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Arizona Basketball: Ranking Wildcats 2019-20 non-conference opponents

By Tristan Freeman

LAHAINA, HI - NOVEMBER 20: Ira Lee and Dylan Smith #3 of the Arizona Wildcats block out Rui Hachimura #21 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs during a free throw attempt during the first half of the game at the Lahaina Civic Center on November 20, 2018 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images)
LAHAINA, HI - NOVEMBER 20: Ira Lee and Dylan Smith #3 of the Arizona Wildcats block out Rui Hachimura #21 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs during a free throw attempt during the first half of the game at the Lahaina Civic Center on November 20, 2018 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 16: Eli Chuha #22 of the New Mexico State Aggies celebrates after winning the championship game of the Western Athletic Conference basketball tournament against the Grand Canyon Lopes at the Orleans Arena on March 16, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. New Mexico State won 85-57. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 16: Eli Chuha #22 of the New Mexico State Aggies celebrates after winning the championship game of the Western Athletic Conference basketball tournament against the Grand Canyon Lopes at the Orleans Arena on March 16, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. New Mexico State won 85-57. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images) /

7. Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks (Nov 11)

2018-19 record: 21-11 (13-3)

With South Dakota State seemingly out of the picture, second-place Omaha has a real chance to win the Summit League now. However, they themselves have to deal with losing their two leading scorers from last season, including 18 ppg scoring guard Zach Jackson. Good news for the Mavericks is that they do bring back a trio of double-digit upperclassmen, including big man and leading rebounder Matt Pile.

6. Pepperdine Waves (Nov 28)

2018-19 record: 16-18 (6-10)

The Waves lose a couple of key rotation players but returns All-WCC guard Colbey Ross, who averaged a team-leading 19.4 ppg and 7.0 apg. 15 ppg forward Kameron Edwards will be fully healthy this time around and Kessler Edwards is primed for a big sophomore campaign. Pepperdine’s ceiling will raise if either Pac-12 transfer Keith Smith and MJ Cage can play to their capability. This will not be a cakewalk to open the Wooden Legacy.

5. (N) St. John’s Red Storm (Dec 29)

2018-19 record: 21-13 (8-10)

It’s going to look different for St. John’s next year with new head coach Mike Anderson. Leading scorer Shamorie Ponds went pro along with all-around playmaker Justin Simon. The team did get a break with the returns of both LJ Figeroa and Mustapha Heron, who combined to produce 29 ppg. Transfers Eli Wright and David Caraher should make an impact after sitting out a season, although the overall depth is a concern.

4. New Mexico State Aggies (Nov 17)

2018-19 record: 30-5 (15-1)

Not only does most of the roster return from a 30-win team who made the NCAA Tournament, but the Aggies were also able to land transfer Evan Gilyard (although he’s unable to play until the following season). New Mexico State brings back its top three scorers from a team with some of the best depth in the country. Don’t be fooled by the fact that no one scored more than 11.5 ppg last season as the Aggies depth combined with their defense can be too much for opponents. This team has been known to give power conference foes a very tough fight and should do the same to a young Wildcats team.

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