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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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 17: LaDarien Griffin #15 of the St. Bonaventure Bonnies celebrates a basket against the Saint Louis Billikens during their Atlantic 10 basketball tournament Championship game at Barclays Center on March 17, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

20. St. Bonaventure Bonnies

2018-19 season record: 18-16 (12-6)

It was a season of two halves for the Bonnies, starting out 6-12 before finishing 12-4 against the A-10. They were just a couple of points away from beating Saint Louis to make the NCAA Tournament once again.

A big reason for St. Bonaventure’s comeback was due to the freshmen coming to form. Kyle Lofton averaged 14.4 ppg and led the team with 3.7 apg, while big man Osun Osunniyi put up 7.5 ppg and 7.6 rpg in his first year. He was phenomenal towards the end of the season, including a season-high 22 rebounds (11 offensive) in a win over Duquesne. Another newcomer who did well was UNLV transfer Jaylen Poyser, who averaged just under double figures a night.

St. Bonaventure will have to deal with two major losses, including leading scorer Courtney Stockard and forward LaDarien Griffin. Role player guard Nelson Kaputo also is a subtraction to consider as well.

But ultimately it’ll be up to the rising sophomore class to determine the Bonnies’ potential. Besides Lofton and Osunnniyi, 6’5 guard Dominick Welch is also a player to look out for with a bigger role coming his way. The late-season finish may have boosted this team a little higher than they should but this is a mid-major with a very high ceiling who with a grad transfer to add depth, may be the most dangerous A-10 team next year.

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