Having read this article I was a little surprised that we were picked 2nd. I can only think that it was based on JP leaving. However, I still feel that we were worthy to be picked #1 with the entire team returning along with a great transfer. If we did not have a competent PG I would agree with the magazine, but we do.
Buffalo only loses one player of significance as well and they finished ahead of us in the standings last year. And as Blue Ribbon points out, only 2 players from the All-MAC 1st and 2nd teams last year are left and they are both on Buffalo. I could see picking us 1st but I also see why someone would pick Buffalo.
Yeah, we should not forget that we finished fifth last year. Yes, we lost games due to injuries and COVID. But the conference is over 18 games and is less susceptible to fluke outcomes than a one and done tournament and probably usually more predictive of the future. I'm sure prognosticators are well aware if that. Don't get me wrong. I think at the very beginning and very ending last season when we were most healthy we were the best team in the MAC. But we did lose Preston off of that team and he, by himself, is still a lot.