Owens CC Picked by Coaches to Win 2013-14 OCCAC MBB Basketball Championship

By Nicholas Huenefeld/OCCAC Sports Information

The OCCAC coaches have selected Owens Community College as the pre-season favorite to win the 2013-14 OCCAC men's basketball championship.

The full order, as predicted, is...

1. Owens Community College
2. Lakeland Community College
3. Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
4. Sinclair Community College
5 (T). Columbus State Community College
5 (T. Cuyahoga Community College
7. Edison Community College 

Here is a team-by-team preview:

Owens
 - Top Returner, Tony Boykins
 - Top Newcomer, Bikramjit Gill

"After reaching the NJCAA D-II Final Four and sending three players to NCAA D-I schools (James Kelly, Miami (Fla.); Justin Edmonds, Marshall University and Joe Retic II, Liberty University), we believe we have reloaded with a lot of quality talent," said Owens head coach Dave Clarke. "We hope we can uphold the tradition of Owens Community College and have another quality season on and off the court."

Lakeland
 - Top Returner, Marcus Fleming
 - Top Newcomer, Rasheed Howard 

"Lakeland will continue its aggressive tempo style of play both offensively and defensively with a stronger presence from multiple positions," said Lakeland head coach Terry Bowe.

Cincinnati State
 - Top Returner, Winston Grays
 - Top Newcomer, Trent Donald 

"After a injuring plagued 2012-13 season, Cincinnati State enters the upcoming season with a new group of student-athletes which I believe can contend for a national title," said Cincinnati State head coach Andre Tate.

Sinclair
 - Top Returner, Trace Cureton
 - Top Newcomer, Westley Parr 

"We should be much stronger around the basket and on the perimeter this season both offensively and defensively," said Sinclair head coach Jeff Price.

*Cuyahoga, Columbus State and Edison did not submit information for the team-by-team previews.