Busting Brackets
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AAC Basketball: Top 10 returning players for 2019-20 season

By Ben Andreatta

COLUMBUS, OHIO - MARCH 22: Jarron Cumberland #34 of the Cincinnati Bearcats reacts during the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Nationwide Arena on March 22, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OHIO - MARCH 22: Jarron Cumberland #34 of the Cincinnati Bearcats reacts during the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Nationwide Arena on March 22, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 13: Quinton Rose #13 of the Temple Owls dribbles the ball against the Villanova Wildcats at the Liacouras Center on December 13, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 13: Quinton Rose #13 of the Temple Owls dribbles the ball against the Villanova Wildcats at the Liacouras Center on December 13, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

3. Alexis Yetna

This is the guy that beat out Jayden Gardner for American Athletic Freshman of the Year. Alexis Yetna is a monster down low, one of the best bigs in the league last year and a guy that will play a huge role for USF this year. If you’re keeping track he’s the third USF player on this list. Alexis Yetna led the American Conference in double-doubles last year with 15 and finish ranked top 25 nationally in that category. He’s got a real chance to average a double-double this year after narrowly missing out on it last year by about half a rebound.

2. Quinton Rose

Listed at 6-8 and he’s a guard. Quinton Rose comes off a great season in which the Owls were able to make an NCAA tournament appearance. Rose made the All-AAC second team this past year after averaging 16 points per game. With teammate Shiz Alston Jr gone, more opportunities should open up for Rose on the offensive end. Rose is a 1,000 point scorer for the Owls, he’ll be one of the most exciting players in this league to watch and will be the focal point of a Temple team looking to make it back to back tournament appearances for the first time since they made six straight appearances from 2008 to 2013.

1. Jarron Cumberland

I don’t think this one needs much explanation but just in case you’ve been living in a cave Jarron Cumberland is one of the best players in the country. The 2019 American Player of the Year is all but a lock to win it again this year. He’s playing with a chip on his shoulder and ready to lead.

Next. Biggest AAC questions for 2019-20 season. dark

He’s out to prove to NBA draft scouts that he has what it takes to play at the next level. He could have gotten away with staying in the draft this past summer but him coming back is a huge win for John Brannen and the Bearcats.