Excerpt from the Dayton Daily News
When the Horizon League coaches vote for the player of the year, they usually need only a few seconds to decide. They almost always opt for the best player on the best team.
But with champion Cleveland State being so balanced — and with other stars emerging — it won’t be the slam-dunk decision it normally is.
Wright State’s Tanner Holden, Oakland’s Jamal Cain and Detroit Mercy’s Antoine Davis all have strong cases to win it this season, and the difference could come down to who has the stronger final two games this week.
Going back to the Raiders’ DaShaun Wood in 2006-07, the player of the year came from a team that finished first or tied for first in 11 of 15 years.
But the Vikings’ top candidate, Torrey Patton, is only 17th in scoring (13.8), 11th in rebounding (6.3) and ninth in assists (3.5)
Though the Trotwood-Madison grad has earned respect around the league, his production doesn’t quite measure up to the standards of past winners.
