The usual MEAC suspects are back, and — at least for now — the league runs through the District.
A clear top tier has emerged in the MEAC consisting of Howard, NC Central and Norfolk State. You have to return to 2016 to find a year in which a program other than those three won the league.
Don’t expect that to change this season. That trio showcases the best coaches, the best players and the best home-court advantages. Any time two of the three square off on MEAC Mondays, there’s no doubt that competitive, back-and-forth games will follow. The Bison appear a slight cut above the other two, but the gap could easily narrow once Central and Norfolk acclimate their new pieces.
Beyond the top contenders, keep an eye on South Carolina State and Delaware State. Both programs made immense progress last season, experiencing new life with coaches now finding their footing. Speaking of new coaches, Larry Stewart will hope to make Coppin respectable in Year 2, while first-year frontman Cleo Hill Jr. faces an uphill climb to keep UMES out of the conference’s dregs.
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Regardless of what unfolds, the league promises to be full of drama once more.
Projected Order of Finish
1. Howard Bison
Last year marked Howard’s second-consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance, a first in program history. It’s a testament to Kenny Blakeney as a program builder — he has excelled at player evaluation and roster construction, yielding a strong on-court product.
With a roster flush with talent, the Bison should finish at the top of the conference again. Forward Bryce Harris (16.6 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 1.1 bpg, 1.1 spg) leads the way as a versatile weapon on the wing. The 6-4 junior is a beast around the basket who also makes plays from the top of the key and stretches the floor. He paced the MEAC in offensive rating and true shooting percentage a season ago.
In the frontcourt, Dom Campbell (7.8 ppg, 4.5 rpg) gives Howard another highly skilled athlete with passing acumen. The 6-9 junior controls the glass and gets to the free throw, which portends a massive Year 2 in the Mecca.
Marcus Dockery (13.5 ppg, 1.8 apg, 40.6 3P%, 95 3PM) will run the point while also supplying his usual scoring pop. Anwar Gill (9.3 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.9 apg at LaSalle) brings a combination of physicality and shooting to the backcourt, and Joshua Strong (3.5 ppg, 46.8 3P%, 22 3PM) gives Howard another knockdown threat. Lastly, 6-5 transfer Jaren Johnson (7.3 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 2.5 apg at Dartmouth) fits the archetype of the connective wing that thrives under Blakeney.
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