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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Jan 23, 2016; Hartford, CT, USA; Connecticut Huskies guard Rodney Purvis (44) and Connecticut Huskies guard Jalen Adams (2) react after a basket as Georgetown Hoyas forward Isaac Copeland (11) looks on in the first half at XL Center. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2016; Hartford, CT, USA; Connecticut Huskies guard Rodney Purvis (44) and Connecticut Huskies guard Jalen Adams (2) react after a basket as Georgetown Hoyas forward Isaac Copeland (11) looks on in the first half at XL Center. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

2. UConn Huskies

2015-16 record: 24-10 overall, 11-7 AAC, lost in NCAA Tournament 2nd round

Head coach: Kevin Ollie

Key returning players: Rodney Purvis, Jalen Adams, Amida Brimah, Kentan Facey, Steven Enoch

Newcomers: Four-star PG Alterique Gilbert, four-star PF Juwan Durham, four-star SF Vance Jackson, four-star PF Mamadou Diarra, three-star SG Christian Vital, VCU transfer Terry Larrier

There are two teams that are virtually a lock to make the NCAA Tournament in the AAC: UConn and our number one team. In fact, it would be rather surprising if the Huskies didn’t remain a top-25 team for the majority of the season.

Kevin Ollie’s unit lost Daniel Hamilton, Sterling Gibbs and Shonn Miller off a squad that reached the NCAA Tournament, however, the Huskies have impact returnees and a superb recruiting class (and one transfer) that will carry them through 2016-17.

We’ll start with the Huskies that are back in Storrs for another season. Jalen Adams and Rodney Purvis are the main backcourt contributors. Both should make All-Conference teams this upcoming year and Adams, in particular, should be a name to watch.

If the sophomore point guard can improve his outside jump shot, he will have more lanes to attack the basket and will create better spacing for the Huskies on the offensive end of the floor.

Purvis is the veteran of the bunch, as he gets to the free throw line, shoots the ball with good touch from the outside and plays with a fiery passion that is unmatched.

While senior Amida Brimah doesn’t bring much to the table offensively, his length, size and instincts will provide the Huskies will valuable rim protection in the front court. Facey and Enoch also have experience as a senior and sophomore respectively.

Then there’s the newcomers.

Ex-VCU Ram Terry Larrier is versatile, athletic and long, giving the Huskies a player that has the size, ball skills and physical tools to play numerous positions on both offense and defense.

The recruiting class is one of the top units in the country. Point guard Alterique Gilbert is the best of the bunch. He will combine with Adams and Purvis to form a very dangerous backcourt trio that could rival almost any team in the nation. Durham, Jackson and Diarra are all ESPN top 100 prospects, so they will also make an immediate impact for the Huskies.

UConn will not only make the tournament, but they very well could play themselves into the second weekend.