Busting Brackets
Fansided

AAC Basketball: Updated 2018-19 preseason rankings for the conference

By Lukas Harkins

ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 11: during the final game of the 2018 AAC Basketball Championship against at Amway Center on March 11, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 11: during the final game of the 2018 AAC Basketball Championship against at Amway Center on March 11, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /
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HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, KY – FEBRUARY 25: Head coach Frank Haith of the Tulsa Golden Hurricane reacts. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, KY – FEBRUARY 25: Head coach Frank Haith of the Tulsa Golden Hurricane reacts. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Tulsa exceeded expectations last season and finished fourth in the conference. Yet, they were unable to reach the Big Dance and then suffered losses of four players to graduation this offseason. Most importantly, two of the team’s top three scorers in Junior Etou (15.0 points, 7.9 rebounds) as well Corey Henderson (10.5 points) are no longer on the roster. Because of this, it is reasonable to suggest that the Golden Hurricane will take a step back this year.

Yet, this does not mean that the talent well is dry for Tulsa. In fact, there are three strong returning rotation players. At the forefront of this group will be senior Sterling Taplin. One of the better all-around guards in the conference, Taplin averaged 11.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game last season on sound efficiency. For reference, he posted shooting slashes of .462/.362/.729 last season.

Along with Taplin, wings Martins Igbanu and DaQuan Jeffries are also returning this year. These two both averaged ~9.5 points and 5.0 rebounds per game last season and should see increases in production with Etou and Henderson gone. Over the years, head coach Frank Haith has done a nice job getting the most out of the talent on his roster so it is not quite fair to count the Golden Hurricane out.