The Kent State men’s basketball team spent last week at the Western Slam in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. The event was considered to be the top mid-major MTE in the country with the Flashes alongside Towson, UC Irvine and Kennesaw State.
In the latest CollegeInsider.com mid-major top 25 released Monday, the UC Irvine Anteaters at 8-0, are ranked #1 in the poll, ahead of Gonzaga and St. Mary’s. Towson and Kennesaw State are receiving votes while the Flashes with 84 points, are ranked #26. 26 conferences make up the mid-major poll so it’s a big deal to be ranked.
The Flashes took two out of three last week with wins over Towson and Kennesaw State, and a frustrating loss to Irvine, in a game where the Flashes scored 39 points. Every game felt like a MAC Semifinal or Championship game.
Coaches like to play in these events because it helps simulate the conference tournament. Three games in three days. Three days in Cleveland. 3-15. The format challenges teams mentally and physically. Mentally they have to be able to digest scouting reports in a short amount of time. Physically, players need to take care of their bodies and recover. Morgan Safford was unable to play in the Irvine game, nursing hip and back ailments.
The Flashes grinded for their two wins. They needed to. As loyal reader Howard Feldenkris accurately pointed out, the group shot 31.2% and 21.4% from the three-point line. And they still took two out of three. That speaks to the defensive mindset, physicality, culture and will of the team and the program that’s been established under Rob Senderoff.
Make no mistake, those things travel. In any gym in America, or Canada for that matter. Defense, toughness and physicality. Do the Flashes need to shoot the ball better and be more productive offensively? Of course, but I’m not worried about that. They have capable shooters, and good offensive players. The other thing they have are guys that can create contact and get to the line.
What was important to me as a fan last weekend was that the team competed, got better, and got contributions from up and down the lineup. Post Rico Gillespie really stepped up for the team. You saw the glimpses of Marquis Barnett, Anthony Morales and others. This is a deep team. It will be someone’s night if others are struggling.
Senderoff talked about pace of play a lot in the preseason and how the team wants to play faster. While that hasn’t been the case much so far, it’s also comforting that the team appears as comfortable in a slugfest as they do getting up and down. Make no mistake, this team will win with defense. They won’t be comfortable or affective trying to win games 88-84 on most nights.
I’m not around the team on a daily basis, but listening to the players and Senderoff talk, this group seemingly has good chemistry. With seven seniors, urgency and hunger should be very high. Guys’ last chance to play college ball, make the NCAA tournament and have ‘one shining moment.’ A lot of the newcomers brought in were on teams with losing records at their last stop, which should make them want to experience winning. The veterans Von Cameron Davis, Cli’Ron Hornbeak, Jalen Sullinger and Mike Bekelja have seen the promised land. They have also been a part of heartbreak. What does this season have in store? I’m not sure. But I have a good feeling about this team. Because to beat them, you will have to out tough them, out defend them and out work them. Good luck.
NOTHING BUT NET: The first NET rankings were released Monday and Kent State leads the MAC with a NET of 96, the only MAC program with a top 100 ranking. Central Michigan is next at 112.