DaytonDailyNews.com

OXFORD — Miami University senior Michael Bramos said he doesn't mind the prospect of having a giant red bull's-eye planted squarely on his back for the upcoming basketball season.

In fact, he's looking forward to it.

"It's what I've been waiting for, putting myself in this situation, getting better every year," said the 6-foot-5 forward, "(opponents) gunning for me in every game, designing plans to stop me."

Bramos is likely to be one of the more dominant players in the Mid-American Conference. He has been named to the preseason all-MAC first team after leading Miami last season in scoring (16.3 points per game), free-throw shooting (84.1 percent) and 3-point baskets made (65).

"He is a very underrated athlete," Miami coach Charlie Coles said. "He can block shots, he can run up and down the court with the best of them, and his shooting has really improved."

"I have faith in my teammates," Bramos said. "We're really deep this year. If they're going to choose to double-team me, I have faith in my teammates to step up and make a basket. I think we've got great potential. This is the most experienced we've been with our seniors. We've been through a lot together."

The RedHawks, who are in their first full week of practice, have six seniors on the roster. In addition to Bramos, there is Kenny Hayes (12.1 points per game last year), Tyler Dierkers (6.4 rebounds), Eric Pollitz, Carl Richburg and Isiah Carson.

"I'm as healthy as I've been for a while," said Bramos, who injured his thumb in the MAC tournament and underwent surgery and also missed several games during the regular season with a bad ankle. "I'm 100 percent back. Hopefully I'll stay that way the whole year."

"He has practiced every day," Coles said, "and he's looking pretty good."

Bramos also is wishing good health for Coles, who returned to the team after missing the last several games last season due to serious health issues.

"It's good to see him back," Bramos said. "And it's good for him to be back with us again. And it's nice to be able to focus just on playing again (without the distractions)."

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2197 or pconrad@coxohio.com.