MEAC report

SportsLine.com Report
April 10, 2000

It was a rough year for the Bears.

The season started with a seven-game losing streak. A 58-57 win over Coppin State stopped the streak, then the Bears proceeded to lose four straight and seven of eight.

They capped the season losing to Maryland Eastern Shore, 60-58 in the MEAC Tournament.

A glance at 2001

It's hard to project a team that won just five games -- including no non-conference contests -- into success in 2001. In addition, the Bears lose leading scorer Jimmy Fields to graduation.

The Bears are a hurting unit and need to recruit well and hope role players become stars.

Michael Canady (6-11, 200) provides some hope after averaging 10.3 points (MSU's second-leading scorer) and a team high 7.2 points a game last year.

Reggie Winkfield (6-4, 205) made the MEAC all-freshman team and he's a rising star. There might actually be a rapid improvement next year as the Bears boast some talented freshmen and sophomores. Out of the MEAC's four worst teams in 1999-2000 -- Florida A&M, Delaware State, Morgan State and Howard -- the Bears have the best chance to move up in the standings.

The coach

Chris Fuller's program was improving every year and appeared to be on the rise until this past season. His fifth year was his worst, but he's still a highly-regarded coach in the MEAC.

Who'll be back

Michael Canady (6-11, 200), the team's second-leading scorer and rebounder, is a nice presence inside for the Bears.

Reggie Winkfield (6-4, 205) was one of the MEAC's top freshmen last year after averaging 7.5 points a game. That's a good inside-outside duo to build a foundation on.

Tom Frederick (6-7, 210) was another solid freshman and Brandon Reece (6-7, 210) is an up-and-coming sophomore. Coach Fuller has a solid nucleus to work with.

Who's gone

Leading scorer Jimmy Fields (5-9, 170), who averaged 15.6 points a game, will be missed, and Ronny Van Hook (6-2, 180) was the team's third-leading scorer at 8.2, also leaves a void.