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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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 16: Ivan Aurrecoechea #15 and C.J. Bobbitt #13 of the New Mexico State Aggies (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 16: Ivan Aurrecoechea #15 and C.J. Bobbitt #13 of the New Mexico State Aggies (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images) /

18. New Mexico State Aggies

2019-20 record: 25-6 (16-0 in WAC)

Even after a month after the season was concluded, New Mexico State’s roster is still in flux. They lose at least six rotation players from this past year, including key starters Trevelin Queen and Ivan Aurrecoechea. Two players in question are Clayton Henry and AJ Harris, potential starters who each dealt with injuries. Both are looking for a potential waiver to play another year, which would make the Aggies likely to run the table in the WAC once again.

Who the team does have coming back includes leading scorer Jabari Rice, Johnny McCants, Evan Gilyard and Shawn Williams. And of course, there are transfers joining the fold, including Mayan Kiir (eligible in second-half of the season), Marcus Watson after getting kicked out of Oklahoma State and Portland big man Jacob Tryon. Even if the waivers are denied, New Mexico State is set to dominate the WAC once again.

17. Yale Bulldogs

2019-20 record: 23-7 (11-3 in Ivy League)

Even with forward Jordan Bruner going to Alabama this offseason, Yale is still the early odds-on favorite to win the Ivy League next year. They return both of their top scorers, Paul Atkinson and Azar Swain, who averaged 17.6 ppg and 16.0 ppg respectively. Matthue Cotton also returns, along with the additions of three-star prospects Matt Knowling and Yussif Basa-Ama.

The biggest question for the Bulldogs will be whether or not they can replace Eric Monroe, the team’s leading passer (4.3 apg) from this past season. Along with Swain, Jalen Gabbidon will be the other lead ball-handler, who started all 30 games this past season.

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