Horizon League Basketball: Preseason power rankings for 2021-22 season

1. Cleveland State Vikings

2020-21 season record: 19-8 (16-4 in Horizon)

Key losses – None

In a league filled with star power and quality offense, it wasn’t just that Cleveland State seemingly came out of nowhere to win both the regular-season and conference tournament titles, but how it was done. The Vikings were one of the worst three-point shooting teams in the Horizon League and didn’t have anyone average more than 15 ppg on the season. But it was that collective effort combined with quality defense that gave them the upper hand over teams like Wright State and Northern Kentucky.

And there’s a good chance that the team got even better for this season. Not only does Cleveland State return every one of importance from the 2020-21 roster, but they also added a few newcomers via the transfer portal. Nathaniel Jack is a 6’5 senior guard that is familiar with head coach Dennis Gates during his days as an assistant at Florida State. Broc Finstuen comes over from Pacific, where he averaged 11.2 ppg and 5.7 rpg on 50% shooting from the field. And there’s 300-pound center Anderson Mirambeaux from Trinity Valley (JUCO), who adds size to a relatively small Vikings roster.

The rest of the roster is all back, including leading scorer and rebounder Torrey Patton (14.7 ppg and 8.0 rpg). He was really good throughout the season but really turned it up in February and March. The 6’5 guard/forward had four straight double-doubles, as well as a career-high 33 points and 30 points and 11 rebounds in a double-overtime win over Purdue-Fort Wayne in the Horizon League Basketball Tournament.

Patton emerged as the needed go-to guy on offense, while Tre Gomillion emerged as the defensive stopper for the team, earning Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year. The 6’4 guard was also third in scoring, Second was D’Moi Hodge, a former Junior Collge star that exploded for 46 points against Purdue-Fort Wayne on 10 made three-pointers. He was inconsistent the rest of the season and shot just 30% from three-point range overall but has room for improvement as a senior.

With veterans Craig Beaudion, Deante Johnson, and Al Eichelberger also back after taking the extra year of eligibility, Cleveland State boasts the oldest roster in the conference. The only question will be whether they have enough offense to beat out the high-scoring threats but Patton showed that he can go for 20+ if needed. The Vikings also have room to grow from both the three-point and free throw line as well after some struggles to just being solid on offense should be enough for them to repeat and hold off Wright State from taking back the crown.

Cleveland State came out of nowhere last season but this time will have a major target on their backs in the Horizon League. Let’s see how they do being the “hunted” on the schedule because there are plenty of capable teams and individuals that will cause problems once conference play gets underway.