The Horizon league is a gem in the college basketball world, producing stellar games night after night. The conference possesses some of the best scorers you will find at the collegiate level, regardless of the league. The excitement should be at a fever pitch ahead of the Horizon League Conference Tournament as there are several legitimate contenders who can take the crown and punch their ticket to the big dance.
Favorite:
No. 1 Oakland (15-5 Horizon record, 20-11 overall)
Greg Kampe is the longest tenured Division I head coach in college basketball, heading up the Golden Grizzlies since 1984. In his fortieth season, Kampe’s crew has topped the conference standings.
With an impressive win on the road against Xavier, the Golden Grizzlies have proven they can take down high major competition. However, they’ve limped to the finish line, causing concern for their tournament hopes. A recent 21 point home loss to Wright State Iisn’t what you want to see at this point of the season.
Oakland stands as no. 138 in the NET. Bracketology expert Joe Lunardi has the Golden Grizzlies as a no. 14 seed in what would be their fourth NCAA Tournament appearance.
Contenders:
No. 2 Youngstown State (14-6 Horizon record, 22-9 overall)
Despite their second place conference standing, the Youngstown boys still top the league in NET rankings at no. 126. Coach Jerrod Calhoun is looking for redemption for last years’ conference tournament with the then no. 1 seeded Penguins falling in the semifinals.
The Penguins have the no. 26 best scoring offense and average scoring margin, winning by an average of 11 points each game. Youngstown State ranks among the top 25 in free throw percentage, rebounding, and shot blocking which are each crucial in winning close games.
Despite only returning 22% of their scoring from last season, Calhoun has refueled the roster through the transfer portal. Senior transfers Ziggy Reid, D.J. Burns, and Brett Thompson make up a talented big three which can propel the Penguins to the big dance.
No. 3 Green Bay (13-7 Horizon record, 18-13 overall)
Green Bay may be the Cinderella team of college basketball this season. After an atrocious 3-29 2023 season, first year head coach Sunny Wicks has shattered all expectations.
With wins over each of the other top 4 seeds, they were on track to pass Oakland for the top seed prior to a season altering injury to Conference Player of the Year favorite, Noah Reynolds. A sprained ankle has held Reynolds out of action as of late, in which the Phoenix have lost four out of five games. Without their star, the Phoenix seem to have flamed out.
No. 4 Wright State (13-7 Horizon record, 18-13 overall)
If you enjoy a shootout, Wright State is the perfect watch. While they possess the no. 5 offense in the country, scoring 86.1 points per game, the Raiders lack much defensive capabilities. They are no. 355 in scoring defense, allowing over 80 points per contest.
Even with the dreadful defense, coach Scott Nagy’s team is no. 147 in the NET. The Raiders offense leads the conference in points, assists, field goal percentage, three point percentage, and free throws made.
The All Conference duo of Trey Calvin and Tanner Holden led a group of starters who each averaged 12 points per game in conference play. The Raiders are the scariest team in the tournament. If you can’t hang, you don’t stand a chance.
No. 5 Northern Kentucky (12-8 Horizon record, 17-14 overall)
The Norse are a shell of their NCAA Tournament team from last season, yet managed to fight their way to a five seed. However, they came up with a tough draw. They earned the final first round bye, but they will match up with Wright State who just bested the Norse in the regular season finale.
Darrin Horn brought back Marques Warrick who will go down as one of the Horizon League’s greatest stars. With 3 All Conference selections and a Horizon Tournament MVP award to his name, the Norse will be relying on their lead guard to take them dancing.
No. 6 Milwaukee (12-8 Horizon record, 17-14 overall)
The Panthers may be the hottest team in the conference at the moment, winning four of their last five matchups. They’ve found their footing after a rough stretch in November and December with top scorer, BJ Freeman missing several games due to injury.
As the top rebounding team in the conference and the no. 11 offensive rebounding team in the country, they may secure extra possessions, but the Panthers will still need Freeman hitting his shots.
Dark Horse:
No. 8 Purdue Fort Wayne (11-9 Horizon record, 20-11 overall)
Despite being the eight seed, the Mastodons are no. 155 in the NET which is the fourth best in the conference. With four 13 ppg scorers they are among the best offenses in the league.
Unlike some of the other offensive centric teams, the Mastodons still play solid defense; they are no. 10 in forced turnovers while allowing just 71.5 points per game this season.
As one of the more well rounded teams in the conference, don’t be surprised if PFW finds their way into the conference championship game.
My Pick: No. 2 Youngstown State
Players to Watch:
Noah Reynolds (Green Bay): 19.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists
Tristan Enaruna (Cleveland State): 20 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists
Marques Warrick (Northern Kentucky): 19.9 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists
BJ Freeman (Milwaukee): 20.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists
Tanner Holden (Wright State): 16.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.8 steals, 55.1% FG
Trey Calvin (Wright State): 19.6 points, 2.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.5 steals, 40.5% 3PT
Trey Townsend (Oakland): 16.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3 assists
Ziggy Reid (Youngstown State): 14.7 points, 4.9 rebounds
D.J. Burns (Youngstown State): 12.9 points, 10.8 rebounds
Jalen Jackson (Purdue Fort Wayne): 16.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.6 steals
Rasheed Bello (Purdue Fort Wayne): 15.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.8 steals