Busting Brackets
Fansided

UAB Basketball: In-depth look at Blazers super-senior guard Michael Ertel

By Bryan Mauro

Mar 12, 2021; Frisco, TX, USA; UAB Blazers guard Michael Ertel (2) is guarded by Western Kentucky Hilltoppers guard Josh Anderson (4) during the first half at Ford Center at The Star. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 12, 2021; Frisco, TX, USA; UAB Blazers guard Michael Ertel (2) is guarded by Western Kentucky Hilltoppers guard Josh Anderson (4) during the first half at Ford Center at The Star. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 3
Next
UAB Basketball Michael Ertel Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
UAB Basketball Michael Ertel Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

Conference USA is always one of the most underrated conferences in college basketball. The league is loaded from top to bottom and is some of the most competitive basketball in every league. The league has been known to consistently get two or three teams into the NCAA tournament. It did only receive one bid last season in North Texas but there could have been an argument made to include two or even three teams especially Western Kentucky and Louisiana Tech.

Conference USA and its teams are also some of the highest-scoring and highest-powered offensive teams in the country. The teams also have some of the best shooters in the game as well. When Marshall made their run to the NCAA tournament they had Jon Elmore who was in range when he entered the building. UTSA currently has one of the game’s best scorers in Jhivvan Jackson. Jackson is appointment-television and his best performances are reserved for the big teams on the schedule.

Conference USA is also home to some programs that win and win a lot like Old Dominion. They are a consistent winner and always seem to win 18 to 20 games a year and put themselves in a position to make the NCAA tournament. One of the other teams is a team that wins every year but seemingly gets no fanfare, no pub, and virtually no one talks about them.

UAB Basketball has not had a losing season since 2012 and has won an average of about 20 games every season since 2014. The Blazers have only made one NCAA tournament in that time, which is likely why they are not getting recognized for being a consistent winner.

UAB won 20 games a season ago and this year is led by a super senior in Michael Ertel. The senior guard has a great supporting cast around him. UAB had one of the best defenses in the country and head coach Andy Kennedy has his team playing some great basketball and is ready to take a shot at the Conference USA title. Ertel is going to be a huge factor and it is time for him to get the credit he deserves for being a great player.