Men's Basketball | August 11, 2017

KALAMAZOO, Mich.- College Sports Madness released its rankings for college men's basketball teams for the 2017-18 season. Western Michigan has come in at number one amongst Mid-American-Conference teams.
 
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The Broncos rattled off wins in nine of their last 10 regular-season MAC games on their way to a MAC West title last season and finished a tough 2016-17 schedule with a 16-16 record. WMU went on to defeat Miami in the MAC Tournament opening round for its ninth-straight win before falling in the quarterfinals to Ball State.

Entering his 15^th year as head coach, Steve Hawkins will be looking to win his ninth MAC West title. Hawkins has also led the Broncos to two regular season titles and two MAC Tournament championships, most recently in 2014.
 
Leading the way on the 2017-18 squad is senior guard Thomas Wilder who originally declared for the NBA Draft but has decided to come back for his final season. A First Team All-MAC and All-District selection last year, Wilder led the team in points and assists, averaging 19.3 ppg and 3.8 apg. Other veteran returners for the Broncos are senior center Drake LaMont, junior guard Bryce Moore, junior forward Josh Davis, and junior center Seth Dugan. Seven sophomores will be returning including All-MAC Freshman team selection forward Reggie Jones (9.4 ppg, 3.5 rpg) and forward Brandon Johnson (8.0 ppg, 5.5 rpg) who will look to break out after solid freshmen seasons. Four freshmen also join the roster and will be looking to compete for playing time.
 
Western Michigan heads down to Puerto Rico to take part in the 11^th annual Puerto Rico Tip-Off, Nov. 16, 17 and 19 at Coliseo Municipal Tomás Dones in Fajardo. Before heading to Puerto Rico, the Broncos will stop at 2017 Final Four participant South Carolina for a non-bracketed game on Nov. 13.