MAC Basketball

[sgm405]

We're getting closer to conference play...let's see how each of the contenders are looking thus far:

Ohio - 8-4, RPI: 163

The Bobcats started off 6-0, but have lost 4 of their last 6 games. They scored solid wins against Richmond and St. Bonaventure and take on Oklahoma tonight is a difficult non-conference test. D.J. Cooper is once again leading the way averaging 14 points and 8 assists per night. After winning the MAC Tournament and making a Sweet 16 run last season, the Bobcats are the team to beat in the MAC. (Side note: John Groce has Illinois at 12-1 and is doing a fabulous job in his 1st year)

Akron - 7-4, RPI: 110

Coming into 2012-2013 with high expectations, it's already been an up-and-down season for Akron. After losing Quincy Diggs in the offseason, the regular season started with Nick Harney and Demetrius Treadwell missing the first three games due to a compliance paperwork error. The Zips lost two of those three games, both losses coming in overtime (Coastal Carolina, Oklahoma State). They have some solid victories already, including wins over Middle Tennessee State, Penn State, and Cleveland State, but you never know what team is going to show up on any given night. Zeke Marshall leads the way averaging 13/6, with Demetrius Treadwell coming on strong as of late. If anyone knocks off OU, Akron has the best chance.

Kent State - 7-5, RPI: 179

A longtime staple in the MAC, Kent might be taking a step back this season. They have a solid win against Nebraska, but have looked mostly pedestrian early on. Chris Evans leads the way for KSU averaging 16/7 for the reshaped Golden Flashes. They are projected to go 16-13, which would end their streak of consecutive 20 win seasons.

Western Michigan - 8-4, RPI: 71

It's tough to tell how good the Broncos are because the only really solid wins against Loyola and South Florida. Nate Hutcheson leads the way with Darius Paul, averaging 12/6 so far, impressing as a true freshman.

Central Michigan - 7-5, RPI: 124

While Central Michigan isn't seen as a major contender, they should get better as the season goes on. Kyle Randall leads the Chips dropping in 16 per game.

Toledo - 3-6, RPI: 238

Toledo has started the season slow, but still could become one of the surprise teams this year in the MAC. Rian Pearson leads the way with 19 PPG.



I think it will be an interesting season. Akron is so up-and-down, OU has a new coach, Kent State has a rebuilt roster, and teams like Western Michigan, Central Michigan, and Toledo will be hoping to upset one of the MAC giants.

My predictions:

MAC Regular Season Champion - Akron
MAC Tournament Champion - Akron
MAC Player of the Year: D.J. Cooper

Note: RPI's pulled from here.

[RchfldCavRaised]

DAMN!!!

Is DJ Cooper like a 6th year senior? When will his ass graduate?

I mean, I know there is some premium ass down there in Athens, but cmon son

[DJTJ]

Richaun Holmes on BG would be a player for defensive player of the year if given significant minutes. In just 15 minutes, had 6 blocks. Averages nearly three a game in 18 minutes. Thank God he's only a sophomore. Finally someone exciting to watch coming off a pretty terrible bench.

[The Voice]

DAMN!!!

Is DJ Cooper like a 6th year senior? When will his ass graduate?

I mean, I know there is some premium ass down there in Athens, but cmon son

This post makes no sense, this is his fourth year. He was just a beast as a Freshman.


On another note, Christian sucks at coaching.

[sgm405]

This post makes no sense, this is his fourth year. He was just a beast as a Freshman.


On another note, Christian sucks at coaching.

I was curious how he'd fit. Has he changed the style of play? How is he meshing with Cooper?

[The Voice]

Well, he blamed the weather on a loss.

[Pick6]

Akron will win the MAC if PG play improves. The loss of Quincy Diggs is hurting them, but I see promise in what has come to be his replacement. Zips have 4 very good players in Marshall, Harney, Treadwell, and Forsythe. Very deep front court. Back court also has some streaky shooters in Walsh, Gilliam, and true fresh Kretzer (who has hit some big shots). However, a lock down guard defender has yet to be found, and unfortunately for them to win the MAC, they will probably have to go through DJ Cooper.


