Setting the standard in MAC hoops...

[MACReport]

College hoops insider Ray Mernagh's latest installment of "In the Paint," his exclusive column for MAC Report Online, returns this week with some great stuff including a breakdown of how Can't State became the standard bearer for MAC hoops. Ray also gives some great insight and commentary on the current state of MAC hoops and hits on some of the more intriguing storylines thus far in the MAC season, including Miami's Michael Bramos, Akron's hot frosh, Humpty Hitchens, WMU's struggles and more.Check it out at: http://macreportonline.com/index.php/20081...e-standard.html

[ZachTheZip]

I really don't understand where people keep getting the idea that Dambrot will recruit a JUCo wingman for next season. Akron has one scholarship to give, and it's going to Zeke Marshall. I seriously doubt that KD can convince a JUCO player to come here as a walkon who would contribute immediately.

[skip-zip]

uakronkid...that was my thought exactly. I don't think we have another scholarship to offer next year either. We're only losing Nate.

[ZZZips]

I emailed Ray Mernagh and he promptly responded. My question to Ray was whether he had inside info or had heard rumors of a current player leaving the program that would open up the extra scholarship. He assumes that Jimmy Conyers will get a fourth year of eligilbility. He is well aware that we have no scholarship to offer at this point. His observation is that many MAC schools lose an athlete periodically because various reasons (lack of playing time, dislike of the coaches or the school environment, etc.) Miami of Ohio has lost one a year fairly regularly even with consistency in the coaching ranks and a predicable style of play. I asked specifically if he was hiding inside knowledge or rumors about a potential defection at Akron. He was response was "NO".So why did he (and recently Elton Alexander) being up the subject. Although I haven't talked to Elton, I think both writers are looking at the current talent pool, the addition of Zeke and they see a missing piece to the puzzle....ie a strong wingman. We can agree or disagree with Ray's evaluation but he is well aware of our lack of a scholarship currently and the large pool of talent sitting out a red-shirt year.