The Morgan State Bears were amazing in conference play last season and look to continue their stellar play in the 2010-2011 basketball season. They lost one conference game en route to earning the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title last season.
Led by senior standout Reggie Holmes, the Bears made it to the NCAA tournament before being trounced by West Virginia 70-55 in the first round.
Teams looking to take the crown from Morgan State will vary, with newcomers Savannah State and North Carolina Central joining the conference this season.
The thirteen teams in the MEAC all have a goal in sight, but as many know, only one team can be the best of the rest.
Projected conference winner: Morgan State Bears
The Morgan State Bears are ready to bring home another conference title this season. By adding center Ian Chiles to the mix, the Bears are big, fast and hungry for wins. Kevin Thompson and Dewayne Jackson will also be key components to the team.
The duo combined to average 22.8 points and 16 rebounds a game a season ago. Jackson and Thompson were the second and third leading scorers on the talented Morgan State squad. While easily winning the conference, the Bears will look to veteran leadership to keep their trend of winning going.
Best of the rest: South Carolina State Bulldogs
Returning four starters from last season’s squad, the Bulldogs have the greatest chance to take the championship banner from the Bears. The Bulldogs finished 10-6 in the conference last season. Senior guard Darnell Porter led the Bulldogs with 13 points per game a season ago.
Bringing back three seniors off the bench, the Bulldogs are a very experienced bunch. Khalif Tombs (6.7 ppg) and Carrio Bennett (6.0 ppg) are the returning starters in the backcourt and they provide speed to a team that is capable of scoring in bunches. The Bulldogs scored 70 or more points 14 times last season including a 97-point performance in a win against Norfolk State.
Conference team to expect little from: North Carolina Central Eagles
Although Florida A&M was predicted to finish last in the MEAC, the NCC Eagles seem to pose little threat in their first season of MEAC play.
With a roster sitting at 19 players, the Eagles will have enough bodies to play against any conference school. Returning three starters from last season’s squad, the Eagles have an uphill climb with their best returning starter C.J. Wilkerson averaging 16 points a season ago.
The biggest problem came with the team’s inside play and lack of quality big men. The team’s inability to control the inside will be the reason for a disappointing season for the Eagles.