NCAA Basketball: 5 teams undervalued in way-too-early polls for 2020-21

Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

The only reason Georgia Tech was in the news this past season was because of their postseason ban, so it’s easy to overlook the Yellow Jackets going into next season – but you shouldn’t.

Josh Pastner’s squad is expected to return everyone other than senior big man James Banks, including star guards Jose Alvarado and Michael Devoe. One of the younger teams in the country, the Yellow Jackets actually ranked in the top 50 nationally in experience and will be one of the country’s most experienced teams next year.

Because of that, their already great defense should be even better. They ranked 16th nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency and were top 10 in both three-point defense and effective field goal defense. Losing a shot-blocker like Banks will affect that some, but Moses Wright has proven to be a very capable rim protector. Georgia transfer Rodney Howard is immediately eligible, he will help replace that as well.

He and USC transfer Kyle Sturdivant should help provide depth for a roster that needs it, along with seven-foot freshman Saba Gigiberia.

Keep in mind that Georgia Tech finished 5th in the ACC and only had two bad losses (Ball State and Pitt at home) all season long. With virtually everyone back for another crack at it, it’s certainly realistic to think this group can finish in the top five in the ACC again and easily make the NCAA Tournament.

I’d place them in the No. 21-25 range in these way-too-early preseason rankings, yet no one is ranking them and I think that’s a mistake given what they return.