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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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 22: Head coach Frank Haith of the Tulsa Golden Hurricane (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 22: Head coach Frank Haith of the Tulsa Golden Hurricane (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /

7. Tulsa Golden Hurricanes

Key Losses: Martins Igbanu, Lawson Korita

Key Returners: Brandon Rachal, Jeriah Horne,

Potential Impact Newcomer: Austin Richie

Breakout Candidate: Curtis Haywood II

The biggest loss of the offseason is Martins Igbanu but Tulsa is actually bringing in some solid pieces to replace him and Korita. Tulsa was definitely the surprise of the AAC next year going 13-5 in conference play and winning a share of the AAC regular-season title. Last season was the Golden Hurricanes third straight season finishing over .500 under Frank Haith.

Tulsa was one of the best defensive teams in the country and they’ll need to replicate that for next year. Arkansas transfer Keyshawn Embery-Simpson and Georgia Tech transfer Curtis Haywood II will both be eligible and will make an immediate impact.

The biggest question for Tulsa is if they can duplicate their success from last season, they did well in conference play but they have to figure out how to put up more points. Replacing their highest scorer Martins Igbanu will be a tough task.

The 2020 AAC Coach of the Year Frank Haith has himself an interesting team again and perhaps seventh might be too low, there’s just a lot of unknown with Tulsa and how their new guys will fit into the system. They had a decent recruiting class with JUCO transfers and three freshmen, a nice blend of youth and experience.