WAC basketball: 2017-18 power rankings

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 11: Members of the New Mexico State Aggies celebrate after defeating the Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners 70-60 to win the championship game of the Western Athletic Conference Basketball tournament at the Orleans Arena on March 11, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /

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DURHAM, NC – NOVEMBER 12: Joshua Braun /

2. Grand Canyon Antelopes

2016-17 result: 22-9 (11-3) – Ineligible for postseason play due to transition period

This season will be the official introduction for Dan Majerle and Grand Canyon into division one basketball. Now able to play in conference tournaments and potentially beyond, the Antelopes have a great opportunity to become one of the biggest mid-major programs in the country.

It won’t be easy, however, as the team is somehow got to find a way to replace Dewayne Russell and his conference-leading 21 ppg. They do have someone on the frontcourt who can do that in Joshua Braun.

Brau battled various injuries and only played half the year but still put up quality numbers in 17.5 ppg. Two questions come up with Russell’s graduation, however. Can Braun still score in high volumes yet still be efficient without a high scoring guard? And which guard will step up and make sure the team is balanced?

The two main suspects include upcoming sophomore Fifi Aidoo, a flashy guard who can penetrate, and Casey Benson, a grad transfer from Oregon. Benson has a brother who’s currently on the coaching staff.

There’s going to be a ton of anticipation for this season for the fans, and the already raucous home crowd will be unbelievable. There’s a great chance the team will go undefeated at home but will they have the same energy on the road? And will they have the manpower to beat the powerhouse of the WAC?