Athleticism? Check.
Versatility? Check.
Depth? Check.
In a little more than a year, Kevin Broadus has done a lot to upgrade Morgan State's basketball roster. The Bears won 15 games in his debut season, their most since 2013-14, finished sixth in the MEAC and bring much of the rotation back for another go-round.
Could another step forward be in the works, perhaps even enough to position Morgan State for its first NCAA tournament appearance since 2010?
"I hope so," Broadus said. "That's the plan. The plan is to win the league. If we stay healthy and play together, we have a chance."
THE BACKCOURT
The Bears not only have options on the perimeter, but experienced players who were major contributors a season ago. That should help offset the loss of the graduated Stanley Davis, who led Morgan State in scoring (13.7), rebounds (6.0) and assists (2.5) a season ago.
It starts with Sherwyn Devonish, who averaged 10.0 points as a sophomore and evolved into what Broadus described as the coach's "brain on the court." Devonish's understanding of Broadus' system should be even stronger this winter, and he should be expected to take on more of a leadership role as well.
Isaiah Burke (7.9 ppg) made a team-high 38 three-pointers as a sophomore, and he figures to have the green light plenty as the Bears' top outside scoring threat. Also back is Malik Miller, who averaged 7.7 points and 5.4 rebounds.
"He's the glue, the heart and soul of the team," Broadus says. "He's what our program is about. He's blue-collar. He does all the grunt work. He's what I call a statsheet stuffer."
Look for a pair of transfers to have a major impact. Troy Holston has played at both South Florida and Saint Joseph's and is a capable shooter. Trevor Moore, who arrived at midseason after spending parts of two seasons at Cincinnati, figures to have an immediate impact as well.
Another well-regarded newcomer is freshman Naseem Khaalid, a point guard prospect ranked by some services as a top-200 recruit in his class. He's blessed with exceptional court vision, and is both a willing passer and an eager defender.
Broadus is looking forward to seeing what junior Moel Camara can do after redshirting last season. A junior college transfer, Camara is a throwback with great size and the ability to play multiple positions.
Sophomores Tahj-Malik Campbell and Thai're Vance will also vie for playing time. Broadus also picked up Wake Forest transfer Sharone Wright Jr. in the offseason. Wright, the son of the No. 6 pick in the NBA Draft, is expected to make an immediate impact this season.
2020-21 Morgan State Basketball Team
THE FRONTCOURT
Troy Baxter (10.2 ppg) delivered in his first season with the Bears --- at least when he was healthy. He had three 20-point games, including a 30-point outburst against Evansville, but was hobbled in the final stages of the season and sapped of his explosiveness.
At full strength, though, he could be an all-MEAC performer.
"When he's clicking, we're clicking," Broadus says. "He does so much. Defensively, he blocks shots and rebounds at a high clip. We can't wait to get him back and totally healthy because we think he can take us a long way."
Three other seniors are part of an impressive frontcourt rotation. The 6-9 Lagio Grantsaan is the Bears' best shooting big man and provides intangibles Broadus values. At 6-9 and 250 pounds, Jamar Brown is a physical presence who knows how to use his body well. Victor Okafor, also 6-9, runs the floor well and is a reliable defender.
Broadus is looking for sophomore Peter Sorber to take a jump after coming off the bench for much of last season. Jacksonville State transfer De'Torrion Ware averaged 11.9 ppg as a sophomore and is expected to add scoring punch as a versatile wing-forward. Freshman Josiah Marable sat out last season and will have a chance to contribute in the post this winter.
THE SCHEDULE
Perhaps the greatest mystery facing the Bears was just when and where they would take the court for the first time this season. The global pandemic denied them a chance to play in last year's MEAC tournament, and its lingering presence led to the postponement of all fall sports in the conference.
The answer is in. The Bears are scheduled to tip-off the 2020-21 season on November 25 when they host Mount St. Mary's (MD). It will be the first of a 3-game non-conference home swing. Broadus will lead his Bears against his alma mater Bowie State on Nov. 28, followed by a home test against Lincoln (Pa.) on Dec. 1.
Following a trip to face George Mason (Dec. 8), the Bears will host Bellarmine on Dec. 13. Three days later, the Bears will travel to Annapolis to take on Navy (Dec.16), followed by a Dec. 19 meeting at Towson.
The Bears will wrap the non-conference portion of the schedule at Hill Field House on Dec. 22 -- opponent yet to be determined.
The unusual nature of the year has created different challenges than anyone is accustomed to. For Morgan State, it's meant Broadus hasn't had a chance to build last year's progress with a full offseason.
Then again, that's true across the board.
"We're not going to make any excuses," Broadus said. "This has hampered everyone. It's not like anyone's getting ahead of us and can do something we can't. We're just taking it and doing what we can and keeping it moving."
*All upcoming dates and times are subject to change due to constant evolution of the pandemic.
2020-21 Morgan State Non-Conference Men's Basketball Schedule
| Date |
Opponent |
Notes |
| Nov. 25 |
MOUNT ST. MARY'S |
MSU beat Mt. St. Mary's 78-68 on Nov. 25, 2018;
The Mount leads the series 6-3 |
| Nov. 28 |
BOWIE STATE |
Bowie State won 89-77 at Hill Field House in 1993;
Kevin Broadus played and coached at BSU |
| Dec. 1 |
LINCOLN (PA) |
MSU suffered a 77-75 home setback on Jan. 3, 2019;
The Bears shot a school-record 27 of 27 from the line |
| Dec. 8 |
at George Mason |
George Mason leads the series 4-1;
MSU recorded an 85-82 victory against GMU on January 2, 1994 |
| Dec. 13 |
BELLARMINE |
First meeting |
| Dec. 16 |
at Navy |
MSU picked up its first win of the 2018 season vs. the Midshipmen;
It was the first win in four tries vs. Navy |
| Dec. 19 |
at Towson |
Towson leads the series 17-14 |
| Dec. 22 |
TBD |
|
|
|
|