MAC Basketball: Preseason power rankings for 2020-21 season

In a conference that is a Mid-Major, we find at times that the teams with the most experience have the most success. Eastern Michigan went 16-16 overall with a 6-12 MAC record, but return four of their five starters from last season.

Their loss is a big one in 7-foot, All-Defensive team honoree Boubacar Toure (10.7 ppg, 9.3 rpg). Toure anchored the Eagles in the paint, helping them secure the second-best defense last year in points allowed.

The offense struggled at times, and finished dead last in points per game. You’re probably wondering how on earth a team with those averages, combined with the loss of Toure rank 6th. It comes down to experience.

Eastern Michigan, in addition to their four returning starters, welcome in grad transfers James Love III from Kansas State and Alex Okongo from Missouri. Love III (6’11) and Okongo (7’0) will fill in that loss of Toure as far as size is concerned.

Leading the way for returners for Rob Murphy’s program will be a trio of scorers in Ty Groce, Yeikson Montero, and Thomas Binelli. Each averaged over eight points per game and will look to improve upon that average. The bench will be important for the Eagles success, and one more newcomer will likely play a crucial role in upping that offensive ranking in team points per game.

Here are two players to watch for the Eagles this season:

• Noah Morgan – Morgan was the second leading scorer last year, averaging 10 ppg. If used off the bench, Morgan will provide a spark offensively. And if he can up his percentage from three point range (32%), he will make a much bigger impact.
•  Bryce McBride – Bryce McBride will certainly give a boost to Eastern Michigan’s scoring efforts this upcoming season. He ranked eighth among all junior college players, averaging over 24 per game with Dyersburg State College. For more convincing this guy can knock down shots at will, his Twitter handle is @SharpxShooter_, and provides a threat that other MAC teams will need to pay attention to.

The defensive side of the ball will be maybe the most important side for Eastern Michigan. The scoring will likely see an uptick given additions to the Eagles roster. If they can rank in that top three in points allowed again, the Eagles may surprise some folks.