It’s hard to believe, but college basketball season is almost here. This week, we’ll preview Michigan’s eight Division III schools.

By Patrick Hayes

At a glance

• Coach: Mark White, fourth season
• Last year: 17-9, 9-5 MIAA
• Conference: Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA)
• Key losses: N/A
• Key additions: Zach Darnell (freshman from Imlay City), Ben Rodak (freshman from Imlay City)
• Team website
• Adrian news on BallinMichigan

Overview

After losing a close game in overtime to Hope College in the MIAA championship game, Adrian looks to once again compete for a spot in the NCAA Division III Tournament.

Strengths

Experience will be a major benefit for this year’s Adrian College squad. There wasn’t a single senior on last year’s team that finished second in the MIAA and took Hope to the limit in the league title game.

Among the returners are Richaud Pack, a junior who was on the all-conference second team last season. Pack averaged 14.6 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. He also shot 39 percent from 3-point range and had 22 points against Hope in the MIAA title game.

Also back are Brad Whitby (11.8 points per game), Sean Gallant (10.5 points per game) and Adam Meier (9.7 points per game). Gallant was the team’s leading rebounder and the leader in assists, Delano Collins, is also back.

Adrian was strong on the glass last season, out-rebounding opponents by nearly 200 for the season. The Bulldogs also held opponents to just 41 percent shooting during the season.

Weaknesses

Unseating Hope, a team that was 14-0 in MIAA play last season, will be no easy task. Improved shooting as a team could help Adrian turn a few of their close losses into wins. The Bulldogs shot just 42 percent overall last season and 29 percent from three. Another year of experience could help their shooters.

The team also had just 293 assists compared to 324 turnovers. Improved shot-making will make the assist number go up and if Adrian can cut down on the turnovers a bit, that will also make them even tougher in close games.

Circle these dates …

• Nov. 20 – The annual Battle for the Milk Jug against Siena Heights.
• Nov. 3, 5 and 9 – Adrian opens conference play against Hope, Calvin and Trine in a seven-day span. Hope finished first and Trine and Calvin finished just behind Adrian in the MIAA standings last season. Getting off to a good start in those games could give the Bulldogs the momentum they need to pursue a conference title

Outlook

With this much talent returning, Adrian should be able to get off to a fast start to the season while other teams are trying to replace key players from their teams last season. In the MIAA, a strong early start might be just enough separation to be the difference in winning the league title.