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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Mar 17, 2016; Spokane, WA, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats guard Troy Caupain (10) shoots during a practice day before the first round of the NCAA men’s college basketball tournament at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2016; Spokane, WA, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats guard Troy Caupain (10) shoots during a practice day before the first round of the NCAA men’s college basketball tournament at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Cincinnati Bearcats

2015-16 record: 22-10 overall, 12-6 AAC, lost in NCAA Tournament 1st round

Head coach: Mick Cronin

Key returning players: Troy Caupain, Gary Clark, Jacob Evans, Kevin Johnson, Justin Jenifer, Quadri Moore

Newcomers: Four-star SG Jarron Cumberland, three-star C Nysier Brooks, redshirt freshman SF Tre Scott, North Carolina State transfer F Kyle Washington

This might be the best offensive team that Cincinnati head coach Mick Cronin has ever coached. The Bearcats are always good defensively and always seem to possess the consistency necessary to make the NCAA Tournament (six straight appearances), but this year, their team could be truly special.

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It all starts with senior point guard Troy Caupain. Caupain averaged a career high 13 points per game last year, while showing terrific maturity as a floor general and leader. His turnovers dropped to 1.9 a game, his assists increased to 4.8 per night and he was once again a solid, competitive defender.

Gary Clark is another player that should have a terrific offensive impact. The 6’7″ junior should make an All-Conference team because of his scoring ability and rebounding prowess.

Jacob Evans is likely to have an improved 2016-17 campaign after showing out in the NCAA Tournament against St. Joe’s.

And then there’s North Carolina State transfer Kyle Washington, who is an elite offensive big man. Washington averaged 6.8 points in his last season with the Wolfpack. He also shot over 46 percent from the field and 53 percent from deep.

Those three will be surrounded by role players like Kevin Johnson, Jarron Cumberland, Justin Jenifer, Quadri Moore and Nysier Brooks. Johnson is the vet of the bunch, Cumberland can knock down shots from deep, Jenifer is a scorer from the point guard position and Brooks gives the Bearcats another reliable body down low.

Next: Will Yellow Jackets win a game in league play?

Like the UConn Huskies, the Bearcats can do more than just make the NCAA Tournament. They have the pieces to do enormous damage.