Thanks for the nice writeup, SGM.

[sgm405]

Akron will win the MAC if PG play improves. The loss of Quincy Diggs is hurting them, but I see promise in what has come to be his replacement. Zips have 4 very good players in Marshall, Harney, Treadwell, and Forsythe. Very deep front court. Back court also has some streaky shooters in Walsh, Gilliam, and true fresh Kretzer (who has hit some big shots). However, a lock down guard defender has yet to be found, and unfortunately for them to win the MAC, they will probably have to go through DJ Cooper.


Thanks for the nice writeup, SGM.

Excellent point on having a lockdown defender. So much is talked about Diggs' offense, but he really became a solid defender. Hopefully he's staying in shape to return next year.

Barring a huge upset, it's looking like Akron-OU again. Akron's ability to play a talented 7 footer every minute of every game is a huge advantage. They'll have to figure out how to contain everyone around Cooper, because he's likely going to get his.

Should be a fun and exciting season!

[sgm405]

Side note: I forgot that Toledo is ineligible for postseason play.

[DJTJ]

I said this a while ago, but Richaun Holmes is going to be a defensive monster. When Calhoun graduates, and Holmes fills his spot next season... Sky is the limit for BG IF, and it's a big if, someone can replace the scoring of Crawford and Calhoun because Holmes is at times that dominate in protecting the paint. It's a shame Orr doesn't understand that Erger, Kraus, and Black are clogs. Calhoun, Holmes, Chauncey Orr, Anthony Henderson, and Crawford should start and play most of the game. It would be our most athletic lineup by far, and while we were still in the Michigan State game, being athletic and running was helping much more than anything else.

[Bob_The_Cat]

I still can't help but to wonder what this Bobcat team would be doing had Groce elected to stay one more year. Not only did we lose Groce, but we also lost Caris LeVert. LeVert's a 6'5" wing who, as a true freshman, is now getting burn for possibly the most talented team in the country (Michigan) and playing pretty damn well. Was signed, sealed, and delivered to Ohio, but was let out of his letter of intent when Groce left.

Oh well...the Bobcats have started to play better as of late, largely because of (who else?) DJ Cooper. After today's game he moved into 24th place all-time on the NCAA career assists leader board. He's currently averaging 8.5 apg, which is good for 2nd in the country. A fan on another Ohio board did the math, and if DJ can maintain his current season average, he can finish his career as high as 5th all-time.

[jonzee330]

I still can't help but to wonder what this Bobcat team would be doing had Groce elected to stay one more year. Not only did we lose Groce, but we also lost Caris LeVert. LeVert's a 6'5" wing who, as a true freshman, is now getting burn for possibly the most talented team in the country (Michigan) and playing pretty damn well. Was signed, sealed, and delivered to Ohio, but was let out of his letter of intent when Groce left.

Oh well...the Bobcats have started to play better as of late, largely because of (who else?) DJ Cooper. After today's game he moved into 24th place all-time on the NCAA career assists leader board. He's currently averaging 8.5 apg, which is good for 2nd in the country. A fan on another Ohio board did the math, and if DJ can maintain his current season average, he can finish his career as high as 5th all-time.

I think OU will be fine. Under Groce, he let them play a free style that was effective, but was also their achilles heel in games that they lost. Jim Christian demands a more disciplined style of basketball that many of these players have to adjust to after 3 years under Groce. For example, DJ Cooper is averaging a career high in assists (but almost 2 full APG) and shooting a career high in FG%. Christian doesn't allow him to jack up the crazy shots that were okay under Groce. Once they adjust, which it looks like they've started doing, I think they'll be on a collision course with Akron for the MAC championship.

[RchfldCavRaised]

This post makes no sense, this is his fourth year. He was just a beast as a Freshman.


On another note, Christian sucks at coaching.

Obvious sarcasm. Go away

[Pick6]

Only took 3 games in the MAC schedule for Akron and OU to separate themselves from the rest of the pack. Both only undefeated teams in conference.

[sgm405]

Akron played, by far, their worst game of the season and still came away with a road win at KSU. Definitely looking like UA and OU are heading toward a rematch in Cleveland.