MAC BASKETBALL PREVIEW

TEAM: Miami RedHawks
2023-24 RECORD: 15-17, 9-9 MAC

HEAD COACH: Travis Steele
PRESEASON MAC COACHES POLL: 6th of 12 teams

OVERVIEW by MIKE SMITH:
(all rankings are MAC)
>> After posting 12 wins in Travis Steele's first season at the helm, Miami nearly broke the .5oo mark last season with a 15-17 overall mark last year. That included a 9-9 regular season MAC record that was good enough for a No. 7 seed in the MAC tournament. Akron, who went on the win the tourney, knocked MU out early. 
Although the RedHawks lost several key performers from the 2023-24 team, there is significant optimism surrounding this year's squad. 
>> MU finished the . . . 

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. . . opening non-conference schedule with an 8-4 record. It did so without losing two or more games in a row and won three of its final four contests. The RedHawks also picked up a title by winning the Fort Myers Tipp-Off Palms Division in late November. 
>> Two of Miami's four non-conference losses were at Indiana and at Michigan. The RedHawks also fell at Vermont and once at home to Wright State. 
>> Only two MU players averaged double figures last season, and both are gone. 
Guard Darweshi Hunter (11.9 ppg), who transferred in from Northern Illinois, provided some valuable experience and also hit several game-winning shots. 
Anderson Mirambeaux gave MU a strong inside presence while averaging 12.7 ppg. 
>> Forward Antwone Woolfolk (6-9, 235) figures as part of the RedHawks Mirambeaux replacement plan. Although he lack's Mirambeaux's overall size, the (former Rutgers) junior is averaging 7.8 points and 5.6 rebounds while playing an average of 22.8 minutes per outing. Those numbers could change as Steele shrinks his lineup during league play. Woolfolk has reached double figures four times, including 13 in the final Fort Myers tournament win. 
>> Woolfolk leads the MAC in field goal percentage (43-of-70, 61.4%).
>> Another part of Miami's inside game is 7-1 center Reece Potter. Much of his non-conference time this year was building back his stamina -- and game -- following surgery. At 215 pounds, he can't really bang inside like Mirambeaux. However, he can shoot threes (45.5%) and score inside given favorable matchups and/or situations. 
>> Forward Eian Elmer is a key returning talent. The former Cincinnati prep player showed potential as a freshman and is averaging 13.0 ppg so far this year. He is third in the league in steals (2.2 per game).
>> Steele has worked hard at building a lineup that can score. At least through non-conference play, it looks like the work is paying dividends. Miami ranks first among MAC teams in scoring (82.4 ppg), field goal percentage (49.6%) and 3-point shooting (39.8%). 
There will be nights when the shots aren't falling. Such was the case at Vermont when MU hit just 1-of-15 3-point tries. However, Steele's team appears to have made some strides in diversifying the offense. 
>> Guard Peter Suder probably has the most versatle game, which was on display for RedHawk fans on hand December 2 when he scored a career-high 42 points against Appalachian State. The former Belmont guard, who is from Carmel, Indiana scored from all over the court. Overall, he is averaging 14.6 ppg while connecting on 53.8 percent from the field. 
>> Former Xavier guard Kam Craft may be the best "pure shooter" on the team and recently showed some signs of being able to finish around the rim. Conference play will be a significant challenge for the latter skill. Through 12 games, he leads MU scoers with an average of 15.3 ppg. He has connected on 44.6 percent from the field overall and 44.4 percent outside the arc. 
>> There are more shooters coming off the bench, include Luke Skaljac. He has connected on 61.7 percent from the field and 61.5 percent on threes. 
>> At least thus far, point guard has not produced an abundance of points. However, Mekhi Cooper ranks first among MAC players in assist/turnover ratio (2.8). He is fifth in steals (1.8 spg).
>> Miami tops the MAC in turnover margin (+4.92) 
>> The RedHawks rank 11th in rebounds (33.3 rpg). However, they are first in opponent rebounds (31.3 rpg). 
>> Steele hopes to get more from the free throw line. Althought the RedHawks are sixth in free throw percentage (71.1%), they are last in free throws attempted (152).