MAC report

SportsLine.com Report
June 11, 2000

A glance at 2001

The inside presence of senior center John Whorton will be difficult to replace, but otherwise the rest of the starting lineup should remain intact.

Mike Perry or Rashaun Warren could replace Whorton in the middle, and with much of the core returning, the Golden Flashes could win 20 games and compete for the MAC title and another NCAA Tournament invite.

The coach

Gary Waters will have another season to further implement his methods on players old and young. This is where we could see Kent turn into a borderline Top 25 program, or just be a solid mid-major that competes for a conference title every season before heading off to the NIT.

It will be another big season for Waters as far as gaining respect. Kent's opened some eyes, but if this program is to have staying power, he'll have to coach the Golden Flashes to a third successive 20-win season.

Who'll be back

The backcourt of Trevor Huffman and Andrew Mitchell is very solid, while Kyrem Massey must find more consistency playing out on the wing. Considering Eric Thomas' success when the Golden Flashes have fed him the ball, you might see double-digit point production next season from him. Demetrie Shaw, Mike Perry and Rashaun Warren should all play increasing roles.

Who's gone

The hole Whorton leaves in the middle won't be filled easily, and losing Nate Meers and Geoffrey Vaughn strips the bench of key depth.

Key newcomers

There is a chance that Kent will go the junior college route to fill some spots, if not sign some players late. For now, there is only one player that has committed.

• SF Bryan Bedford (6-5, 220): A decent all-around talent for a mediocre high school squad at Case High in Racine, Wis. He picked the Golden Flashes over Akron and Ohio early on, and signed in the fall.
• F Frank Phifer (6-9, 210): Averaged 18 points, 10 boards and four blocks at Laurinburg Institute last season.
• F Matt Smriga (6-8, 240): Vicious rebounder from Apple Valley, Minn. Led state in rebounding junior and senior seasons.
• G Anthony Wilkins (6-7, 210): Regarded as one of the top 50 junior college prospects in the nation, Wilkins played point guard for Gulf Coast Community College last season.