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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MEMPHIS, TN – JANUARY 16: D.J. Jeffries #0 of the Memphis Tigers (Photo by Joe Murphy/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN – JANUARY 16: D.J. Jeffries #0 of the Memphis Tigers (Photo by Joe Murphy/Getty Images) /

2. Memphis Tigers

Key Losses: Precious Achiuwa (?), Tyler Harris

Key Returners: Boogie Ellis, DJ Jeffries,

Potential Impact Newcomer: Ahmad Rand

Breakout Candidate: D.J. Jeffries

Last year was really a mess for Memphis and next season is a chance to put that all behind them and get back to business. The Tigers had one of the biggest wins in the early offseason with Virginia Tech transfer Landers Nolley, as of right now he’s a candidate to have to sit out a year unless he gets a waiver but it’s a possibility.

Precious Achiuwa has just recently announced his decision to declare for the NBA draft. Achiuwa has been as high as a lottery pick in some mock drafts. He’s likely to stay in the draft and ould be a huge loss for the Tigers next season.

DJ Jeffries missed a good chunk of last season with a foot injury if the Tigers keep him healthy for the entire season he should definitely be one of the best players in the conference. Even in his 19 games he played well but he likely wasn’t 100% for a good chunk of them. He’ll need to step up big time to fill the hole Achiuwa is leaving making him an ideal breakout candidate.

Tyler Harris is a big loss as well, the Memphis native was a fan favorite and entered his name in the transfer portal last week. With Ahmad Rand being the only newcomer eligible right now, Memphis will rely heavily on that “sophomore leap” from guys like Lester Quinones, Boogie Ellis, and D.J. Jeffries.

Memphis are still very active in the transfer portal and on the recruiting trail. There are some big question marks for the Tigers with a lot of things still unresolved but the Tigers should be one of the best teams in the AAC again this year even with the loss of Achiuwa.