{"id":153727,"date":"2025-10-29T02:12:48","date_gmt":"2025-10-29T06:12:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/?p=153727"},"modified":"2025-10-29T02:14:09","modified_gmt":"2025-10-29T06:14:09","slug":"hbcu-basketball-meac-mbb-new-era-same-expectations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/2025\/10\/29\/hbcu-basketball-meac-mbb-new-era-same-expectations\/","title":{"rendered":"HBCU Basketball: New era, same expectations in MEAC"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>If there\u2019s one word to describe the 2025\u201326 MEAC men\u2019s basketball season, it\u2019s <em>new<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This year marks a reset across the conference. Every single player who earned a spot on the 2024\u201325 All-MEAC First, Second, and Third Team has either graduated or transferred \u2014 leaving no returning All-Conference players from last season. The result? A league full of new faces, fresh rosters, and programs looking to either reload or rebuild.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yet amid all this change, there\u2019s a striking constant: <em>the coaches remain the same.<\/em> The MEAC\u2019s sideline generals are back to guide their retooled squads into one of the most unpredictable seasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With the 2025\u201326 campaign approaching, here\u2019s a team-by-team breakdown and the <strong>predicted order of finish<\/strong>, as voted by head coaches and SIDs across the conference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-predicted-order-of-finish-2025-26-meac-men-s-basketball\"><strong>Predicted Order of Finish: 2025\u201326 MEAC Men\u2019s Basketball<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Norfolk State (118 pts)<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Howard University (97 pts)<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>South Carolina State (90 pts)<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Morgan State (73 pts)<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>North Carolina Central (70 pts)<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Delaware State (70 pts)<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Maryland Eastern Shore (31 pts)<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Coppin State (27 pts)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-norfolk-state-the-hbcu-gold-standard-faces-a-true-test\"><strong>Norfolk State: The HBCU Gold Standard Faces a True Test<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Dominance has become synonymous with Norfolk State basketball. The Spartans have been the regular-season champs four times in the last five years (2020\u201321, 2021\u201322, 2023\u201324, 2024\u201325) and tournament champions three times (2021, 2022, 2025). They\u2019ve appeared in <em>five straight<\/em> MEAC Championship games \u2014 a dynasty by any definition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Head coach Robert Jones has established himself as not only the face of MEAC and HBCU basketball but also one of the most respected coaches in all of mid-major hoops. But this year, we\u2019ll find out what he\u2019s truly made of. Norfolk is entering the season with a completely new core \u2014 four returners who barely cracked the rotation last season (My\u2019kel Jenkins, Melo Baines, Jordan Leaks, and Dramane Camara).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To fill the void, Jones went shopping in the transfer portal and landed <em>experience and size.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Anthony McComb III (New Hampshire)<\/strong> \u2013 6&#8217;3&#8243; guard, Preseason Third Team All-MEAC<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Keyontae Lewis (Wagner)<\/strong> \u2013 6&#8217;9&#8243; forward, Preseason Third Team All-MEAC<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Yel Deeng (Casper CC)<\/strong> and <strong>Devon Ellis (Valparaiso)<\/strong> round out a reloaded frontcourt.<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Jones has built a winning culture that transcends rosters. If anyone can turn a brand-new team into a contender, it\u2019s him. The question isn\u2019t whether Norfolk State will compete \u2014 it\u2019s whether they\u2019ll stay atop the throne.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"100804\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/2023\/03\/28\/howard-university-hc-kenneth-blakeney-takes-ecas-coach-of-the-year\/howard-university-mens-basketball-head-coach-kenneth-blakeney-wins-2023-ecac-coach-of-the-year\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Howard-University-mens-basketball-head-coach-Kenneth-Blakeney-wins-2023-ECAC-Coach-of-the-Year.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1416,797\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Howard-University-mens-basketball-head-coach-Kenneth-Blakeney-wins-2023-ECAC-Coach-of-the-Year\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Howard-University-mens-basketball-head-coach-Kenneth-Blakeney-wins-2023-ECAC-Coach-of-the-Year.jpg?w=300\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Howard-University-mens-basketball-head-coach-Kenneth-Blakeney-wins-2023-ECAC-Coach-of-the-Year.jpg?w=1024\" height=\"576\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Howard-University-mens-basketball-head-coach-Kenneth-Blakeney-wins-2023-ECAC-Coach-of-the-Year.jpg?w=1024\" alt=\"Howard University, HBCU\" class=\"wp-image-100804\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Howard-University-mens-basketball-head-coach-Kenneth-Blakeney-wins-2023-ECAC-Coach-of-the-Year.jpg 