CLEVELAND – David Coit (Columbus, N.J./Atlantic Cape CC) was named to the Preseason All-Mid-American Conference Second Team and the Northern Illinois University men's basketball team was selected to finish fifth in the conference as the MAC released its preseason coaches' poll and teams on Wednesday (Nov. 1).
Coit is the first Huskie to receive preseason all-league recognition since Eugene German was named to the Preseason All-MAC West Team prior to the 2019-20 season.
Last season, Coit averaged 15.5 points, 11th-best in the MAC, 2.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. Coit earned All-MAC Third Team and NABC All-District 14 Second Team honors. The Columbus, N.J. native averaged 2.8 three-point field goals per game, which ranked third in the MAC and 45th nationally.
In league play, Coit averaged 16.9 points per contest a season ago, eighth best in the MAC, along with 3.3 assists per game, 13th in the league, and 1.3 steals per game, 12th in the MAC. Coit shot 89.7 percent (35-of-39) from the free-throw line in conference games, second-best in the MAC, and 39.5 percent from three (45-of-114), 15th in the conference.
Coit and the Huskies host Illinois Wesleyan at the NIU Convocation Center on Wednesday night (Nov. 1), in their lone exhibition contest. Tipoff against the Titans is scheduled for 7 p.m. and all tickets are just $5.
NIU begins the 2023-24 regular season next Monday, Nov. 6, at fifth-ranked Marquette. The Golden Eagles will be NIU's sixth all-time top-five opponent, and the first since playing at No. 3 Iowa on Dec. 18, 2020.
Huskie basketball season tickets are
on sale now. Men's basketball season tickets start at just $80 for general admission season tickets in sections 115-118 (lower bowl baseline) with reserved lower bowl sideline season tickets available for just $120. NIU faculty and staff, NIU Alumni Association and Varsity Club members, and senior citizens can purchase men's basketball season tickets for $105.
The new "
Run it Back with the Pack" plan is also on sale, "Run it Back with the Pack" tickets are $20 for a men's basketball general admission ticket.
For more information on season tickets, including courtside and premium seating opportunities, call 815-753-PACK (7225).
2023-24 MAC Men's Basketball Preseason Coaches' Poll (First Place Votes)
1. Akron (11) – 121
2. Kent State – 104
3. Ohio (1) – 102
4. Toledo – 93
5. NIU – 82
T6. Bowling Green – 64
T6. Miami – 64
8. Ball State – 55
9. Buffalo – 38
10. Western Michigan – 33
11. Eastern Michigan – 22
12. Central Michigan – 14
Tournament Champion: Akron (9), Kent State (1), Ohio (1), Toledo (1)
2023-24 MAC Men's Basketball Preseason All-MAC Teams
First Team
Ali Ali, Guard, Akron, Sr.
Enrique Freeman, Forward, Akron, Sr.
Chris Payton, Forward, Kent State, Grad.
Jaylin Hunter, Guard, Ohio, Sr.
Dante Maddox Jr., Guard, Toledo, Jr.
Second Team
Tyson Acuff, Guard, Eastern Michigan, Jr.
Jalen Sullinger, Guard, Kent State, Jr.
Anderson Mirambeaux, Center, Miami, Sr.
David Coit, Guard, NIU, Jr.
AJ Brown, Guard, Ohio, So.
