Mid-major Basketball: Way-too-early top-50 power rankings for 2020-21
1. Gonzaga Bulldogs
2019-20 record: 31-2 (15-1 in WCC)
The perennial mid-major powerhouse (depending on how you classify them) wasn’t the clear-cut top team outside the power conferences, as both San Diego State and Dayton were just as impressive. But as it stands currently, there isn’t a single mid-major basketball program anywhere near the potential that the Bulldogs have planning for 2020-21.
The losses of Killian Tillie, Admon Gilder and Ryan Woolridge no doubt hurt but Gonzaga has so much returning. WCC Player of the Year Filip Petrusev is likely coming back, along with quality big man Drew Timme. They also get forward Anton Watson coming back from an injury, along with redshirt freshman center Oumar Ballo.
The Bulldogs 2020-21 frontcourt is considered to be the best overall in the country but their perimeter isn’t too bad either. Corey Kispert is one of the best shooting wings in the country, while 6’5 guard Joel Ayayi had a breakout sophomore season as a double-digit scorer and top rebounder. And then there’s Jalen Suggs, a five-star and top-10 overall point guard recruit who will have a dynamic one and done season. That doesn’t even include top-60 incoming freshman Dominick Harris and Julian Strawther, or Southern Illinois grad transfer Aaron Cook.
Next. Top 100 seniors for 2019-20 season. dark
Things can still change, as Petrusev, Kispert and Ayayi are still in the draft process, while Suggs has been reportedly linked to the NBA G League. But as of now, all are expected to be in Spokane for next season, which could be a historic campaign for them. Gonzaga has been on multiple way-too-early national polls for next season, so there’s no debate that they would bee No. 1 on the top mid-major basketball ranking.