1416w, https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Howard-University-mens-basketball-head-coach-Kenneth-Blakeney-wins-2023-ECAC-Coach-of-the-Year.jpg?resize=300,169 300w, https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Howard-University-mens-basketball-head-coach-Kenneth-Blakeney-wins-2023-ECAC-Coach-of-the-Year.jpg?resize=768,432 768w, https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Howard-University-mens-basketball-head-coach-Kenneth-Blakeney-wins-2023-ECAC-Coach-of-the-Year.jpg?resize=1024,576 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Kenny Blakeney and Howard are looking to get back in the title race after a rough 2024-2025. (Steven J. Gaither\/HBCU Gameday)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-howard-university-a-rebound-season-in-the-making\"><strong>Howard University: A Rebound Season in the Making<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Howard\u2019s 2024\u201325 campaign was a stumble compared to its back-to-back MEAC Tournament titles (2023, 2024). The Bison finished just 12\u201320 overall and 7\u20137 in league play, struggling to find rhythm after injuries derailed their chemistry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, the Bison are reloaded with 12 newcomers and a healthy Bryce Harris, the Preseason First Team All-MEAC selection who returns as the heart and soul of this team. Harris\u2019s leadership will be crucial as Howard integrates transfers from programs like Lehigh, North Texas, Penn, and Morehouse College.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Among them, Cedric Taylor III (Morehouse) might be <em>the<\/em> most impactful newcomer in the conference. The 6\u20197\u201d forward averaged 15.6 points and 6.7 boards last year and brings a versatile scoring punch that could elevate Howard back to championship form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Add in Cam Gillus (Lehigh) \u2013 Preseason Second Team All-MEAC \u2013 and Alex Cotton (North Texas), and the Bison suddenly look deep, athletic, and dangerous again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Expect Howard to reclaim its place in the top two, with an offense built to run and stretch the floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-south-carolina-state-staying-hungry-at-the-top\"><strong>South Carolina State: Staying Hungry at the Top<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>South Carolina State enters the 2025\u201326 season determined to finish what it started. The Bulldogs shared the MEAC regular-season title last year, going 20\u201313 overall and 11\u20133 in conference play, before falling just one point short of the championship crown to Norfolk State. It was a breakthrough season that proved SCSU could go toe-to-toe with the league\u2019s best \u2014 but this year\u2019s team will have to do it with a new cast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gone are most of the team\u2019s key scorers from last season, leaving Jayden Johnson, the Preseason MEAC Player of the Year, to lead a retooled roster. Johnson\u2019s versatility and leadership give the Bulldogs a strong foundation as they integrate several new faces, including 7\u20191\u201d JUCO transfer Tim Okojie, who brings rim protection and rebounding, and 6\u20199\u201d freshman Dewin Hodge, a promising frontcourt talent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While the chemistry will take time to develop, South Carolina State has the athleticism, size, and confidence to remain in the MEAC\u2019s top tier. If Johnson can elevate his teammates and the new additions adapt quickly, the Bulldogs could once again find themselves playing deep into March \u2014 and maybe this time, cutting down the nets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-morgan-state-searching-for-a-new-identity\"><strong>Morgan State: Searching for a New Identity<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For years, Morgan State basketball has lived and died by its guards \u2014 quick, aggressive, and capable of creating offense out of chaos. But heading into the 2025\u201326 season, that familiar identity is in flux. The Bears are older, transfer-heavy, and still figuring out who they are offensively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Losing Kameron Hobbs, last year\u2019s leading scorer and floor general, to graduation leaves a massive hole. Nearly everything Morgan State did on offense flowed through Hobbs \u2014 his scoring, his playmaking, his poise. Without him, the Bears return only a handful of players from last year\u2019s roster, meaning this is essentially a brand-new team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The good news? There\u2019s talent \u2014 and size. Head coach <strong>Kevin Broadus<\/strong> hit the transfer portal hard, adding 7\u20191\u201d center <strong>Dallas James<\/strong> (Indiana) and 6\u20199\u201d forward <strong>Manok Lual<\/strong> (Frostburg State) to bring much-needed length and presence in the paint. In the backcourt, the Bears add <strong>Alfred Worrell Jr.<\/strong>, a 6\u20194\u201d transfer from Southern Miss, and <strong>Elijah Davis<\/strong>, a 6\u20191\u201d guard from Bowie State \u2014 both of whom bring experience and scoring ability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Walter Peggs Jr.<\/strong>, a Preseason Third Team All-MEAC selection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But the question remains: can Morgan State rediscover the guard-led spark that\u2019s defined its success in the past, or will this new mix of size and experience steer the Bears in a different direction?