A little project of mine in my extra free time was to whip up a spreadsheet calculating returning points production across the MAC, factoring in graduating seniors and outgoing transfers. While not an exact science, I think what I have is a strong indicator of expectations going into the season without factoring in newcomers.

Ohio returns about 73% of its scoring production as long as no one leaves the roster. This would be the highest in the East other than Miami (92%). Around the East, look for Kent (27%) and Akron (38%) to take big steps back. Kent in particular is gutted and at this moment, has four scholarships unaccounted for. They lose their top five guards plus a starting forward. Turner leaving BG is a huge loss. With him, the Falcons return 78% and are probably a clear favorite, but without him, they return 58%. Buffalo (66%) is in decent shape, but I don't exactly trust that Whitesell can lead them to a title, and neither do most UB fans.

The West is a mess. Every team is either gutted or finished in the bottom four of the MAC standings. Or both, in Central's case (51%). Toledo is losing six players and returns about 53%. With how disappointing this past season was for the Rockets with what I think was a great roster plus the turnover they have, I don't see Toledo making a push next year. Of all players not returning next year, Eugene German was the most productive by more than 100 points. The Huskies return only 48%. Ball State is in bad shape, returning 37% and currently, no signed LOIs or verbals. Eastern and Western return a lot (83% and 94%, respectively). I like Western's roster a lot, and with a solid coaching hire, they could be in for a huge improvement in the MAC standings.

A top four seed in the 2021 MAC tournament should not only be a goal, but an expectation for Ohio. It would not surprise me to see the Bobcats receive some first place votes in

JP & BVP are going to torch this league.

With the way mid major college basketball is going, this will be their last year with the bobcats before they get snatched up by a bigger conference. Let’s make it count and win this thing.

Maybe, especially BVP since next year will be his 4th. I could see him playing his last year at Wisconsin.

Would be interesting to know if Preston is taking summer classes and has a shot at graduating after 3 years like Jason Carter.

I remain hopeful and predict they both stay, especially if the team does well and makes strides next year and the supporting cast improves. Remember the 2 are roommates and great friends.

Akron has Taylor Currie coming in, he was the third leading scorer in JUCO, he can really shoot.

I seriously doubt it. Boals helped them both shine even more than LY, and he knows how to set a "Pick".....

+1

First time I saw Jeff in Athens after he'd been hired, I asked him who his pick coach was gonna be. He smiled, laughed a little, and then pointed to himself with a big grin on this face!

Definitely something that doesn't get valued enough. Those surgeries are the difference between some kids being full-go and having nagging injuries again.

On a serious note though, how has the return of Turner not been mentioned yet?

Yep....I agree. Glad he stayed. Grass isn't always greener in a power five conference.

Kent is reloading with JUCOs and Justyn Hamilton from Temple. And return Pippen.

I think Hamilton has to sit a year.

Akron is hurting for bigs and lost a lot, but I wouldn't count them out with LCJ returning. They have a JUCO forward who started off at Wisconsin that I'm sure will play a huge role for them. Groce still has three open scholarships to work with.

Don't be too hard on yourself. You did get Springs to Athens after scouting him at a high school game.

Love this thread since I'm not as up to speed on other MAC rosters as others.

Usually takes me til midseason to catch up.

I'm really hoping to see many more Bobcat games televised than in recent years!!!