Seven of the past eight MAC Quarterfinal games in Cleveland have been void of Eastern Michigan.
The futility continues. It has been nearly a decade since EMU won a game in Cleveland. Try three decades. Yes, nearly three decades since EMU last appeared in the MAC Title Game.
That same 1997-98 team led by Earl Boykins famously beat Duke in the NCAA Tournament.
Billy Donlon set foot in Ypsilanti back in March to reignite the Eagle dream. In today's College Hoops landscape, that ability makes the dream a realistic vision.
Donlon brings a defensive pedigree after spending the past four seasons as Clemson's defensive coordinator. The Tigers' past four seasons happen to be their most successful four-year stretch in program history, including nearly advancing to the 2024 Final Four.
The Clemson defense ranked as a Top 25 adjusted D in each of the past two years. The robust accolades include seasons when Clemson led the ACC in forced turnover rate and a year when Clemson defended a league-low allowed eFG%.
Getting stops and defensive rebounding figure to be staples in the new EMU operation. Which immediately gets my personal attention. The committed resources entering the season are also noticeable.
The 2026-27 EMU Eagles will still feature Mohammad "Mo" Habhab. Habhab generated heavy high-major interest—including a visit to Louisville- but ultimately was retained. A major sign of change in basketball economics at EMU. Retention part two came with Gregory Lawson. Lawson had a productive freshman season in Ypsilanti and now possesses a great opportunity to make a Sophomore leap.
A look at the rest of the projected EMU roster, per our very own Jim Root:
Killian Brockhoff will be an unquestioned leader and someone I was personally impressed with throughout the William & Mary campaign last year.
The MAC as a whole is entering a fascinating time. Northern Illinois is gone to the Horizon League. Western Michigan and Ball State have also invested to improve quickly. Akron will now be guided by long-time assistant Dustin Ford. The league collected three NCAA Tournament financial units thanks to Miami University's win in Dayton and an at-large bid.
I sat down to discuss all of this, EMU's big dreams, and so much more with the one and only Billy Donlon.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:
