Mid-major Basketball: 5 biggest offseason storylines heading into 2020-21

SPOKANE, WASHINGTON - JANUARY 18: Drew Timme #2 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs battles for control of a loose ball against Zac Seljass #2 of the BYU Cougars in the first half at McCarthey Athletic Center on January 18, 2020 in Spokane, Washington. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images) /

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CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 15: Head coach Steve Forbes of the East Tennessee State Buccaneers (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

2. Sudden coaching move changes everything for East Tennessee State

One of the biggest consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic in college hoops was the lack of desire for programs to fire head coaches. That was good news for not only head coaches perceived to be on the hot seat, but also mid-major programs who had coaches that would’ve been the first called with a new opening.

Unfortunately for East Tennessee State, a nearby program named Wake Forest did make the move months later, firing head coach Danny Manning. And while Wes Miller of SoCon rival UNC-Greensboro was viewed as the frontrunner to get the job, it was, in fact, Steve Forbes of the Buccaneers who landed the gig. It put the program in a tough spot to find his replacement but assistant Jason Shay, who was promoted right after, has a positive reputation with him.

Yet still, there were roster consequences from losing Coach Forbes. Two of the top returning guards on the team (Bo Hodges and Davien Williamson), transferred to Bulter and Wake Forest respectively. Then Jalen Johnson, a grad transfer from Tennessee who originally picked the Bucs, went with Forbes to Wake Forest. That’s three potential starting guards that the Bucs have lost this offseason thanks to one coaching change.

This is great news for both UNC-Greensboro and Furman for SoCon supremacy. Before the coaching change, ETSU would’ve been the clear favorites to win the league in 2021. Now, an argument can be made that they have the third-best program and an unproven head coach in his first full season.

There’s going to be a ton of pressure on returning guard Patrick Good, along with Kansas State guard transfer David Sloan to have a major impact. And transfers Silas Adheke and Tyron and Ledarrius Brewer will have sizable roles as well. This team might not win 25+ games next season but they’ll still remain in the SoCon conversation next year.

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