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NCAA Basketball: 2018-19 preseason top-25 power rankings

By Lukas Harkins

SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 31: Devonte' Graham #4 of the Kansas Jayhawks huddles with teammates in the second half against the Villanova Wildcats during the 2018 NCAA Men's Final Four Semifinal at the Alamodome on March 31, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 31: Devonte' Graham #4 of the Kansas Jayhawks huddles with teammates in the second half against the Villanova Wildcats during the 2018 NCAA Men's Final Four Semifinal at the Alamodome on March 31, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 27: Peters #1 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs reacts. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 27: Peters #1 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs reacts. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Even though Mississippi State missed the NCAA Tournament this past season, they return a balanced and deep roster for this upcoming campaign. Also, it is important to mention that the Bulldogs still posted a solid season last year even if they did not go dancing. In total, Mississippi State recorded a 25-12 (9-9 SEC) record, which includes a run to the NIT Championship game, where they lost to Penn State.

In regards to roster construction, the Weatherspoon brothers will be the leaders of the Bulldogs this year. Quinndary, a senior guard, is returning after leading the team in scoring last season at 14.4 points per game. He also recorded 6.0 rebounds per game, which ranked third on the team. Then, his brother (Nick) is also returning after averaging 10.8 points per game as a freshman last season. Now a sophomore, Nick looks poised for a monster year. With these two back in action, Mississippi State has an outstanding duo to lead the way.

Additionally, head coach Ben Howland returns four other players who all averaged more than five points per game last season in Aric Holman (10.9 ppg, 6.7 rpg), Tyson Carter (8.9 ppg), Lamar Peters (9.6 ppg, 4.5 apg), and Abdul Ado (7.8 ppg, 6.4 rpg). Quite simply, this team is ridiculously balanced and deep thanks to several players who can step up at seemingly any time.

Furthermore, Coach Howland also landed the No. 16 ranked recruiting class in the nation. Reggie Perry (No. 31), Robert Woodard (No. 63), DJ Stewart (No. 117), and Jethro Tshisumpa (No. 9 JUCO transfer) make up this potentially impactful recruiting class.

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