No. 1 – Western Illinois Leathernecks
During Western Illinois’ first season in the OVC, first year head coach Chad Boudreau proved he and the Leathernecks belonged. A 21-win season and part of that three-way tie for first was more than they could have hoped for, but now they hope for more.
While second-team, all-conference guard Ryan Myers returns, almost no one else does. Boudreau is rebuilding after one, very successful season. Myers averaged 13.3 points, made 40 percent of his long distance attempts and 81 percent of his free throws. He is an OVC star.
Tay Knox (3.4 points and 3.2 rebounds) is the only other Leatherneck returner of note.
Boudreau went shopping in the portal and landed six Division 1 players. Hidden in that group is Marko Maletic. The 6’6 guard missed most of last season with an injury, but averaged 15.9 points-per-game in 2022-23, making .392 from long distance.
Julius Rollins (Kent State), Sean Smith (Alabama State), Kiyron Powell (Southern Indiana) and Massal Diouf (Texas San Antonio) all played 28 or more games at their previous schools and bring size and experience to the Leatherneck lineup.
Chicago native Kimahri Wilson moved closer to home after averaging 2.2 points for Stephen F. Austin. The redshirt junior spent on year at Triton College and two at Stephen F. Austin.
Kayden Carter and A.J. Dixon are talented junior college players that were double-digit scorers at their last location. Dixon is a proven scorer. He played for new UT Martin coach Jeremy Shulman at Eastern Florid and then averaged over 16 points per game last season for national runner-up Triton College. He and Carter have scored consistently wherever they have played.
There are no freshmen on this team.
Boudreau’s team last year was outstanding defensively. If he can get this collection of recruits to defend like last year’s team, they have the firepower to contend for the Ohio Valley Conference title.