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AAC Basketball power rankings: Wichita State rises to the top

By Ben Andreatta

WICHITA, KS - JANUARY 25: Darral Willis Jr. #21 of the Wichita State Shockers reacts after scoring a basket against UCF Knights during the first half on January 25, 2018 at Charles Koch Arena in Wichita, Kansas. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
WICHITA, KS - JANUARY 25: Darral Willis Jr. #21 of the Wichita State Shockers reacts after scoring a basket against UCF Knights during the first half on January 25, 2018 at Charles Koch Arena in Wichita, Kansas. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images) /
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CINCINNATI, OH – DECEMBER 18: Tre Scott #13 of the Cincinnati Bearcats (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – DECEMBER 18: Tre Scott #13 of the Cincinnati Bearcats (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

4. Cincinnati Bearcats (Prior Ranking: 6)

Cincinnati had a rocky non-conference slate but looked to be getting back on track after beating UConn handily in their AAC opener. They then proceeded to lose to Tulane before demolishing Tulsa to move to 3-1 in conference play.

The biggest question mark for Cincinnati is why they can’t show up to every game, games where they’re on and playing well they look like Cincinnati. Other games like against Tulane or Colgate they just don’t even look remotely the same. Consistency has to be the main key.

Jarron Cumberland hasn’t been the same player he was last year, we’ve seen some flashes but the play hasn’t been consistent. New transfer Chris Vogt has been a monster. He’s shown flashes with a few 20 point games but has struggled to stay out of foul trouble in others. Vogt will get better as he gets to play more, this is his first season getting a lot of playing time.

The other thing is the lack of depth, there’s really not a lot of people for Brannen to turn to on his bench outside of Jaevin Cumberland. Cincinnati has a date at Memphis midweek with Temple on the weekend. The Cincinnati and Memphis game will be a big one to see how Brannen’s side can match up against Penny Hardaway’s young guys. A big game for both programs.