The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) men’s basketball tournament could be a tournament where the top seeds advance each day, or one surprise team or more makes it to Saturday’s nationally televised championship game on ESPN2. Here are five players who could help their teams earn a trip to the NCAA tournament.
Jamarii Thomas, guard, Norfolk State
A transfer from UNC-Wilmington, Thomas has been the key performer for the regular-season champion Spartans, leading the team in points (17.5 per game), assists (114), and steals (60).
As Thomas goes, so goes NSU. With his ability to make plays for his teammates and himself, he’s a favorite for MEAC Player of the Year and the key to Norfolk State’s title hopes.
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Fred Cleveland Jr., North Carolina Central
In an impressive three-guard lineup that includes Ja’Darius Harris and Po’Boigh King, Cleveland is another player-of-the-year candidate, leading Central in scoring (15 ppg) and the MEAC in assists (6.1 per game).
The North Carolina Central offensive attack begins with Cleveland, so any team that hopes to advance to the championship game must know his skill as a distributor and a scorer.
Bryce Harris, Howard
Harris has done everything asked of him to help the Bison defend their MEAC title, averaging a conference-high 18 points per game as well as leading the team in rebounding (7.6 per game), field goal percentage (56.3) and three-point field goal percentage (41.5). Harris also leads the team in steals (33) and blocks (28) and is third in assists (50), so it’s safe to say Howard’s repeat hopes are tied to his performance this week in Norfolk.
Martaz Robinson, Delaware State
Robinson has not only been called on to be the leading scorer for Delaware State but also mentoring the future backcourt in sophomore Jevin Muniz and freshman Deywilk Tavarez.
Robinson averages 16 points and six rebounds per game, both team highs, and also leads the MEAC in steals (29), a sign of a player who can affect a game at both ends of the floor.
The Hornets, looking to make their first MEAC title game appearance since 2015, will need that type of performance from Robinson if they are to challenge for a title.
Will Thomas, Morgan State
The Bears will need every available player in their quarterfinal matchup with Howard. Thomas has been on a hot streak of late with a 30-point game against North Carolina Central and 25 in a win over crosstown rival Coppin State in the season finale.
Thomas averages 13.6 points and four rebounds per contest while leading Morgan at the free-throw line (85.4 percent). If he can continue playing at another level, we could have at least one upset in this week’s tournament.
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