal. Actually 4 if you count Harris, who was starting before he was out with an injury. But returning youth/depth and a solid recruiting class should keep the Zips at the top of the heap -- with time and $$$ to help add to the roster as well. Different, yes. Better, who knows.

NATE had some 'credentials' and not just numbers beside his name. Kind of like winning an Oscar because you're in a great movie ... even though you are not the best actor. TJ has no comparqble credentials, and other than last season, showed no consistency to his game. He fits Akron's system perfectly ... but looking at the portal, there are MANY guards out there just like him. I say Akron has a better chance finding his replacement, than TJ has of finding a comparable winning situation like Akron. But hope the $$$ makes up for it.