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 – NOVEMBER 23: Dexter Dennis #0 of the Wichita State Shockers (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images)
WICHITA, KS – NOVEMBER 23: Dexter Dennis #0 of the Wichita State Shockers (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images) /

5. Wichita State Shockers

Key Losses: Erik Stevenson, Jaime Echenique, Jamarius Burton, Grant Sherfield

Key Returners: Tyson Etienne, Dexter Dennis (?), Morris Udeze

Potential Impact Newcomer: Alterique Gilbert

Breakout Candidate: Trey Wade

This has certainly not been the offseason Wichita State fans were hoping for and there’s been quite a bit of cause for concern. Five scholarship players have jumped ship this spring and entered the transfer portal including the teams leading scorer Erik Stevenson.

Greg Marshall has had his work cut out for him in finding replacements, he managed to get a commitment from UConn graduate transfer Alterique Gilbert. Gilbert is very familiar with playing in the AAC and has a lot of experience with the ball in his hands.

Look out for the JUCO transfer point guards Craig Porter and Trevin Wade to play a role, there’s plenty of minutes and a lot of uncertainty at some of the guard spots. Trevin Wade was a Second Team All American with Georgia Highlands and Craig Porter averaged 8 points 6 rebounds and 4 assists last season at Vincennes.

Even with all of the departures, it’s hard to see Wichita State dropping off, they always seem to have things together and be competitive. It will be interesting to see how they do next year as all eyes are on Greg Marshall to see if this barrage of departures this offseason was a one-time thing.