The formula for success in mid-major college basketball is simple: recruit well, keep as much year-to-year fluidity as possible and create a winning atmosphere with a good coach.
Two years ago, Buffalo was primed to create a Mid-American Conference dynasty following this blueprint. Bobby Hurley – college basketball royalty – coached the team off their first MAC Championship in program history. UB was going to out-recruit the rest of the conference for years to come behind Hurley’s reputation.
Along with Hurley, Buffalo had freshman point guard Lamonte Bearden, who appeared ready to take the reins and run the show for his entire four-year career.