AAC Basketball: The conference runs through UConn and Cincinnati

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; The Connecticut Huskies celebrate after winning the AAC Conference tournament over the Memphis Tigers 72-58 at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Over the next few weeks, we will preview the best conferences heading into the 2016-17 season. Let’s continue with AAC basketball.

The SMU Mustangs were the best team in the AAC last season, but the team was unable to participate in March Madness due to the NCAA implementing a postseason ban on their program.

A year later, head coach Larry Brown has dashed from Texas after rejecting a short term contract extension and AAC Player of the Year Nic Moore graduated in May. This means that new head coach Tim Jankovich will be leading a mostly unproven roster that is not expected to compete for the league’s regular season and conference tournament titles.

Even though the Mustangs have fallen off a bit, the AAC still maintains two potential top-25 programs in UConn and Cincinnati.

And more importantly, the league looks deeper than it has been in years past.

Houston returns good chunk of their roster. Memphis could have the league’s Player of the Year in Dedric Lawson and now have an elite coach in Tubby Smith. SMU has a breakout candidate at point guard. Temple has been decimated by injuries but will still be competitive under Fran Dunphy. Tulsa brings in a brand new core but Pat Birt is still in the fold. Even USF will be better because of the presences of Penn State transfer Geno Thorpe and leading scorer Jahmal McMurray.

While the AAC lacks the sizzle to make them a major storyline nationally, they still possess enough intrigue for college basketball fanatics to get excited about.

Mar 19, 2016; Des Moines, IA, USA; Connecticut Huskies guard Jalen Adams (2) shoots the ball against Kansas Jayhawks forward Jamari Traylor (31) and guard Brannen Greene (14) in the first half during the second round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Wells Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

Conference Awards

Coach of the Year: Kevin Ollie, UConn

Player of the Year: Dedric Lawson, Memphis

Freshman of the Year: Jarron Cumberland, Cincinnati

All-AAC First Team:

Sophomore guard Jalen Adams, UConn

Senior guard Troy Caupain, Cincinnati

Senior Damyean Dotson, Houston

Junior Gary Clark, Cincinnati

Sophomore forward Dedric Lawson, Memphis

All-AAC Second Team:

Sophomore guard Shake Milton, SMU

Senior guard Pat Birt, Tulsa

Senior guard/forward Rodney Purvis

Sophomore forward Jacob Evans, Cincinnati

Senior forward Ben Moore, SMU

You may be a bit surprised by the selection of Jalen Adams over his fellow teammate Rodney Purvis. I think Adams is going to have a monster, breakout season and will lead the Huskies in the backcourt.

Just imagine how difficult it will be to stop a guard trio consisting of Adams, Purvis and freshman Alterique Gilbert.

Mar 29, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Former NBA coach and general manager Mike Dunleavy Sr. during his introductory press conference to announce him as the new head coach for the Tulane Green Wave basketball team at the Delvin Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

11. Tulane Green Wave

2015-16 record: 12-22 overall, 3-15 in AAC

Head coach: Mike Dunleavy Sr. (first year)

Key returning players: Malik Morgan, Melvin Frazier, Cameron Reynolds, Von Julien, Kain Harris, Ryan Smith, Blake Paul

Newcomers: Three-star PF Maxwell Starwood, three-star PG Colin Slater, three-star PG Rey Ona Embo, JUCO F Sammis Reyes

The Green Wave won just three games in league play last year and now they have to deal with the loss of three of their top five scorers, Louis Dabney, Dylan Osetkowski and Jernard Jarreau. On top of that, the program is transitioning from Ed Conroy to new head coach and former NBA head man Mike Dunleavy Sr.

So, yes the Green Wave won’t be very good this season. They have just two seniors (Ryan Smith and Malik Morgan) and are still waiting for their 2015 class to adjust to the speed of college basketball.

On the bright side, Tulane has a very young core from which to build around. They currently have nine freshman and sophomores listed on their roster, including Vanderbilt transfer Samir Sehic (who will sit out this season). The Green Wave also added former UNLV guard Jordan Cornish. He will also gain eligibility starting in 2017-18.

Feb 13, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; East Carolina Pirates guard B.J. Tyson (21) drives to the basket against Cincinnati Bearcats guard Farad Cobb (21) and guard Troy Caupain (10) in the second half at Fifth Third Arena. The Bearcats won 75-60. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

10. East Carolina Pirates

2015-16 record: 12-20 overall, 4-14 in AAC

Head coach: Jeff Lebo

Key returning players: B.J. Tyson, Caleb White, Kentrell Barkley, Michel Nzege

Newcomers: Three-star SF Raquan Wilkins, three-star SF Elijah Hughes, three-star SG Jeremy Carter-Sheppard, non-ranked PG Shawn Williamson, JUCO F Jabari Craig, Wake Forest GS C Andre Washington

The Pirates, who are led by Jeff Lebo, return their leading scorer, B.J. Tyson, along with two other valuable contributors from last year’s team, Caleb White and Kentrell Barkley. They lose Prince Williams (third leading scorer) and Michael Zangari, but they also reeled in their best recruiting class in recent memory.

Lebo added three three-star talents, including small forward Raquan Wilkins. Wilkins is the 41st best power forward in the country for the class of 2016 and the 15th best player in the state of Georgia.

Because they don’t have much size, East Carolina reeled in 6’10” JUCO forward Jabari Craig and Wake Forest graduate transfer Andre Washington. In addition to the two new additions, redshirt freshman Deng Riak will have to give the Pirates more on the interior.

Moving forward, the Pirates also secured a commitment from Hawaii transfer Isaac Fleming. He will have to sit out the entire 2016-17 season, but he will be eligible to practice before gaining eligibility in 2017-18.

Mar 6, 2016; Storrs, CT, USA; UCF Knights forward A.J. Davis (3) and guard Daiquan Walker (4) react after a play against the Connecticut Huskies in the first half at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

9. UCF Knights

2015-16 record: 12-18 overall, 6-12 in AAC

Head coach: Johnny Dawkins (first year)

Key returning players: A.J. Davis, Tacko Fall, Matt Williams, Chance McSpadden, Tanksley Efianayi

Newcomers: Non-ranked SF Clayton Hughes, Non-ranked SG Caesar DeJesus, Illinois State grad transfer F Nick Banyard

Former Stanford head coach Johnny Dawkins will take over a Knights team that returns three of their top five scorers from last year.

Even though he shot just 38 percent overall and 29 percent from beyond the arc, forward A.J. Davis (12.0 points per game) was UCF’s top scorer in 2015-16.

Adonys Henriquez has transferred to Saint Louis and Daiquan Walker graduated in May, but 7’6″ center Tacko Fall is expected to be much better in 2016-17 and guard Matt Williams will likely become a double-digit scorer. UCF also adds a bit of experience in Illinois State graduate transfer Nick Banyard.

UCF will have their fair share of struggles given that they are learning a new system and are playing for a new head coach. They should be better than both Tulane and East Carolina, but challenging for any spot higher than ninth in the conference standings would be very surprising.

The Knights could take their first step forward in 2017-18 under Dawkins. They added Michigan transfer Aubrey Dawkins (Johnny’s son), Drexel’s Terrell Allen and Texas Tech’s Rokas Ulvydas this off-seasosn, but all three won’t eligible to play until next year. They could add more competition in practice though, as both Dawkins and Ulvydas come from Power Five programs that participated in the NCAA Tournament last season.

Mar 18, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Temple Owls head coach Fran Dunphy reacts against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the first half in the first round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

8. Temple Owls

2015-16 record: 21-11 overall, 14-4 AAC, lost in NCAA Tournament 1st round

Head coach: Fran Dunphy

Key returning players: Obi Enechionyia, Josh Brown, Trey Lowe (to red-shirt because of spine injury), Daniel Dingle, Shizz Alston, Jr.

Newcomers: Four-star SG Quinton Rose, three-star PG Alani Moore, three-star C Damien Moore, JUCO SG Isaiah Lewis

Because the Owls lost a majority of last year’s team that won the AAC regular season title and earned a bid to the NCAA Tournament, a massive downfall is expected this year.

The Owls are losing a ton of leadership and experience, as guard Quenton DeCosey (15.9 points per game, tops on the team), forward Jaylen Bond and guard Devin Coleman graduated in May. DeCosey, in particular, was the leader of the roster. His efficiency, rebounding ability and shooting touch was one of the main reasons why Temple was so successful in 2015-16.

On top of the departures, Temple has been decimated by injuries already.

The Owls opted to redshirt guard Trey Lowe this season after the 6’6″ sophomore suffered a spine injury in a car accident. He will maintain three years of eligibility, but was expected to make a jump in 2016-17.

Senior guard Josh Brown underwent surgery on an Achilles injury this summer and it is unknown as to if he will be able to participate at all this season.

The impact of Josh Brown's injury for Temple cannot be understated; led the AAC in minutes played last season. True warrior. Enormous loss.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) June 29, 2016

Brown is one of just four seniors on the Owls’ roster. He averaged 8.3 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists in 2015-16, showing off his ability to have an all-around impact on games.

Now it’s up to Obi Enechionyia and a plethora of role players to help Temple avoid an embarrassing, disappointing campaign.

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.

