RMAC Men’s Basketball Offseason Report

It may be summer but college basketball programs never truly hit an ‘offseason.’ There's almost always some kind of action for each of the 24 D2 men’s basketball conferences, and something to discuss, including a 2015-16 review, BennettRank and how each program performed versus the pre-season polls. In some cases, there have been coaching changes plus some key losses, not to mention returning players to watch for once the season gets underway.

Let’s finish our swing through the South Central Region with a look at the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.

2015-2016 RMAC Standings | BennettRank (BR) Recaps

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NCAA Tournament Recap

SOUTH CENTRAL REGIONAL QUARTERFINALS (First Round)

Fort Lewis 97, Dallas Baptist 85
Tarleton State 83, Colorado Mines 61

SOUTH CENTRAL REGIONAL SEMIFINALS (Second Round)

Angelo State 87, Fort Lewis 66

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Coaching and Membership Changes

Chadron State: Houston Reed is the new head coach at Chadron State, replacing Brent Bargen. Bargen resigned at the end of last season, compiling a 78-186 record in his ten seasons at Chardon.

“I'm excited about the enthusiasm Houston brings to Eagle men's basketball. He has a long history of winning basketball and a good understanding of what it will take to be competitive in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.” — Chadron State AD Joel Smith

Western New Mexico: Western New Mexico left the RMAC to join the Lone Star Conference effective July 1.

Westminster: The NCAA D2 Management Council approved Westminster’s advancement to Provisional Year Two of their transition from the NAIA. Westminster will become eligible for RMAC and NCAA post-season play as early as 2018-2019 should they successfully complete their three-year transition plan.

“We are glad to be approved to take the next step in our transition to NCAA Division II active membership status. Completing the transition will be a game changer for Westminster, encouraging our coaches and students to strive for the next level of athletic excellence.” — Westminster College President Stephen Morgan

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All-RMAC Pefrormers

Key Losses

Shakir Smith, G, Adams State: 20.8 ppg, 3.3 apg (First Team)
Nick Ongarato, G, Black Hills State: 19.3 ppg, 4.5 rpg (First Team)
Alex Welsh, F, Colorado-Colorado Springs: 22.9 ppg, 9.7 rpg (First Team)
Dalton Patten, F, Colorado-Colorado Springs: 13.7 ppg, 5.5 rpg (Second Team)
Ryan Stephan, C, Colorado Mesa: 25.6 ppg, 11.4 rpg (First Team)
Chris Golden, F, Colorado State-Pueblo: 16.7 ppg, 2.9 rpg (First Team)
Cade Kloster, G, Fort Lewis: 12.7 ppg, 3.2 rpg (Second Team)
Tony Dobbinson, G, Metro State: 16.4 ppg (First Team)
Jonathon Mines, G, New Mexico Highlands: 22.3 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.7 apg (First Team)

Key Returnees

Ty McGee, Jr. G, Colorado Christian: 13.5 ppg, 7.5 rpg (Second Team)
Gokul Natesan, Sr. G/F, Colorado Mines: 20.7 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 3.4 rpg (First Team)
Caleb Waitsman, Sr. F, Colorado Mines: 11.2 ppg, 6.8 rpg (Second Team)
Nelson Kahler, Sr. F, Colorado State-Pueblo: 11.9 ppg, 6.5 rpg (Second Team)
Joshua Blaylock, Sr. G, Fort Lewis: 18.1 ppg, 4.0 rpg (First Team)
Rasmus Bach, Jr. G, Fort Lewis: 14.0 ppg, 5.1 rpg (Second Team)
Marlon Johnson, Sr. F, New Mexico Highlands: 22.3 ppg, 9.4 rpg (First Team)
Dexter Sienko, Jr. F, Regis: 16.0 ppg, 7.0 rpg (Second Team)
Jarrett Brodbeck, Soph. G, Regis: 16.5 ppg, 2.4 rpg (Second Team)
Konor Kulas, Sr. F, South Dakota Mines: 16.7 ppg, 9.8 rpg (Second Team)
Zerrion Payton, Sr. G, Westminster: 13.3 ppg, 6.3 rpg (Second Team)

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Circle the Date

Dec. 16, Colorado Mines at Metro State: More than bragging rights in the Denver Metro area are at stake when the Orediggers make the trip from Golden to Denver in a showdown of perennial RMAC contenders.