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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CINCINNATI, OH – JANUARY 19: Jayden Gardner #1 of the East Carolina Pirates (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – JANUARY 19: Jayden Gardner #1 of the East Carolina Pirates (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

9. East Carolina Pirates

Key Losses: None

Key Returners: Everyone

Potential Impact Newcomer: Noah Farrakhan

Breakout Candidate: JJ Miles

There’s actually a lot to like about East Carolina for next year, no major departures, Jayden Gardner coming back, he could have easily won AAC Player of the Year last season if the Pirates were better, and there’s some good talent coming in.

If you follow AAC basketball at all you know Jayden Gardner is one of if not the best player in the conference, this season he should get a lot more help. Last year was a tough transition year with a lot of guys entering the portal before the season began but the key guys are now back for this next season. There’s a little bit of stability in the program for the first time in a while.

Look at Noah Farrakhan, that’s a big get for ECU, he had offers from Maryland and Penn State among many others. He’s talented and will make an immediate impact on this team. Joe Dooley was a winner at Florida Gulf Coast and he’s starting to get some pieces together through the JUCO route.

East Carolina has only won 21 games combined the last two seasons, East Carolina was in a lot of their games last season losing quite a few by single digits. This squad has some talent with Gardner, Newman, and Suggs, and gains some quality pieces, who says they can’t make some noise this season. The Pirates are very intriguing.