By Kyle Kuhlman/OCCAC Sports Information

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio – Cuyahoga Community College and Sinclair Community College are co-favorites in the OCCAC entering the 2017-18 men’s basketball season according to the Preseason Coaches Poll released Tuesday (Oct. 24). While the two programs tied in overall votes, Cuyahoga owns a slim 5-4 edge in first-place votes received.

2017-18 OCCAC PRESEASON MEN’S BASKETBALL COACHES POLL
First-place votes listed in parenthesis
1 | Cuyahoga (5) | 1.78 avg.
1 | Sinclair (4) | 1.78 avg.
3 | Owens | 3.56 avg.
4 | Columbus State | 4.56 avg.
5 | Lakeland | 4.89 avg.
6 | Edison | 5.78 avg.
7 | Lorain County | 6.22 avg.
8 | Clark State | 8.11 avg.
9 | Hocking | 8.33 avg.

The top-3 vote-getters -- Cuyahoga, Sinclair and Owens -- have represented at least a share of the four most recent OCCAC champions. Cuyahoga paired with Cincinnati State for the 2016-17 co-championship while Sinclair claimed the crown in 2015-16 and Owens seized co-titles in both 2013-14 and 2014-15.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING | TOP RETURNERS/NEWCOMERS INFORMATION
Cuyahoga
“Our group of sophomores have done a great job in the classroom and on the court,” head coach Michael Duncan said. “They are a pleasure to be around and as a coach I can truly say I love coaching and being around this group of young men. On behalf of my entire coaching staff, I would like to say ‘thank you’ to this group of young men for being a part of our basketball family.”

Top returners – Wade Lowman, Quinton Dove, Devon Robinson, Larenz Thurman, Waheem Lowman
Top newcomer – Earl Holcomb (played two years ago, but sat out last season due to injury)

Sinclair
Top returners – Lidonta Hicks-Gentry (OCCAC Honorable Mention), Jaquan Harrison (OCCAC All-Defensive)
Top newcomers – Ky’re Allison (transfer from Marshall University), Quantes Jackson, Isaiah Collier, Tyler Jackson, Ro Durham, Alec Holtrey, Isaiah Trice (younger brother of Final Four Michigan State guard Travis Trice and current Wisconsin guard D’Mitrik Trice), Nicoloy Bailey, Javell Redwood

Columbus State
“We are a very young team with a lot of talent that will get better as the season goes on,” head coach Ed Thompson said.

Top returner – Mario Young

Lakeland
"Excited to coach this group,” head coach Terry Bowe said. “Dynamic in that we are back to our traditional guard and wing heavy roster that can shoot and defend with length. Should be a fun season.”

Top returner – Jeremie Burge
Top newcomer – Soloman Hall

Lorain County
“We are excited about this year’s group,” head coach Marty Eggleston said. “We have great potential. I’m excited about the road ahead.”

Top returners – Kevin Kelly, Mike Rell, Jake Schultz
Top newcomers – TBD

Hocking
Top returner – D’Andre Clay
Top newcomer – Romeo Parker