Oct. 28, 2009
CLEVELAND--Miami University's men's basketball team was predicted to finish fourth in the Mid-American Conference East Division in a poll of the league's media, and RedHawk senior guard Kenny Hayes (Dayton, Ohio/Northmont) was selected to the East Division All-MAC Preseason Team, the conference office announced on Oct 28.
Hayes was an Honorable Mention All-MAC selection in 2007-08. He started last season strong, averaging 13.9 ppg and shooting an impressive 53.3 percent from 3-point range through eight games before suffering a season-ending wrist injury in early December. He received a medical redshirt, allowing him to return to the hardwood this season.
The RedHawks amassed 78 points in the poll. Akron was predicted to finish first in the East Division, garnering 190 points and 19 first-place votes. Kent State was forecast to finish second with 108 points, while Buffalo was selected to finish third with 97 points. Behind Miami in the East Division preseason standings was Bowling Green, who was picked to finish fifth with 54 points, and Ohio in sixth with 32 points.
Central Michigan was predicted to win the West Division, amassing 113 points and 10 first-place votes. Northern Illinois was picked to finish second with 102 points, while Eastern Michigan was forecast to finish third with 94 points. Ball State, Western Michigan and Toledo were picked to finish fourth, fifth and sixth in the West Division, respectively.
Five schools earned votes to win the MAC Tournament with Akron being the favorite with 19 votes. Buffalo received two votes, while Northern Illinois, Kent State and Bowling Green each received one.
Miami has the first of two exhibition games on Sunday, Nov. 1, hosting California (Pa.) at 3 p.m. On Sunday, Nov. 8, the RedHawks play the second game of a women's and men's basketball exhibition doubleheader, entertaining Saginaw Valley State at approximately 3:30 p.m. Miami tips off its season at Towson on Friday, Nov. 13 and heads to Kentucky for a game on Monday, Nov. 16.
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The RedHawks return nine letterwinners, including three starters in Hayes, senior center Adam Fletcher and junior guard/forward Antonio Ballard.
Additionally, Miami University Head Coach Charlie Coles is just one win shy of tying the MAC record for league-only triumphs held by former Toledo head coach Bob Nichols (194). Coles owns an all-time MAC record of 193-132 over 19 seasons as a head coach in the league. He became Miami's all-time winningest coach during the 2008-09 season, surpassing Darrell Hedric's mark of 216. Coles owns a 224-168 record guiding the RedHawks and an overall career record of 316-252.
MAC East Division Preseason Media Poll
1. Akron - 190 points (19)
2. Kent State - 108 points (3)
3. Buffalo - 97 points (1)
4. Miami - 78 points
5. Bowling Green - 54 points (1)
6. Ohio - 32 points
MAC West Division Preseason Media Poll
1. Central Michigan - 113 points (10)
2. Northern Illinois - 102 points (4)
3. Eastern Michigan - 94 points (3)
4. Ball State - 87 points (3)
5. Western Michigan - 79 points (4)
6. Toledo - 29 points
(1st place votes in parentheses)
Tournament Winner: Akron (19), Buffalo (2), Northern Illinois (1), Kent State (1), Bowling Green (1)
East Division All-MAC Preseason Team
Kenny Hayes, G, Miami
Brett McKnight, F, Akron
Rodney Pierce, G, Buffalo
Chris Singletary, G, Kent State
Anthony "Humpty" Hitches, G, Akron
West Division All-MAC Preseason Team
David Kool, G, Western Michigan
Jarrod Jones, F/C, Ball State
Brandon Bowdry, F, Eastern Michigan
Darion "Jake" Anderson, G, Northern Illinois
Carlos Medlock, G, Eastern Michigan
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