Busting Brackets
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CAA Basketball: Preseason power rankings for 2019-20

By Matthew Winick

SYRACUSE, NY - DECEMBER 04: Anthony Green #30 of the Northeastern Huskies dunks the ball as Elijah Hughes (R) of the Syracuse Orange defends during the first half at the Carrier Dome on December 4, 2018 in Syracuse, New York. (Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images)
SYRACUSE, NY - DECEMBER 04: Anthony Green #30 of the Northeastern Huskies dunks the ball as Elijah Hughes (R) of the Syracuse Orange defends during the first half at the Carrier Dome on December 4, 2018 in Syracuse, New York. (Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images) /
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SAN DIEGO, CA – MARCH 16: Grant Riller #1 of the Charleston Cougars looks to pass against Chuma Okeke #4 of the Auburn Tigers in the first half in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena on March 16, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA – MARCH 16: Grant Riller #1 of the Charleston Cougars looks to pass against Chuma Okeke #4 of the Auburn Tigers in the first half in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena on March 16, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

1. College of Charleston

2018-2019 Record: 24-9 (12-6) – 3rd in CAA

Last season, College of Charleston was a two-headed monster. Grant Riller and Jarrell Brantley dominated the CAA to the tune of 41.3 PPG, 11.8 RPG and 6.5 APG. They led their team to non-conference upsets against VCU, Rhode Island and Memphis. However, when the CAA slate rolled around, they went a disappointing 12-6 and fell to Northeastern in the CAA Semi-Finals. After what could have been an NCAA Tournament run for the second straight season, Charleston was denied, and lost Brantley to graduation and the NBA.

Despite all of this, Riller remains. One of the best inside scoring guards in the country, he shot an unprecedented 62% from inside the arc on 10.6 attempts a game. Being able to get to the rim at will and finish with such high percentages in a rarity in basketball. One of the biggest problems with the Cougars last year was the inability for the rest of the roster to stand out. No other player on the roster averaged more than 7.9 points and that player, Brevin Galloway was the only other player over 5.4. Depth was clearly an issue last season.

It remains tough to bet against the success of Riller and Coach Earl Grant. With only 3 graduating players from last season, Charleston will have to depend on internal growth. Then again, with so much turnover in the CAA, so will many teams.

Next. Ranking top 25 programs of the last decade. dark

The difference between the Cougars and the teams ranked below them on this list is simple. Charleston returns an elite, All-CAA point guard and the most proven coach in the league to the table. Banking on the growth of their roster is easier to imagine due to Riller’s presence, and so is the possibility of Charleston representing the CAA in the NCAA Tournament this season.