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

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

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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LAS VEGAS, NV – NOVEMBER 24: Stevie Jordan #23 and Jordan Allen #2 of the Rider Broncs celebrate after the team defeated the Hampton Pirates during the championship game of the 2017 Continental Tire Las Vegas Invitational basketball tournament at the Orleans Arena on November 24, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Rider won 94-80. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images) /

24. Rider Broncs

2018-19 season record: 16-15 (11-7 in MAAC)

In a MAAC that was just filled with uncertainty all season, Rider finished in second place and had a shot at making it to the Big Dance. There will be changes next year but look for the Broncs to be one of the preseason favorites for 2020.

That’s because they return five players who averaged in double figures, led by top scorer and passer Stevie Jordan. The frontcourt duo of Fredrick Scott and Tyere Marshall also will be back along with three-point specialist Jordan Allen, who took over seven attempts a night this past season.

Similar to New Mexico, Rider was a strong offensive team that was weak on the defensive end as well. They gave up at least 75 points in half of their league games and had several defeats within 1-2 possessions. In a conference that won’t have many contenders due to the number of graduates and transfers, the Broncs can take advantage of their continuity and make a run for a MAAC title. Although in the end, Iona will probably somehow win the conference tournament to go dancing once again.

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