WAC Basketball: 2018-19 Preseason power rankings

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SOUTH BEND, IN – NOVEMBER 16: Cameron Bowles #21 of the Chicago State Cougars shoots the ball against Matt Gregory #21 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Purcell Pavilion on November 16, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

9) Chicago State Cougars

We may be approaching the end of the Division I run for the Cougars, who have not found much success in their 35 years in Division I athletics. In Men’s Basketball, Chicago State has just three winning seasons, have gone 21-107 in the last four seasons, and have struggled to compete financially with the other WAC schools.

This season has already gotten off to a less than ideal start, with the Cougars waiting until August to hire Lance Irvin as the new head coach. Irvin has already gotten to work, adding some size to his relatively small roster. With close ties to the Chicago AAU scene, Irvin should be able to land a few solid recruits moving forward, but this season will still be a struggle.

Chicago State will be without its top five scorers from last season, including star guard Fred Sims, and will likely look to Anthony Harris and Rob Shaw to lead a more balanced offensive attack. With the improved size on the roster, and sophomore forward Cameron Bowles expected to improve on his freshman numbers, fans should expect a more physical style of play from the Cougars.

Change won’t happen overnight, and the best Lance Irvin can hope to accomplish in his first season at the helm is to improve on last year’s dismal 1-13 WAC record. If he can show actual improvement and the ability to develop talent, Chicago State’s “resurrection” could be a fun story to follow.