The University of Akron Athletics
Freeman, Ali Named Preseason All-MAC, Akron Picked to Finish First
November 01 | Men's Basketball
CLEVELAND, Ohio -Â Senior forward Enrique Freeman (Cleveland, Ohio) and senior guard Ali Ali (Kendallville, Ind.) earned preseason all-league honors as the Mid-American Conference unveiled its 2023-24 men's basketball preseason coaches' poll on Wednesday, where the Zips were selected to finish first overall in regular season and tournament play.
Akron received 121 points and 11 first-place votes for the first-place ranking, Kent State earned 104 points while Ohio rounded out the top three with 102 points and the final first-place vote.
The Zips concluded the 2022-23 season in the MAC semifinals where they lost 79-73 to in-state rival Kent State. Akron finished the 2022-23 campaign with an overall record of 22-11 while going 13-5 in conference action and 15-1 at the James A. Rhodes Arena.
Freeman has now been named to the preseason All-MAC first team in back-to-back seasons. The Karl Malone Award Watchlist selection was named to the All-MAC first team last season after he started all 33 games for the Zips. Freeman finished the season scoring 20+ points on 12 occasions which featured a career-high 32 against Ohio on January 28. He also had a team-high 41 blocks and hauled in 10 or more rebounds 22 times the past season.
Ali, back for his second stint with the Zips, was named to the MAC second team during the 2021-22 season. Playing at Butler last season, Ali made 18 appearances and 12 starts for the Bulldogs where he averaged 27.4 minutes per game, 6.5 points per game, and 2.7 rebounds per game after missing the first 11 games. As a Zip in 2021-22, Ali led Akron in scoring, three-point shooting, and assists as the Zips posted a 24-10 record, won the MAC Tournament, and advanced to the NCAA Tournament.
The Zips begin the 2023-24 season on the road as they travel to face South Dakota State on Monday, November 6 for a 9:15 P.M. EST start.
2023-24 MAC Men's Basketball Preseason Coaches' Poll
(First Place Votes)
1. Akron (11) – 121Â
2. Kent State – 104
3. Ohio (1) – 102
4. Toledo – 93
5. Northern Illinois – 82
T6. Bowling Green – 64
T6. Miami – 64
8. Ball State – 55Â
9. Buffalo – 38
10. Western Michigan – 33Â
11. Eastern Michigan – 22Â
12. Central Michigan – 14
Tournament Champion: Akron (9), Kent State (1), Ohio (1), Toledo (1)
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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.
Dante Maddox Jr., Guard, Toledo, Jr.
Jaylin Hunter, Guard, Ohio, Sr.
Second Team
Tyson Acuff, Guard, Eastern Michigan, Jr.
Jalen Sullinger, Guard, Kent State, Jr.
Anderson Mirambeaux, Center, Miami, Sr.
AJ Brown, Guard, Ohio, So.
David Coit, Guard, Northern Illinois, Jr.
SEASON TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Akron men's basketball season tickets are now on sale for the 2023-24 campaign and can be purchased at gozips.com/tickets or by calling or texting 1-888-99-AKRON (25766). The C.P. and Cornelia S. Chima Athletics Ticket Office at InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field (located at 375 E. Exchange Street) is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET on Mondays through Fridays.
