Busting Brackets
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AAC Basketball: Way-too-early power rankings for 2020-21 season

By Ben Andreatta

MEMPHIS, TN - FEBRUARY 22: Caleb Mills #2 of the Houston Cougars dribbles the ball against Alex Lomax #2 of the Memphis Tigers during a game at FedExForum on February 22, 2020 in Memphis, Tennessee. Memphis defeated Houston 60-59. (Photo by Joe Murphy/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - FEBRUARY 22: Caleb Mills #2 of the Houston Cougars dribbles the ball against Alex Lomax #2 of the Memphis Tigers during a game at FedExForum on February 22, 2020 in Memphis, Tennessee. Memphis defeated Houston 60-59. (Photo by Joe Murphy/Getty Images) /
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WICHITA, KS – FEBRUARY 06: Keith Williams #2 of the Cincinnati Bearcats (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images)
WICHITA, KS – FEBRUARY 06: Keith Williams #2 of the Cincinnati Bearcats (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images) /

3. Cincinnati Bearcats

Key Losses: Jarron Cumberland, Tre Scott, Jaevin Cumberland

Key Returners: Keith Williams (?), Chris Vogt (?)

Potential Impact Newcomer: Rapolas Ivanauskas

Breakout Candidate: Mika Adams-Woods

Year two with John Brannen at the helm will be a test as Cincinnati now turns the page from Jarron Cumberland. Cumberland has had one of the biggest impacts on Cincinnati basketball in the past decade and his senior year being cut short is a real shame.

Looking right off the bat at the roster the biggest question mark is who’s the new primary ball-handler now and it looks like Mika Adams-Woods. Brannen had a great get from the transfer portal in former Michigan guard David Dejulius but unless he gets a waiver he’s likely to have to sit out a year.

Dejulius wasn’t the only good get in the transfer portal for Cincinnati, Bearcats fans might remember this guy from a loss back in December. Rapolas Ivanauskas is a grad transfer from Colgate who averaged 13 points and seven rebounds this past season. He had 21 points and nine rebounds when the Raiders upset Cincinnati.

Cincinnati has a few newcomers that could make big impacts with Mike Saunders and Tari Easton. Look for sophomore Zach Harvey to make a major step up in his sophomore campaign after not getting a lot of minutes last season. The Bearcats will lean heavily on the seniors Keith Williams and Chris Vogt should they come back, all eyes will be on them to carry a team with not a lot of experience.