Busting Brackets
Fansided

AAC Basketball: Way-too-early power rankings for 2019-2020 season

By Brian Rauf

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 25: Penny Hardaway, head coach of the Memphis Tigers, watches the action during the game against the Charleston Cougars at HP Field House on November 25, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 25: Penny Hardaway, head coach of the Memphis Tigers, watches the action during the game against the Charleston Cougars at HP Field House on November 25, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 15: NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 15: Alterique Gilbert #3 of the Connecticut Huskies reacts after the Huskies get the rebound in the second half of the game against Syracuse Orange during the 2k Empire Classic at Madison Square Garden on November 15, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 15: NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 15: Alterique Gilbert #3 of the Connecticut Huskies reacts after the Huskies get the rebound in the second half of the game against Syracuse Orange during the 2k Empire Classic at Madison Square Garden on November 15, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

4) UConn Huskies

Year One of the Dan Hurley era did not go as planned for UConn, but there is reason to believe this team can take that step forward next year.

Star guards Alterique Gilbert and Christian Vital are back as Jalen Smith and Tarin Smith are the only major contributors leaving Storrs. Four of their top six scorers return, and the roster will be boosted by three top 100 recruits (James Bouknight, Akok Akok, Jalen Gaffney).

Those freshmen will add some needed quality depth to UConn’s roster, but the big fish out there is five-star wing Precious Achiuwa. The Huskies are considered the favorite to land the nation’s No. 13 overall prospect (according to 247sports) and have been for a while, but a few other schools – namely North Carolina, St. John’s, and Memphis – are trying to get into the mix.

I have to imagine a full offseason of development under Hurley will make a huge difference for this UConn team and program, considering there was virtually no development under Ollie. That, plus who they have returning and incoming, should have the Huskies back in the NCAA Tournament next year. But, if they can land Achiuwa, watch out.