NCAA Basketball: In-depth look at UMass Lowell senior guard Obadiah Noel

Expectations for Noel in 2020-21

This piece is written with the expectation that Noel will return to the River Hawks for his last season. If he leaves and goes to the NBA, since he has now put his name into the draft process, this is obviously going to change all of that. The River Hawks enter the season with a promising roster returning and one that could be the best one Lowell has had in their brief time as a Division 1 team.

The senior guard was rewarded with an all-conference selection following the completion of the season it was deserved based on the season that he had. Noel has the makings of a player who will be in the conversation for the America East player of the year. He also could be near the top of the NCAA scoring leaders if he decides to return. Noel is on pace to join the top 10 all-time scorers in the school’s history. He also would be the first player in the school’s history to win the conference player of the year if he were to take that award home.

The team does have a better outlook this year than they have in the past. Outside of the star-power of Noel, the River Hawks have a good trio of players around to help him with the scoring load. Conner Withers and Ron Mitchell make up the two players who when teamed with Noah make up one of the best trios in the league. Mitchell and Withers are two players who should also be on everyone’s breakout list as well. These three players have the River Hawks in a great position to have what would be their best season in Division 1.

A lot can happen but they are in a good position on paper to be a highly competitive team in the America East conference this season.