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"37385\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/motonbench1\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/MotonBench1.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1200,675\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"LeVelle Moton\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/MotonBench1.jpg?w=300\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/MotonBench1.jpg?w=1024\" height=\"576\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/MotonBench1.jpg?w=1024\" alt=\"LeVelle Moton NCCU\" class=\"wp-image-37385\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/MotonBench1.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/MotonBench1.jpg?resize=300,169 300w, https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/MotonBench1.jpg?resize=768,432 768w, https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/MotonBench1.jpg?resize=1024,576 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">LeVelle Moton and NC Central are looking for their first MEAC title this decade. (Steven J. Gaither\/HBCU Gameday)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-north-carolina-central-rebuilding-the-nest\"><strong>North Carolina Central: Rebuilding the Nest<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>North Carolina Central enters the 2025\u201326 season in unfamiliar territory. Once on of the most consistent HBCU and mid-major programs now finds itself in the midst of a full rebuild. The Eagles finished sixth last year (6\u20138 MEAC), a noticeable drop from their strong 2023\u201324 campaign, and they lost their top six scorers from that roster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Only four players return, led by Dionte Johnson (Preseason Second Team All-MEAC). While this team may lack the veteran firepower we\u2019ve come to expect from NCCU, the reset could prove beneficial in the long run. New opportunities, new roles, and a chance to redefine who they are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Eagles might not strike fear across the conference right now, but they\u2019re laying the groundwork for what could be the next chapter in NCCU basketball\u2019s proud tradition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-delaware-state-searching-for-a-new-backcourt-identity\"><strong>Delaware State: Searching for a New Backcourt Identity<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Delaware State enters the season without its dynamic guard combo of Martaz Robinson and Robert Smith, along with the departure of Kaseem Watson \u2014 three players who powered much of the Hornets\u2019 offense last year. That leaves big shoes to fill and a new question to answer: what will this team\u2019s offensive identity look like now?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The spotlight turns to Ponce James (Preseason First Team All-MEAC), who\u2019s poised for a breakout season after learning behind those veterans. Alongside him, Zion Bethea and Camian Shell \u2014 both named to the Preseason Second Team \u2014 will anchor a backcourt loaded with potential but short on proven chemistry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If this new trio can establish rhythm early, Delaware State could surprise people and compete near the top of the conference. If not, it might be another year of growing pains as the Hornets work to reestablish their offensive flow.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"141686\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/2025\/03\/13\/college-basketballs-toughest-rebuild-is-underway\/cleohilllookout\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/CleoHillLookOut.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1200,675\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"CleoHillLookOut\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/CleoHillLookOut.jpg?w=300\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/CleoHillLookOut.jpg?w=1024\" height=\"576\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/CleoHillLookOut.jpg?w=1024\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-141686\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/CleoHillLookOut.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/CleoHillLookOut.jpg?resize=300,169 300w, https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/CleoHillLookOut.jpg?resize=768,432 768w, https:\/\/hbcugameday.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/CleoHillLookOut.jpg?resize=1024,576 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Cleo Hill enters his second season at Maryland Eastern Shore with a brand new roster. (Steven J. Gaither\/HBCU Gameday)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-maryland-eastern-shore-hbcu-basketball-s-longest-rebuild\"><strong>Maryland Eastern Shore: HBCU basketball&#8217;s longest rebuild<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For the second straight year, Maryland Eastern Shore enters the season in full rebuild mode. After finishing at the bottom of the MEAC standings last season with just two conference wins, the Hawks once again pressed reset on their roster. Only <strong>two players<\/strong> return from 2024\u201325, as head coach <strong>Cleo Hill Jr.