2024 Preview
Superlatives:
Best Overall Team: Norfolk State
Best Overall Player: Bryce Harris, HOW
Best Shooter: Bryce Harris, HOW
Best Defenseman: Bryce Harris, HOW
Sleeper Team (Conference): NC Central
Sleeper Team (March): Norfolk State
Howard Guard Bryce Harris; Howard Athletics
1. Howard Bison
2023 Record: 18-17
Coach Kenneth Blakeney has put together a neat infusion of returning talent and experienced portal additions to give the Bison the best overall roster in the MEAC ahead of 2024. Cornerstone Bryce Harris is one of the country’s top shooters, and sharpshooter Marcus Dockery led the MEAC in three-pointers made last season. Solid backcourt play will be what Howard depends on to win close games this year. The Bison went 12-12 in games decided by ten or less points in 2023, including a 71-68 loss to Wagner in the First Four.
2. Norfolk State Spartans
2023 Record: 24-11
The most consistent overall roster in the MEAC resides in Norfolk with the addition of multiple freshman and transfers capable of taking the Spartans to a conference title. Norfolk State was the best statistical team in the conference last season but lost in the conference championship game to Howard, large in part to the defense’s troubles stopping the three ball. The return of all-league caliber guard Christian Ings will help with that.
3. Morgan State Bears
2023 Record: 11-20
The Bears’ 11-20 record was the program’s worst in five years, a season culminating in a first round exit in the MEAC tournament. Morgan State ran its offense at the conference’s fastest pace yet struggled to hit the three ball — a combination that is rarely successful. The three headed monster of Will Thomas (HBCU All-American), Wynston Tabbs and Rob Lawson all return for the Bears, a trio which should support a bulk of the scoring.
4. North Carolina Central Eagles
2023 Record: 18-13
The MEAC’s top offense in 2023 returns its catalyst in Keishon Porter, who averaged 8.9 points last season but routninely had outbursts of 20+ for the Eagles. Po’Boigh King is the team leader and a bucket-getter, the facilitator of a lightning-in-a-bottle stretch of six wins from mid-December to mid-January. The defense was the team’s weak point in 2023, struggling to create turnovers and defend inside the arc.
5. South Carolina State Bulldogs
2023 Record: 14-18
There wasn’t an “alpha dog” on the Bulldogs’ roster last season, as not a single player averaged more than 10 points per game. Michael Teal handled nearly 30% of the possessions and returns in 2024, a possible indication of a jump this season. The benefits of having a such a leveled out squad is that the whole team contributes relatively the same amount each night. The Bulldogs will use its overarching size to pulverize teams on the offensive boards, something they did well last season (39.9%).
6. Delaware State Hornets
2023 Record: 15-19
The Hornets are fresh off a MEAC Championship appearance, its first since 2015. Team leader Martaz Robinson is back after leading the team in scoring, but over 25 points per game depart with graduated starters. The Hornets were solid on both sides of the ball yet struggled to close out most games, with the return of many supporting cast members, Delaware State could be in the mix for a push in the MEAC.
7. Coppin State Golden Eagles
2023 Record: 2-27
Sporting one of the nation’s worst winning percentages in 2023, Coppin State will look to rebound behind the offensive play of now-sophomore Ryan Archey. The Golden Eagles were one of the worst statistical defenses in the conference, allowing an eFG% of just under 50% and struggling immensely on the offensive glass. The team is more experienced this season and may contend at a higher level in the conference, but Coppin State’s recent doldrums are more than likely to continue in 2024.
8. Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks
2023 Record: 14-20
The Hawks will be in search of an offensive presence as graduation took more than half of the team’s scoring. Newly hired coach Cleo Hill will rely on trasnfers from the likes of Austin Peay and younger Hawks who sat on the bench last season. There are multiple transfers who followed Hill to Princess Anne who will play early season rolls.