D3Hoops.com has just released their 2010-2011 preseason rankings and MIT checks in at #15. MIT jumped onto the national scene two seasons ago, with their hot run to win the NEWMAC tournament championship, which was followed by their upset victory over Rhode Island College in the NCAA tournament. Last year, the Engineers continued that hot streak, winning 21 of their first 22 games against division III opponents, including their first 16 games against DIII foes. That success led to MIT being ranked 11 consecutive weeks in the D3Hoops.com Top 25, to as high as #8, before falling just out of the rankings in the final poll.
MIT returns nearly all their players from a team that went 22-5 and only had 2 regular season losses to division III opponents. Leading the way are returning starters Mitchell Kates (co-captain), Eric Zuk (co-captain), Will Tashman, and Noel Hollingsworth. Kates did an exemplary job leading the team from the point guard position. He led the NEWMAC in steals and assists, in addition to averaging over 13 points per game. He was named the D3Hoops.com Northeast region rookie of the year last season for his efforts. Will Tashman led the NEWMAC in FG% last season, in addition to filling up the stat sheet with over 9 points and 7 rebounds per game. Noel Hollingsworth led the NEWMAC in scoring and rebounding, in his first year with the Engineers, and was named NEWMAC player of the year. He was also named 2nd-team All-American by the NABC, as well as a Preseason All-American this season by the DIII News. Eric Zuk is the sole senior on this season's roster and will provide much needed experience with the young squad. In addition to those four, MIT gets back red-shirt sophomore Jamie Karraker, who missed last season with an injury. As a freshman, Karraker averaged 11 points per game, mainly behind strong shooting from 3 (42%). MIT also brings in a deep class of freshman to further bolster the squad.
MIT opens their season on November 16 against Emmanuel College in Rockwell Cage. Tip is set for 7:00 PM.
