Busting Brackets
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MEAC Basketball: 2020 conference tournament preview and predictions

By Herbert Seward III

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: The MEAC logo on the floor before a college basketball game between the Yale Bulldogs and the Howard Bison at Burr Gymnasium on January 20, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: The MEAC logo on the floor before a college basketball game between the Yale Bulldogs and the Howard Bison at Burr Gymnasium on January 20, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
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Jordan Perkins is part of an experienced Eagle squad
DAYTON, OHIO – MARCH 20: Jordan Perkins #4 of the North Carolina Central Eagles(Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

MEAC Tournament Key Players

Jermaine Bishop & Steven Whitley (Norfolk State University)

Arguably the most experienced and battle-tested backcourt in the league, both Bishop and Whitley are interchangeable at the 1 and 2. That offensive and defensive versatility (along with 3rd double-figure scoring option Joe Bryant Jr.) has served the Spartans well during the regular season and will make them EXTREMELY dangerous during the MEAC tourney.

Bishop (All-MEAC 1st Team), in particular, has shown a propensity to score in bunches during the conference season (to the tune of 15.6 points per game.). He’s capable of carrying the Spartans for stretches with his scoring, which is one heck of an option to have when offense bogs down. Head Coach Robert Jones has some tools in the toolbox to make a MEAC tourney run if his squad can be consistent.

Jibri Blount & CJ Keyser (North Carolina Central University)

The Eagles were among the best offensive teams in the conference this season and the duo of Jibri Blount and CJ Keyser were at the tip of that offensive spear for Lavelle Moton’s squad. Jibri Blount (19.2 points per game), a Cleveland State transfer, landed in Durham and didn’t waste any time in establishing himself as one of the most prolific offensive weapons in the conference. His offensive prowess landed him MEAC player of the year honors.

CJ Keyser, another transplant from Mid-Major Power Witchita State, adds a level of athleticism that is hard to match within the league. Add that to a blend of experienced MEAC talent and you have the makings of another potential NCAA tournament team. Can this edition of the flyin’ Eagles make a 5th straight trip to the big dance a reality? They’ve got two tools that make that goal possible. Randy Miller Jr. (14.3 points per game) is an offensive X-factor for the Eagles as well, and PG Jordan Perkins has First Four experience to draw upon.

Kameron Langley & Ronald Jackson Jr. (North Carolina A&T State University)

It’s not a stretch to say that this year’s edition of the Aggie basketball program is the most talented squad (on paper) in the entire conference. The roster is sprinkled with high-profile recruits like Kwe Parker and transfers like Tyler Maye (Virginia Commonwealth), but a JuCo standout and a homegrown point guard are essential to the Aggie attack.

Kameron Langley‘s play at the point guard position has been the straw that stirs the drink for the Aggies offensive success during conference play, averaging 5.2 assists per game. Junior College stalwart and native Floridian Ronald Jackson Jr. (14.7 points per game, 10.3 rebounds per game) is a walking double-double machine and the beneficiary of Kam Langley’s command of the A&T offense. Much like their mortal rivals from Durham, North Carolina A&T have all the components in place for a run to a MEAC tourney title.

Other players to Watch

Rod Melton, PG (Florida A&M, All MEAC 2nd Team)
Charles Williams, SG (Howard, All-MEAC 2nd Team)
Damani Applewhite, C/F (South Carolina State, All-MEAC 2nd Team)
Wayne Bristol Jr. SG (Howard, MEAC All-Rookie Team, MEAC Rookie Of The Year)
John Crosby, SG (Delaware State, All-MEAC 2nd Team)
Cletrell Pope, F (Bethune Cookman, All-MEAC 1st Team, MEAC Defensive Player Of The Year)
Dejuan Clayton, G (Coppin State, All-MEAC Third Team)