<\/strong> overhauled nearly the entire team \u2014 bringing in <strong>13 newcomers<\/strong> through the transfer portal, JUCO ranks, and freshman signings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hill, now entering his second season at the helm, is no stranger to roster reconstruction. But this year\u2019s rebuild looks different. Instead of relying solely on young prospects, UMES has opted for experience. The 2025\u201326 Hawks are an <em>older<\/em> group \u2014 featuring just three underclassmen \u2014 with a mix of Division I, Division II, and JUCO transfers who bring maturity and physicality, even if they lack continuity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Leading the way are Chris Flippin, a versatile guard-forward hybrid named to the Preseason All-MEAC First Team, and Michael Teal, a Third Team selection who provides much-needed scoring punch and energy on both ends. The duo will be the focal point for a team still learning to play together but eager to prove that the rebuild can yield results faster than expected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>UMES also added size and depth across the board, with transfers from programs such as UNC Asheville, Columbia University, and South Carolina State \u2014 players who may not have been primary options at their previous schools but now have the opportunity to shine in bigger roles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Still, chemistry remains the biggest unknown. But there\u2019s reason for optimism: if this new group can buy in early, Maryland Eastern Shore could quietly climb out of the MEAC basement and lay the foundation for long-term stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-coppin-state-searching-for-stability\"><strong>Coppin State: Searching for Stability<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Coppin State enters year three under head coach Larry Stewart with a sense of cautious optimism. After back-to-back seasons of incremental improvement, the Eagles are showing small signs of growth. Last year\u2019s 6\u201324 record (4\u201310 MEAC) doesn\u2019t tell the full story \u2014 Coppin competed harder, played with more structure, and showed flashes of the identity Stewart is building in West Baltimore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This year\u2019s team is once again almost entirely new; it features Khalil Horton and Taj Thweatt, both named to the Preseason All-MEAC Teams. Horton is a versatile wing, while Thweatt\u2019s athleticism and size give Coppin much-needed interior strength. Stewart has also added transfer depth to surround that duo with more scoring and defensive versatility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If Coppin State can be competitive throughout entire games and have late-game execution, the Eagles could surprise some teams this season. They may not be ready to contend just yet, but the foundation is being laid for a program trending in the right direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-final-thoughts-a-season-of-change-and-opportunity\"><strong>Final Thoughts: A Season of Change and Opportunity<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The 2025\u201326 MEAC men\u2019s basketball season is shaping up to be unpredictable. With every All-MEAC player from last year gone, the slate has been wiped clean in this HBCU league. Rosters have been rebuilt, transfers have reshaped programs, and every team \u2014 from perennial powers like Norfolk State and Howard to rebuilding squads like Coppin and UMES \u2014 is searching for its new identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While Norfolk State and Howard remain the favorites on paper, the margin for error feels slimmer than ever. South Carolina State is hungry to finish the job it nearly completed last season, Delaware State and Morgan State have plans to disrupt the standings, and even the programs at the bottom are loading up with new energy and purpose. It\u2019s a conference in transition \u2014 but also one bursting with opportunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As the season unfolds, one thing\u2019s certain: the MEAC will continue to showcase some of the best stories, coaches, and players in all of HBCU basketball.<br><br><em>Follow<a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/livforhoops\"> @livforhoops<\/a> for all HBCU basketball content, updates, and behind-the-scenes coverage throughout the season.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>MEAC men&#8217;s basketball has virtually been reset &#8212; except for the coaches.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":77,"featured_media":153754,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_ml_titleColor":"#000000","_ml_titleFont":"Roboto","_ml_titleFontSize":1.136,"_ml_titleFontWeight":"400","_ml_titleLineHeight":1.3,"_ml_metaColor":"#708090","_ml_metaFont":"Montserrat","_ml_metaFontSize":0.6785,"_ml_metaFontWeight":"400","_ml_metaLineHeight":0.92,"_ml_bodyColor":"#a9a9a9","_ml_bodyFont":"Open Sans","_ml_bodyFontSize":0.85,"_ml_bodyFontWeight":"400","_ml_bodyLineHeight":1.2,"_ml_wooPriceColor":"#666","_ml_wooPriceFont":"Open Sans","_ml_wooPriceFontSize":0.9,"_ml_wooPriceFontWeight":"400","_ml_wooPriceLineHeight":1.27,"_ml_headingColor":"#000","_ml_headingFont":"Merriweather","_ml_headingFontSize":2.02,"_ml_headingFontWeight":"700","_ml_headingLineHeight":1.47,"_mlglobal_userfontcolors":{"headingColorUser":[],"titleColorUser":[],"metaColorUser":[],"bodyColorUser":[],"wooPriceColorUser":[]},"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[573635622,573627536,573627542],"tags":[573627544,573627534,811699],"class_list":["post-153727","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-2025-2026-hbcu-basketball","category-basketball","category-meac","tag-featured","tag-hbcusports","tag-meac"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v22.4 (Yoast SEO v24.7) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>HBCU Basketball: New era, same expectations in MEAC - HBCU Gameday<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Explore the evolving landscape of HBCU basketball in the MEAC. 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