Busting Brackets
Fansided

MAC Basketball: Preseason power rankings for 2020-21 season

By Drew Nixon

BUFFALO, NY - FEBRUARY 2020: Loren Cristian Jackson of the Akron Zips drives to the basket during a matchup against the Buffalo Bulls last season. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NY - FEBRUARY 2020: Loren Cristian Jackson of the Akron Zips drives to the basket during a matchup against the Buffalo Bulls last season. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /
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Jayvon Graves MAC Basketball (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

Buffalo come off a fantastic season, going 20-12 with an 11-7 record in the MAC. Not only this past year being a solid one, but that was the fifth 20-win season out of the last six years for the Bulls. This most recent one with a new coach in Jim Whitesell, who will look to produce more of the same this season.

Buffalo returns three double figure starters from last year. Possibly the most important being Jayvon Graves (17.1 ppg, 73 threes), who flirted with the idea of the NBA Draft, but decided to return. Others who return are Jeenathan Williams (11.6 ppg, 4.7 rpg) and Josh Mballa (10.8 ppg, 9.6 rpg)

Mballa will be key on both ends, as a he led the league in rebounds per game and fits as one of the best defenders in the league averaging over one block per game.

The Bulls lose Davonta Jordan and Antwain Johnson. both averaged 10+ points per game so there will be a need for offense in Buffalo.

Buffalo ranked first in the MAC in points per game, but 11th in points allowed. Offensively, Buffalo ought to be on track to be in the top 5 in scoring, with the addition of Coastal Carolina transfer Keishawn Brewton entering the fold. Defensively is where the Bulls can go from being a solid team, to a very good one.

Below are two players besides the returning starters to watch for this upcoming season in Buffalo:

  • Keishawn Brewton – As mentioned, Brewton transferred in from Coastal Carolina. And while he may be away from the beach, he will enjoy being on a team that can win the conference. And Buffalo fans will appreciate what he brings to this team. In the 22 games he played in  last year, Brewton dropped 14.5 ppg and made 65 threes. He fills one of the losses for Buffalo this season.
  • Ronaldo Segu – Segu was a key reserve for Buffalo last year, scoring 8.1 points per game, and winning MAC Sixth Man of the Year honors. That’s all you really need to know. He comes into this season as one of the best players to contribute when called upon. Expect more touches from him. Maybe even to start.

Buffalo are a team that I’d expect to be in the thick of it when it comes to winning a MAC title. They’ve got returning starters, scoring, momentum with another 20-win season achieved, and some additions that make them an intimidating team to defend. The biggest question is defense. If they get into the top half while maintaining their level of scoring from last year, watch out!