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

19. St. Mary’s Gaels

St. Mary’s is the overlooked team in the WCC almost every single year. Fans recognize that they have been one of the more consistent programs in the nation over the last several years but they are always just behind Gonzaga. And while that might be the case once again this year, the Gaels have a great returning roster that could put them in serious contention for the conference title. With 88.5% of their total minutes coming back, the Gaels are going to be deep, experienced, and talented.

They are also bringing back one of the most dynamic duos west of the Mississippi with Jordan Ford (21.1 ppg) and Malik Fitts (15.2 ppg, 7.6 rpg). These two proved to be very difficult matchups in the WCC a year ago and the majority of their supporting cast is returning alongside them as well. Throughout last season, the Gaels were an “analytics darling.” Despite being considered a bubble team *at best* for several months, they climbed to as high as No. 31 in KenPom rankings. They were one of the best teams in the country with regards to defending the three-ball as well.

With so much of their rotation returning, I would expect more of the same playing style but with better effectiveness. This team understands how to play as one, can be efficient on both ends of the floor, and boasts a superstar guard in Ford. They will be very dangerous as a result and I don’t want to be the one who underrates Randy Bennett as a head coach.