MAC Basketball: Preseason power rankings for 2020-21 season

Central Michigan is coming off a season in which they finished fourth in the West, going 7-11 in the MAC and 14-18 overall. It wasn’t necessarily an up and down season as much as it was a poor finish.

The Chippewas lost 10 of their last 11 games last season. To make matters worse, they lose four starters, whom each contributed for over 10 points per game. In those four, Central Michigan also lose their top two rebounders. That four included David DiLeo, who splashed a MAC-record 337 three-pointers in Chippewa career.

The one returning starter is senior Devontae Lane, who averaged 9.1 points per game and was the assists leader last year with 3.4 per game.

Offensively is where Central Michigan will take the biggest hit. Last season, they ranked second in the MAC in team points per game, averaging just a touch over 78 points per contest. Improving on the defense side of the ball will be the key for Central Michigan Head Coach Keno Davis’ squad this season.

As you’d suspect, given the Chippewas were 14-18 and averaged the second most points per game last season, their defense will have struggled. And they did, allowing over 76 points per game. A recipe for some tight games that, if you’re having an off night offensively, won’t lead to many wins.

Here are two returning players to watch this season for the Chippewas:

• Devontae Lane – The only returning starter has a lot on his plate and will be leading the way for Central Michigan this year. His ability to anchor the offense and provide some lockdown defense will significantly impact the team’s postseason chances at the Big Dance.
• Travon Broadway Jr. – Broadway will likely be one of the team’s leading three point shooters,  looking to replace DiLeo as one of the needed sharpshooters for the team. Broadway averaged 7.1 points per game last year, so look for that average to boost into double figures.

In terms of recruiting, Central Michigan brought in four junior college transfers in Meikkel Murray, Malik Muhammed, Caleb Huffman, and Ralph Bissainthe, each of whom can fill a need and see action this season.

Murray will help offensively, as he averaged 16.7 points per game at the JC level last year, shooting 50% from the field and averaging over seven rebounds per contest. Michigan State transfer Braden Burke will be one to keep an eye on. You can’t look passed him, as he stands at 7’0″ and could be a useful piece defensively to Central Michigan’s puzzle.

Overall, this season could go a couple of ways for the Chippewas. Either the transfers can come in and make a big difference. Or the losses of four starters from last season will show. This season looks to be the latter for Keno Davis.