The Mid-Japanese Athletic Convention (MEAC) has lengthy been a hotbed for excellent basketball expertise, and this offseason, 4 of its brightest stars are making main strikes to Energy 4 (P4) applications, signaling new challenges for HBCU applications to maintain their prime gamers.
Kierra “Meme” Wheeler, a dominant power within the submit for Norfolk State, is headed to West Virginia. Recognized for her highly effective rebounding, sturdy defensive presence, and environment friendly scoring across the rim, Wheeler was a two-time All-MEAC performer. Her toughness and flexibility will carry speedy worth to the Mountaineers’ frontcourt.
“We’re pumped to get Meme in a West Virginia uniform,” head coach Mark Kellogg mentioned when saying her switch on April 16. “She has produced at a excessive stage on a championship workforce and has NCAA event expertise.”
Former Participant of the Yr leaves her HBCU
Future Howell, the dynamic guard from Howard, transferred to Wisconsin in mid-April. A prolific scorer and artful playmaker, Howell earned MEAC Participant of the Yr honors within the 2022-23 season. Her potential to create her personal shot and lead offensively ought to make her a key contributor within the Massive Ten. Howell began all 34 video games for the Bison, averaging 14.9 factors and 4.3 rebounds per recreation. She averaged 2.4 made three-pointers per recreation,
Becoming a member of Howell among the many ranks of SEC gamers is Saniyah King, additionally from Howard, who has dedicated to Mississippi State. King’s quickness, defensive tenacity, and management have been essential for the Bison. She brings a excessive basketball IQ and relentless motor, traits that may serve her effectively within the ultra-competitive SEC.
In the meantime, Angel Jones of Coppin State is making the leap to the ACC, becoming a member of Pitt. A tricky, agile level guard with nice courtroom imaginative and prescient, Jones was a gradual hand for the Eagles and can add depth and power to the Panthers’ backcourt.
These strikes not solely spotlight the person abilities of Wheeler, Howell, King, and Jones, but in addition shine a highlight on the extent of play within the MEAC. Nonetheless, coaches within the MEAC are pressured to take care of the ever-growing affect of the switch portal and alternatives for prime HBCU gamers on the P4 stage.
