Friday Top 5: The MAC's biggest potential playmakers this season
Chris Fowler moves down the court during the MAC semi-final game on March 13, at Quicken Loans Arena.
Fall semester is wrapping up and the Central Michigan men's basketball season is quickly approaching.
The Chippewas begin the season with a preseason scrimmage at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday at McGuirk Arena against Ferris State University.
Mid-American Conference play starts at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 6 against Eastern Michigan. Once MAC competition gets underway, keep an eye on these five players as the championship picture starts to take shape.
1. Central Michigan point guard Chris Fowler
Fowler is the best all-purpose player in the conference and no other player even comes close. His confidence driving through the lane and forcing contact from opposing defenders is unrivaled. Fowler's vision on the court and defensive prowess set him a part from other flashy and turnover-prone guards in the league.
The only concern with how selfless Fowler is heading to the rim, sacrificing his body to get the closest shot possible. If CMU's senior leader can get the ball to his teammates effectively and create space for himself, CMU should have no issue outscoring many of their opponents.
2. Toledo center Nathan Booth
Booth, a senior, has proven a force to be reckoned with in the painted area. The 6-foot-9 senior plays exceptional defense and creates more turnovers than any other member of his team.
UT has a history of winning games with strict ball discipline and solid post play, and Booth could have the best season of his college career this year as the Rockets search for their first appearance in the NCAA Tournament since 1980.
3. Ohio forward Kenny Kaminski
Yes, this is that Kenny Kaminski. The former Michigan State Spartan shot nearly 50 percent from the 3-point line during his one season in East Lansing and could be one of the Bobcats' more versatile players this season.
Kaminski, a junior, brings Big Ten basketball experience to a young yet eager OU team and second-year coach Saul Phillips. With sophomore forward Antonio Campbell providing many of OU's points in the paint, Kaminski could provide a much-needed balance to the Bobcats scoring attack.
4. Eastern Michigan guard Raven Lee
Though, EMU has become famous for their highly-effective 2-3 zone during the past few MAC seasons, the Eagles are sure to provide plenty of scoring this winter.
Lee, a senior this year, finished second in the conference in points per game with an average of 16.7. Like Fowler, Lee got to the free-throw line early and often last year, from which he shot a team-best 78 percent.
When the Chippewas open the MAC season against the Eagles during the first week of spring semester classes, Lee will be on the top of CMU's defensive priority list.
5. Central Michigan forward John Simons
CMU's versatile senior forward has one of the best shots of any big man in the MAC. Simons provides much compliment to what Fowler does and gives head coach Keno Davis a legitimate secondary scoring option. Simons finished last season averaging 12.3 points per game and a lethal 45 percent from 3-point range.
Simons loves to shoot it from the corner, and if he can get there, CMU is sure to have the best scoring offense in the MAC.
