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MAC Basketball: Ranking of 25 best players from last decade (2013-23)

By Joey Loose

Nov 27, 2020; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Ohio Bobcats guard Jason Preston (0) controls the ball against Illinois Fighting Illini guard Ayo Dosunmu (11) during the first half at the State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2020; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Ohio Bobcats guard Jason Preston (0) controls the ball against Illinois Fighting Illini guard Ayo Dosunmu (11) during the first half at the State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /
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MAC Basketball Buffalo Bulls forward Josh Mballa (34) tries drive between Akron Zips forward LePear Toles (25) and guard Greg Tribble Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
MAC Basketball Buffalo Bulls forward Josh Mballa (34) tries drive between Akron Zips forward LePear Toles (25) and guard Greg Tribble Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

23. Josh Mballa

After coming to America from France, Mballa had himself quite the intriguing journey in college basketball. He’s a 6’7 forward who was at Texas Tech when the Red Raiders advanced to the national title game, but he saw very little playing time. He’d transfer to Buffalo and play a major role in the MAC for the Bulls for three seasons before ending his career off at Ole Miss. Undoubtedly, his most impressive play came with the Bulls.

In his first season in Buffalo, Mballa finally put his experience and tools to work, averaging 10.8 points and 9.6 rebounds a game. His junior year was even better, as he averaged a double-double and led Buffalo to a 2nd place finish in the MAC in the first season during the pandemic. That included a 20-rebound performance in the MAC Tournament, though the Bulls would settle for the NIT. The numbers weren’t as explosive in his senior year but he did set a career-high with 29 points in a win over Illinois State.

Mballa was an impressive rebounder who also ranked among the league’s leaders in steals ad blocks. As a result, this two-time Second Team All-MAC forward was named MAC Defensive Player of the Year during his junior season. His offensive rebounding in particular was elite, ranking among the national leaders during his time in the MAC. At Buffalo, Mballa was a star and greatly outperformed what he did beforehand at Texas Tech and after in the SEC.