Buffalo Basketball: 2018-19 season preview for the Bulls

BOISE, ID - MARCH 17: Montell McRae #1 of the Buffalo Bulls reacts during the second half against the Kentucky Wildcats in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Taco Bell Arena on March 17, 2018 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

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BOISE, ID – MARCH 15: CJ Massinburg /

Starters

JR Davonta Jordan

Although the leading passer for Buffalo is gone, the team benefits from returning yet another top-10 MAC assist leader comes back in Jordan, whose 4.0 apg average ranked at No. 7 in the conference. For this season, he’ll be the primary ball handler rather than sharing the duties with Clark. He won’t shoot much (5.9 FGA per game) but is a solid defender and is more than capable in facilitating the Bulls offense.

SR CJ Massingburg

A First-Team All-MAC performer, Massinburg led the team with 17.0 ppg while shooting at an incredibly efficient rate, including going over 40% from three-point range. The most amazing thing about the rising senior is that he averaged 7.3 rpg while being listed at 6’3 and under 190 pounds. Massinburg should be considered the favorite to win MAC Player of the Year this season.

SR Jeremy Harris

One of the reasons why Buffalo was able to withstand those key losses from the year prior was the introduction of Harris, a JUCO transfer who surpassed all expectations. He averaged 15.5 ppg and 5.9 rpg in 33 mpg as a full-time starter, making 42 % of his three-point attempts. While Massinburg is the top statistical performer of the team, Harris may actually be the best overall player on both ends of the court.

SR Nick Perkins

Although he started 10 games to begin last season, Perkins was “demoted” to the bench after a few bad games in a row. The move worked, with the forward scoring at least 12 points in every MAC game as a reserve. He averaged over 6.0 rpg as well and should at the very least begin the season as a starter again. However, being one of the best sixth men in the country isn’t a bad gig either.

SO Montrell McRae

With Smart gone, the Bulls could use some size at the five-spot. The 6’10 McRae is the likeliest bet, after averaging a couple of points and rebounds in double-figures off the bench. His scoring is not needed for this season so how well he plays defense will determine not only if he starts – but how much he’ll play altogether. Teams nowadays like to play small-ball anyways, and Buffalo already has three returning players who all averaged at least 5.9 rpg.