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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 Ohio Bobcats forward Ben Vander Plas Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
MAC Basketball Ohio Bobcats forward Ben Vander Plas Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports /

22. Ben Vander Plas

Vander Plas is a 6’8 forward from Ripon, Wisconsin who jumped a few states east, choosing Ohio for his college basketball career. Over time, he developed into a massive weapon for the Bobcats during a successful run for the program, becoming a definite anchor in that frontcourt. After four seasons in the MAC, he’d spend his bonus year at Virginia this past season, though we don’t have to think about that today.

After solid work as a freshman, he joined the starting lineup as a sophomore and never looked back, averaging 15.7 points and 6.9 rebounds in the pandemic-shortened season. Ohio made the NCAA Tournament during his junior year, with Vander Plas scoring 17 in their first-round upset over Virginia. His work was phenomenal throughout his time with the Bobcats, with great shooting numbers in his senior season as well, including in a mini-run in the CBI to end his time with the program.

That solid work early earned him MAC Rookie of the Year honors before being named All-MAC for the next three seasons. Vander Plas garnered the First Team nod after leading the conference in steals and finishing among the leaders in other important categories during his senior season. He performed well and played a significant role in Ohio’s frontcourt and their overall success before joining the Cavaliers for one final hurrah.