Busting Brackets
Fansided

NCAA Basketball: Updated way-too-early 2019-20 top-25

By Lukas Harkins

HOUSTON, TX - MARCH 29: A general view during the South Regional Final of the 2015 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament between the Gonzaga Bulldogs and the Duke Blue Devils at NRG Stadium on March 29, 2015 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - MARCH 29: A general view during the South Regional Final of the 2015 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament between the Gonzaga Bulldogs and the Duke Blue Devils at NRG Stadium on March 29, 2015 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
10 of 26
Next
COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 22: Utah State Aggies celebrate. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 22: Utah State Aggies celebrate. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

17. Utah State Aggies

Utah State was arguably the biggest surprise in the entire country last season. After widely being projected as the worst team in the Mountain West, they shocked everyone by actually winning the regular-season and tournament titles over the heavy favorite in Nevada. Now, with the vast majority of the roster returning for another round, they are in that favorite role and look ready to strike with a monster year. Head coach Craig Smith put together an incredible campaign during this past season and the team has high hopes for this campaign.

Utah State’s top four scorers from last year are all coming back, and that includes superstar guard Sam Merrill. Even though he does not receive a ton of national attention, there are very players better in the nation. The 6-foot-5 rising senior is coming off a season in which he averaged 20.9 points (.461/.376/.909), 3.9 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. He is one of the most well-rounded guards in the nation and his efficiency speaks for itself.

In addition, sophomore center Neemias Queta is in for a monster season. After a season in which the chiseled 6-foot-11 big averaged 11.8 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game, Queta tested the NBA Draft waters but elected to return. He projects as one of the top centers in the entire NCAA during this coming season and is another monster reason for surrounding optimism surrounding the Aggies.

Utah State was a top-40 team in the country last year and returns 72.6% of their minutes, including those from their two best players. Their case for being a preseason top-25 team in the country is clear.

Home/NCAA Basketball News