Busting Brackets
Fansided

NCAA Basketball: Way-too-early preseason mid-major top-25 for 2019-20 season

By Tristan Freeman

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 16: The Utah State Aggies celebrate their victory over the San Diego State Aztecs in the championship game of the Mountain West Conference basketball tournament at the Thomas & Mack Center on March 16, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Utah State won 64-57. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 16: The Utah State Aggies celebrate their victory over the San Diego State Aztecs in the championship game of the Mountain West Conference basketball tournament at the Thomas & Mack Center on March 16, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Utah State won 64-57. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images) /
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HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT – MARCH 23: Ja Morant #12, Tevin Brown #10 and Shaq Buchanan #11 of the Murray State Racers react against the Florida State Seminoles in the first half during the second round of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at XL Center on March 23, 2019 in Hartford, Connecticut. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT – MARCH 23: Ja Morant #12, Tevin Brown #10 and Shaq Buchanan #11 of the Murray State Racers react against the Florida State Seminoles in the first half during the second round of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at XL Center on March 23, 2019 in Hartford, Connecticut. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Honorable mentions

North Texas – 21-12 (8-10 in Conference USA)

The Mean Green started out 16-1 this past season and was geared to make a run at the conference title. However, seven straight losses to end the regular season made them irrelevant. The biggest issue was the decline of Roosevelt Smart, who went from 19 a year ago to just 10.7 ppg. But he returns, along with four other double-digit scorers next year in a league that loses talent at the top.

Wright State – 21-14 (13-5 in Horizon)

The Raiders should be the favorite to win the Horizon League Regular Season title again, returning their top three scorers. Big man Loudon Love should be the preseason Player of the Year after averaging 15.1 ppg and 8.2 rpg. They’ll have to replace outgoing senior Mark Hughes but rising sophomores Skyelar Potter and Malachi Smith are the future for Wright State.

Murray State – 28-5 (16-2 in Ohio Valley)

Even though superstar Ja Morant and second-leading scorer Leroy (Shaq) Buchanan will be gone from this 28-win team, don’t expect the Racers to take much of a step back. Freshman Tevin Brown could be a future star in the Ohio Valley and forward Darnell Cowart will provide senior leadership. Murray State could also get back Anthony Smith for a fifth year after missing most of this past season.

Northeastern – 23-11 (14-4 in CAA)

Although all-time Huskie great Vasa Pusica will not be around anymore, this is a team filled with players ready to take the mantle. Rising senior guard Jordan Roland (14.6 ppg) will be back along with four other players who averaged between 8.1-9.9 ppg. With more shots to go around next season, Northeastern will remain contenders in the CAA.

Colgate – 24-11 (13-5 in Patriot League)

After taking Tennessee to their limits in the Round of 64, the Raiders return their top four scorers for next season. That includes Rapolas Ivanauskas (15.9 ppg and 7.8 rpg) and Jordan Burns (16.3 ppg and 5.7 apg). They won’t have as much frontcourt depth but still will have the best starting lineup in the Patriot League.

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