FREELAND, Mich. -- The Trine University men's basketball team was voted as the preseason favorite to repeat as Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) champions in the 2021-22 season.
The Thunder received 49 votes, including all seven possible first-place votes. Behind them is Albion College with 40 points and Calvin University in third with 39 points and one first-place vote.
Trine returns all six guys who started a game last season and have brought in a class of freshmen that have already proven to be key contributors. Nick Bowman [Angola, Ind. / Hamilton Southeastern], who was named an All-American by D3hoops.com, Great Lakes Region Player of the Year, conference MVP and First Team All-MIAA, was named a Preseason All-American prior to the start of the season. He scored a team-high 24 points in the team's season-opening win over Mount St. Joseph and 26 points at Manchester.
Other returners include First Team All-MIAA recipient Brent Cox [Kendallville, Ind. / East Noble], Second Team All-MIAA Bryce Williams [Archbold, Ohio / Archbold] and MIAA Defensive Player of the Year Emmanuel Megnanglo [Cotonou, Benin / Amelia Academy]. Newcomer Hayden Jones [Kendallville, Ind. / East Noble] came off the bench in the home opener and scored six points, including two shots from long range.
The Thunder continue their season on Tuesday, November 16 at home versus Benedictine University (Ill.) at 7 pm.