For the first time since the 2002-03 season, the Ball State men's basketball team is the preseason favorite to win the Mid-American Conference West Division.
The league office released the poll, which was conducted by members of the MAC News Media Association, on Thursday.
Ball State received 12 first-place votes and finished two points ahead of Central Michigan.
"I really don't put a whole lot of merit into the preseason polls," coach Billy Taylor said. "We've got to be able to play, compete every single night. In terms of what's written on paper, it doesn't really matter. We have to do it on the floor."
Taylor led the Cardinals to a MAC West title in 2008-09, and they tied for second in the division last season.
The poll also named junior forward Jarrod Jones as a preseason All-MAC selection for the second straight year. He led Ball State in scoring (12.2) and rebounding (7.4) last season while starting all 30 games.
Ohio was picked to win the MAC East. The Bobcats also were picked to repeat as MAC Tournament champions.
Ball State opens the season Nov. 14 against Eastern Illinois at home.
West Division Predicted Order of Finish
Ball State - 124 points (12 first-place votes)
Central Michigan - 122 (8)
Eastern Michigan - 88 (2)
Western Michigan - 68
Northern Illinois - 64 (2)
Toledo - 38
East Division Predicted Order of Finish
Ohio - 128 points (12)
Kent State - 114 (8)
Akron - 104 (4)
Miami - 84
Bowling Green - 42
Buffalo - 32
Tournament Champion Picks
Ohio - 10 votes
Kent State - 6
Central Michigan - 4
Ball State - 2
Akron - 2
West Division Preseason All-MAC Team
Trey Zeigler, G, Central Michigan
Xavier Silas, G, Northern Illinois
Jarrod Jones, F, Ball State
Brandon Bowdry, F, Eastern Michigan
Flenard Whitfield, F, Western Michigan
East Division Preseason All-MAC Team
D.J. Cooper, G, Ohio
Brett McKnight, F, Akron
Scott Thomas, F, Bowling Green
Justin Greene, F, Kent State
Julian Mavunga, F, Miami
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