Mar 16, 2016; Dayton, OH, USA; Tulsa Golden Hurricane head coach Frank Haith looks on during the first half against the Michigan Wolverines in the First Four of the NCAA men’s college basketball tournament at Dayton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

6. Tulsa Golden Hurricane

2015-16 record: 20-11 overall, 12-6 AAC, lost in NCAA Tournament First Four

Head coach: Frank Haith

Key returning players: Pat Birt, Sterling Taplin

Newcomers: Three-star SF Travis Atson, three-star C Martin Igbanu, non-ranked SG Lawson Korita, non-ranked C Will Magnay, non-ranked SG Joseph Battle, JUCO SG Jaleel Wheeler, JUCO PF Geno Artison, JUCO SG Corey Henderson Jr., Rutgers transfer F Junior Etou

Tulsa had EIGHT seniors on their roster last season, including James Woodard and Shaquille Harrison (the team’s two best players).

They will be an awfully young team in 2016-17 and it will likely take them a majority of the season to gell together as a group.

The best returnee is senior guard Pat Birt, who averaged 12.0 points and 3.3 rebounds per game last season. He was the team’s third leading scorer even though his shooting percentages dropped mightily from his first season at UIC.

Birt will likely average close to 18 points a game this year and will have the ball in hands the majority of the time on the offensive end of the floor.

Tulsa doesn’t bring in an excellent recruiting class, but they do add two three-star talents, 6’5″ Travis Atson and undersized center Martin Igbanu. Both players will contribute large minutes that otherwise wouldn’t have been expected of them if eight seniors didn’t depart from the team.

The biggest addition though is former Rutgers big man Junior Etou. The 6’7″ forward desperately needs to improve his efficiency, but he is a solid rebounder and a decent scorer in the paint. He should compliment Birt nicely in the starting lineup, possibly creating a pick-and-roll combo.

Finally, head coach Frank Haith did a nice job of filling out the roster with experienced junior college prospects. Jaleel Wheeler averaged 22.3 points a game last year, Geno Artison is a solid interior scorer and rebounder, and Corey Henderson Jr. played one season at Wichita State before one year of junior college.

Mar 12, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Tulane Green Wave forward Dylan Osetkowski (21) defends Memphis Tigers forward Dedric Lawson (1) in the second half during the AAC tournament at the Amway Center. The Memphis Tigers won 74-54. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports

5. Memphis Tigers

2015-16 record: 19-15 overall, 8-10 AAC

Head coach: Tubby Smith (first year)

Key returning players: Dedric Lawson, K.J. Lawson, Markel Crawford, Jeremiah Martin, Craig Randall II

Newcomers: Non-ranked PG Keon Clergeot, JUCO SF Jimario Rivers, Coppin State GS SG Christian Kessee, Baylor GS F Chad Rykhoek

It seems rather obvious that 1-through-5 in the AAC preseason projections stand out above the rest of the conference. There is a major drop-off after the five slot, as Tulsa, South Florida, Temple, UCF, East Carolina and Tulane are all dealing with either new coaches, a fresh wave of players, difficult departures or all three of these changes.

The top five teams won’t all make the Big Dance, but you can make the argument that all of them potentially have an opportunity if the ball bounces in the proper direction.

Memphis seems like the sleeper team in the conference. They return our preseason AAC Player of the Year in Dedric Lawson, who averaged 15.8 points, 9.3 rebounds and blocked 1.7 shots per game.

4. SMU Mustangs

2015-16 record: 25-5 overall, 13-5 AAC, ineligible for the postseason

Head coach: Tim Jankovich (first year)

Key returning players: Shake Milton, Ben Moore, Sterling Brown, Jarrey Foster

Newcomers: Non-ranked PG Dashawn McDowell, non-ranked SG Tom Wilson, non-ranked PF Harry Froling, Duke transfer F Semi Ojeleye

Any team that loses a Hall of Fame head coach and a Player of the Year in their respective conference is likely to fall in the standings.

The Mustangs went undefeated during the non-conference portion of the schedule in 2015-16, but lost momentum after losing at Temple. They weren’t able to participate in the postseason due to an academic fraud scandal and ultimately lost five games the entire season.

The 2016-17 version of the Mustangs will have a very different look as Tim Jankovich will roam the sidelines and sophomore Shake Milton will run the team at the point guard position. SMU still returns veterans Ben Moore and Sterling Brown to flank Milton, while they also add a critical transfer in Semi Ojeleye.

Ojeleye only played 10.5 minutes per game for Duke back in 2014-15, but could end up as SMU’s leading scorer in 2016-17. Ojeleye was the 40th best recruit in the nation in 2013, according to ESPN, however, he was never able to get off the bench at Duke.

The adjustment from Brown and Jankovich won’t be a major change considering that Jankovich was the associate head coach and served as the team’s acting head coach during Brown’s suspension last year.

Even though Milton will be special by the end of the season, SMU will miss Moore and finish fourth in the AAC.

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.

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.

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.