Busting Brackets
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AAC Basketball: The conference runs through UConn and Cincinnati

By Carmine Carcieri

Mar 13, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Connecticut Huskies head coach Kevin Ollie cuts the net defeated the Memphis Tigers 72-58 to win the AAC Conference tournament at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 13, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Connecticut Huskies head coach Kevin Ollie cuts the net defeated the Memphis Tigers 72-58 to win the AAC Conference tournament at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 28, 2016; Storrs, CT, USA; Houston Cougars guard Damyean Dotson (21) and guard Galen Robinson Jr. (25) react after defeating the Connecticut Huskies at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. Houston defeated UConn 75-68. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2016; Storrs, CT, USA; Houston Cougars guard Damyean Dotson (21) and guard Galen Robinson Jr. (25) react after defeating the Connecticut Huskies at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. Houston defeated UConn 75-68. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Houston Cougars

2015-16 record: 22-9 overall, 12-6 AAC 

Head coach: Kelvin Sampson

Key returning players: Rob Gray Jr., Damyean Dotson, Galen Robinson Jr., Danrad Knowles

Newcomers: Non-ranked SG Armoni Brooks, JUCO C Valentine Sangoyomi, JUCO G Morris Dunnigan, JUCO F Devin Davis

With three of their top five scorers returning, including talented sophomore point guard Rob Gray Jr., versatile wing Damyean Dotson and sophomore Galen Robinson Jr., the Houston Cougars are ready to make a run at an NCAA Tournament appearance.

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Kelvin Sampson’s squad had a surprisingly successful 2015-16 campaign, as the team won 22 games and were victorious in nine of their final 12 outings. Add on the fact that they made the NIT, and the Cougars should be in business for more outstanding play this year.

Devonta Pollard, LeRon Barnes, L.J. Rose and Ronnie Johnson are gone, but the Cougars have a solid supporting class for their ‘Big Three.’ Danrad ‘Chicken’ Knowles is back after averaging six points and shooting 57 percent from the field last season, while Sampson was able to reel in former Indiana forward Devin Davis from the JUCO ranks.

If Davis plays at a high level and Gray, Doston and Robinson play with consistency, Houston is almost assuredly going to finish in the 3rd slot in the AAC. Worst case scenario, we will see the Cougars at the four or five slot, but that’s only if they deal with injuries and their ‘Big Three’ doesn’t play up to expectations.