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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ST. LOUIS, MO – MARCH 10: Members of the Bradley Braves. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)
ST. LOUIS, MO – MARCH 10: Members of the Bradley Braves. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) /

35. Wright State Raiders

2019-20 record: 25-7 (15-3 in Horizon League)

Leading scorer Billy Wampler is gone but Wright State gets the benefit of having last season’s Horizon League Player of the Year back in Loudon Love. Tanner Holden had a great freshman campaign (10.8 ppg and 6.5 rpg) and leading passer Jaylon Hall will have a big senior year coming up. If transfers Tim Finke and Aleksandar Dozic can have an impact, the Raiders will be the heavy favorite to win the league once again.

34. Georgia State Panthers

2019-20 record: 19-13 (12-8 in Sun Belt)

The program didn’t fall off without head coach Ron Hunter, still finishing in the top-4 of the Sun Belt. They could very well finish first next season, bringing back their top three scorers (Kane Williams, Corey Allen and Justin Roberts), who each averaged at least 13 ppg. Georgia State adds much-needed size in Cincinnati transfer forward Eliel Nsoseme, along with former four-star prospect and Georgia guard Jojo Toppin.

33. Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks

2019-20 record: 28-3 (19-1 in Southland)

Despite one of the best players in program history (Kavon Harris) now gone, the Lumberjacks still remain a heavy favorite to win the Southland, thanks to a trio of rising seniors. Roti Ware, Cameron Johnson and Gavin Kensmil are all double-digit scorers but they’ll need a capable point guard to take over next year. Senior David Kachelries will be tasked with that duty unless UTEP transfer Nigel Hawkins gets a waiver.

32. Bradley Braves

2019-20 record: 23-11 (11-7 in Missouri Valley)

The Braves lost its top guards (Darrell Brown and Nate Kennell) but returns All-Conference forward Elijah Childs, who averaged 14.8 ppg and 8.6 rpg last season. He and Ja’Shon Henry will form arguably the best producing frontcourt in the league and if sit-out transfer guards Kevin McAdoo and Terry Nolan Jr. can produce enough to replace Brown and Kennell, Bradley will be in a great spot next year in the Missouri Valley.

31. Louisiana Tech Bulldogs

2019-20 record: 22-8 (13-5 in Conference USA)

Leading scorer DaQuan Bracey is gone but the Bulldogs bring back quality guards Amorie Archibald and Kalob Ledoux. Forwards Isaiah Crawford and Andrew Gordon are also coming back for one of the best defensive teams in the country a year ago. If the defense keeps up, LA Tech will be competing for another regular-season title in 2021.

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