The Colonels of
Eastern Kentucky had the
unique opportunity to knock off the in-state powerhouse during
the NCAA Tournament, their first appearance in 26 years. They
did well, but fell to Kentucky 72-64 in the first round of the
big dance. It was Coach Travis Ford who led the Colonels to the
NCAAs. Ford is now the head man at Massachusetts and Jeff
Neubauer takes over in Richmond, Kentucky. Neubauer was the top
assistant at West Virginia the last three years.
Who’s Out:
Coach Neubauer steps into a good situation, returning all
starters except Michael Haney. The 6-6 forward averaged 13.4
points and 8.3 rebounds per outing during his senior campaign.
Ben Rushing saw action in 19 games, averaging 6.9 points. Seldom
used reserve guards Austin Newton and Brandon Moore are also on
the way out of Eastern Kentucky.
Who’s In: At
a long 6-4, Harrison Brown can fill in at multiple positions. He
can handle the ball and shoot well. As a senior at Winton Woods
High School in Cincinatti, Brown averaged 10.0 points, 2.2
assists and 1.5 steals per game. He spent last season at the Air
Force Academy Prep School. Mike Rose, a third team all-state
player in Illinois, averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.8
assists and 3.0 steals per game. Rose is a great shooter and
should find some minutes this year. Greg Redford can run the
floor and handle the ball quite well for a power forward. He’s a
reliable rebounder and, along will fellow newcomer Jamaal
Douglas, will provide some nice depth to the frontcourt.
Who to Watch:
While it is nice to have four starters
returning, it is even nicer to have four senior starters
returning. Matt Witt, Zach Ingles Alonzo Hird and Jason McLeish
all started at least 27 games last year. Witt is the main scorer
and who you want to take the clutch shot. The 6-0, 180 pound
senior averaged a team high 14.4 points and 6.3 assists. He’s a
great shooter, a solid passer and a quality ballhandler. The
floor leader from Tipp City, Ohio should have another huge
season for EKU.
Projected Conference Rank:
Murray State will be right on their heels,
but Eastern Kentucky should secure a 1st place finish
in the OVC and earn another trip to the NCAA Tournament. The
only question is replacing first-team all-conference forward
Michael Haney. There are plenty of options though with Ryan
Wiersma, Julian Mascoll and Darnell Dialls.
Projected Post-season Tournament:
NCAA
Projected Starting Five:
Matt Witt, Senior, Guard, 14.4 points per game
Jason McLeish, Senior, Guard, 8.8 points per game
Zach Ingles, Senior, Guard, 11.7 points per game
Alonzo Hird, Senior, Forward, 9.4 points per game
Darnell Dialls, Sophomore, Forward, 2.5 points per game
