Summit League Basketball: Preseason power rankings for 2019-20 season

By Austin Hamm | Oct 31, 2019

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - MARCH 22: Jordan Horn #33 and Vinnie Shahid #0 of the North Dakota State Bison react against the Duke Blue Devils in the second half during the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Colonial Life Arena on March 22, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

5 of 5

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – MARCH 22: The North Dakota State Bison huddle against the Duke Blue Devils in the second half during the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Colonial Life Arena on March 22, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

2. Oral Roberts

Key Returner: Kevin Obanor

You can see my full thoughts on the Golden Eagles season here, but there’s a chance for a big step forward in Tulsa this season. Obanor and Emmanuel Nzekwesi make up a forward tandem that the majority of Summit League might not have the horses to match up with.

Top to bottom they have one of the more interesting rosters in the conference. With a lack of real size, they may struggle a bit in non-conference, but this looks like a team with the ability to establish an identity and be a force within conference play.

1. North Dakota State Bison

Key Returner: Vinnie Shahid

NDSU caught everyone’s eye when they gave Duke a handful in the first half of their first-round matchup in the NCAA tournament last season, but this year the Bison can shoot higher than being a sacrificial lamb in the 16 seed. With a roster that can win in a variety of ways, you’ll rarely see the Bison in a game they have no chance to win.

Next. Ranking all head coaches for 2019-20. dark

You can check out my full season preview here, but between their depth, continuity and resume, it’s hard to not see North Dakota State as the early favorites in the Summit League.