AAC Basketball Power Rankings: Houston leads heading into conference play

By Brian Rauf | Jan 3, 2019

WICHITA, KS - MARCH 17: Corey Davis Jr. #5 of the Houston Cougars reacts against the Michigan Wolverines in the second half during the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at INTRUST Bank Arena on March 17, 2018 in Wichita, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

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ORLANDO, FL – MARCH 16: Head coach Joe Dooley of the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles reacts in the first half against the Florida State Seminoles during the first round of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Amway Center on March 16, 2017 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

11) ECU Pirates (7-6)

ECU has traditionally been one of the worst teams in the American and it’s no different this year. The Pirates were blown out by SMU in their conference opener Wednesday night, likely setting the stage for things to come this year.

ECU already has four losses to teams ranked 233rd and below in KenPom’s rankings and have been dismantled by the only two teams they’ve faced that rank in the top 100 (Georgia Tech, SMU).

Why are they so bad? ECU’s offense is horrendous (322nd nationally in adjusted offensive efficiency) and they’re one of the nation’s worst shooting teams. The Pirates don’t have anyone that shoots over 37.5 percent from three and shoot under 28 percent as a team. As a result, they have trouble stretching the court and finding good shots.

Freshman Jayden Gardner has been a solid player for head coach Joe Dooley’s team but the rest of the roster leaves much to be desired. With no shooting and no depth, the Pirates are in for another long season.