MEAC Preview

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The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference did not have much suspense last season, as Morgan State came into the league campaign as the favorite and the Bears did not disappoint, winning the title by three games. They won 10 of their final 11 to end any potential mystery. MSU was also the only team in the conference with more than 16 overall wins. South Carolina State finished at 10-6 in the MEAC, and a quartet of teams went 9-7. With the Bears returning only two starters, the league will be much more wide-open this season -- maybe.

1. Morgan State: The defending champs will be led by the inside-outside duo of Reggie Holmes and Kevin Thompson, the only two returning starters.
2. Norfolk State: Leading scorer and go-to-guy Michael Deloach and two other starters will try to carry the Spartans to the NCAA Tournament.
3. North Carolina A&T: The Aggies have an excellent trio in guards Tavarus Alston and forwards Robert Johnson and Thomas Coleman.
4. South Carolina State: All-conference swingman Jason Flagler will be the leader for the second-place Bulldogs, who lose three starters.
5. Bethune-Cookman: C.J. Reed is one of the top scorers in the conference, and forward Alexander Starling is solid on the inside.
6. Coppin State: Gone is Player of the Year Tywain McKee, but guard Michael Harper and center Sam Coleman lead the returnees.
7. Hampton: The Pirates are consistently one of the MEAC's best teams, but guard Vinny Simpson will have to get them back to the top.
8. Florida A&M: The Rattlers struggled last season, but have an underrated backcourt in Brandon Bryant and Dale Hughes.
9.  Maryland-Eastern Shore: The league's best big man, Neal Pitt, will try to get the Hawks out of the conference cellar.
10. Howard: Leading scorer Eugene Myatt has departed, leaving guard Kyle Riley behind to become the leader for the Bison.

11. Delaware State: The Hornets had a big drop-off last season, but Frisco Sandidge and a crop of newcomers will try to bounce back.

Winston-Salem State: The Rams are ineligible for the conference title this year, but Brian Fisher is one of the MEAC's top scorers.

Player of the Year: Michael Deloach, G, Norfolk State

All-Conference Team:
G- Reggie Holmes, Morgan State
G- Michael Deloach, Norfolk State

G- C.J. Reed, Bethune-Cookman
G/F- Jason Flagler, South Carolina State 
F- Neal Pitt, Maryland-Eastern Shore 

Second Team:
G- Vinny Simpson, Hampton
G- Tavarus Alston, North Carolina A&T
F- Robert Johnson, North Carolina A&T
F- Kevin Thompson, Morgan State
F- Frisco Sandidge, Delaware State