Busting Brackets
Fansided

Mid-major Basketball: Way-too-early top-50 power rankings for 2020-21

By Tristan Freeman

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 11: Fans of San Diego State Aztecs cheer during the first half of a game against the New Mexico Lobos at Viejas Arena on February 11, 2020 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 11: Fans of San Diego State Aztecs cheer during the first half of a game against the New Mexico Lobos at Viejas Arena on February 11, 2020 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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DAYTON, OH – JANUARY 22: Jaren English #5 of the St. Bonaventure Bonnies (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
DAYTON, OH – JANUARY 22: Jaren English #5 of the St. Bonaventure Bonnies (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

14. Austin Peay Governors

2019-20 record: 21-12 (14-4 in Ohio Valley)

The usual two-man battle for the OVC crown has been crashed by Austin Peay, who led by star player Terry Taylor (21.8 ppg and 11.0 rpg) has won at least 12 conference games in each of the past three years. Taylor was joined by another productive Governor in Jordyn Adams, who averaged 17.4 ppg as a freshman.

For Austin Peay to take the next step and win the conference, they’ll need the supporting cast to increase their production. More so on defense, where they ranked towards the bottom of the league in field goal and three-point percentage allowed. With Taylor coming into his senior season, this will be the Govs best chance at being No. 1 in the OVC for a while.

13. St. Bonaventure Bonnies

2019-20 record: 19-12 (11-7 in Atlantic 10)

Despite being one of the youngest teams in the country last season, the Bonnies talent mostly overcame the inexperience issues. And with only one upperclassman on the roster (Amadi Ikpeze), this team has plenty of more room to grow. The four top scorers were all sophomores, including impact JUCO newcomer Jaren English. Coach Mark Schmidt added another JUCO import in Eddie Creal to provide more perimeter depth to go alongside star point guard Kyle Lofton (14.1 ppg and 6.0 apg).

What would propel St. Bonaventure to the top of the A-10 is big man Osun Osunniyi becoming an All-Conference performer. The 6’10 center has been a double-digit scorer and elite rebounder but struggled with health issues last season. A fully healthy season from him could be the deciding factor for the Bonnies being an at-large contender.

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