By Mitch Blankespoor
KALAMAZOO, Mich. - Kalamazoo College men's baskeball senior guard Mark Ghafari received preseason honors from the DIII News Preseason Preview Newsletter.
Ghafari, a Grosse Pointe Shores native, was named a preseason All-American in the Great Lakes Region along with D'Carlo Hayes of Thomas More (Ky.) and Malcolm Heard II of Wilmington (Ohio). In addition to being listed as a preseason All-American, Ghafari was also named the preseason Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Assocation (MIAA) Most Valuable Player.
"We are very proud of Mark [Ghafari] for these preseason honors," Kalamazoo Head Coach Eric Dougal said. "The recognition speaks volumes to the amount of work he has put in on his game and the respect he has around the league."
A season ago, Ghafari ranked second in the MIAA in scoring, third in rebounds, fourth in free throw percentage, and fifth in assists. Ghafari led Kalamazoo with 19.4 points and 6.3 rebounds per game while shooting 39 percent from 3-point range and 81.9 percent at the free throw line. He also led the team in assists and steals. Ghafari posted three double-doubles this season, including career-highs in points (31) and rebounds (13) in the final game of the season against Alma.
"He [Ghafari] has had a great summer," said Dougal. "We are looking forward to the season and getting back on the court."
Kalamazoo begins its 2013-14 campaign Nov. 9 with a 7:00 p.m. game against the Spartans of Manchester College (Ind.).