Busting Brackets
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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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PHILADELPHIA, PA – MARCH 11: The Harvard Crimson (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – MARCH 11: The Harvard Crimson (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images) /

25. Siena Saints

2019-20 record: 20-10 (15-5 in MAAC)

Rick Pitino will make rival Iona even more of a threat in years to come but as for next season, Siena is the clear-cut favorite to win the conference. Star guard Jalen Pickett is coming back for another year, along with Manny Camper, who averaged 13.7 ppg and 10.4 rpg. Rising junior guard Donald Carey is another double-digit asset for the Saints, who are looking to make the NCAA Tournament for the first time in a decade.

24. UMass Minutemen

2019-20 record: 14-17 (8-10 in Atlantic 10)

The best mid-major big man outside of Spokane may be Tre Mitchell, a former four-star center prospect who surpassed the highest of expectations as a freshman by averaging 17.7 ppg and 7.2 rpg. Carl Pierre (12.2 ppg) will provide senior leadership, while the Minutemen gets back TJ Weeks, who averaged nearly 15 ppg in 10 games before suffering an injury. If they can get Wichita State transfer Noah Fernandes eligible to replace Sean East, they’ll be a top-flight A-10 team next year.

23. Harvard Crimson

2019-20 record: 21-8 (10-4 in Ivy League)

Not having either Bryce Aken or Seth Towns last season benefits Harvard for the upcoming season, having allowed the role players to take on big roles. Leading scorer Noah Kirkwood returns, along with forward Chris Ledlum. Rio Haskett and Danilo Djuricic will be starters next season, joined by multiple three-star recruits in the 2020 class. Head coach Tommy Amaker has made the Crimson a top team in the conference while missing key players, imagine what they would do when actually healthy?

22. Bowling Green Falcons

2019-20 record: 21-10 (12-6 in MAC)

Star guard Justin Turner (18.8 ppg) was set to leave the program as a grad transfer this offseason before pulling a 180 and returning to the Falcons. He and key wing/forward Daeqwon Plowden will form a great duo in the MAC. With five of the top six scorers returning, Bowling Green will fight both Buffalo and Akron for the top spot in the league. Look out for Duquesne transfer center Dylan Swingle to have an impact and bolster the frontcourt as well.

21. South Dakota State Jackrabbits

2019-20 record: 22-10 (13-3 in Summit League)

Even without head coach T.J. Otzelberger, the Jackrabbits still remains on top of the Summit League and very likely will do so again, considering that the team’s top six scorers all return for another season. That includes leading scorer Douglas Wilson, a former JUCO star who was arguably the best impact newcomer from that level.

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