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 11, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; South Florida Bulls guard Jahmal McMurray (0) dribbles in the first half as Temple Owls guard Josh Brown (1) defends during the AAC Tournament at the Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; South Florida Bulls guard Jahmal McMurray (0) dribbles in the first half as Temple Owls guard Josh Brown (1) defends during the AAC Tournament at the Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /

7. South Florida Bulls

2015-16 record: 8-25 overall, 4-14 AAC 

Head coach: Orlando Antigua

Key returning players: Jahmal McMurray, Ruben Guerrero, Bo Zeigler 

Newcomers: Three-star SG Malik Fitts, three-star PG Mike Bibby Jr., non-ranked SG Andres Feliz, Penn State transfer G Geno Thorpe, redshirt freshman F Tulio Da Silva, Texas Tech transfer F Isaiah Manderson (eligible in December)

With South Florida losing five of their top six scorers, including Roddy Peters, Chris Perry and Jaleel Cousins, and their top recruit, Troy Baxter, this prediction may prove to be too optimistic.

South Florida is also dealing with off-court issues surrounding head coach Orlando Antigua’s job security. The program is under investigation for academic fraud. 

However, on the bright side, Jahmal McMurray returns for the Bulls. McMurray averaged a team high 15.2 points per game last season as a freshman, while dishing out 2.5 assists and grabbing 2.8 rebounds per game.

He could very well average almost 20 points per night in 2016-17.

McMurray does have some help though as he will be flanked by Penn State transfer guard Geno Thorpe. The junior sat out all of last season, but averaged 8.7 points per game for the Nittany Lions back in 2014-15. He should give USF another perimeter threat to go along with McMurray.

The front court and the Bulls’ depth will be a major concern, which means that the freshman have to step up immediately and 6’10” Texas Tech transfer Isaiah Manderson (eligible in December) has to find his rhythm in the paint.

7th place may not save Antigua’s job, but the talent in the backcourt will help the Bulls finish higher than last year.