Busting Brackets
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NCAA Basketball: Updated early top-25 power rankings for 2020-21 season

By Tristan Freeman

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 5: Killian Tillie #33 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs dribbles the ball against the Villanova Wildcats in the Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden on December 5, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Porter Binks/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 5: Killian Tillie #33 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs dribbles the ball against the Villanova Wildcats in the Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden on December 5, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Porter Binks/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 26: Blake Francis #1 of the Richmond Spiders (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 26: Blake Francis #1 of the Richmond Spiders (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /

20. NCAA Basketball power rankings – Richmond Spiders

It’s hard to determine which mid-major programs are worth a spot in the preseason power rankings. Among all of the teams to choose from, there’s Richmond, who essentially returns their entire roster from a 24-win campaign this past season. It’s confirmed now that everyone has left the NBA Draft process in the past couple of weeks.

The entire starting lineup for the Spiders will all be seniors, led by leading scorer Blake Francis. The former Wagner guard was one of the best impact transfers from all of last season, averaging 17.7 apg. Point guard Jacob Gilyard (5.7 apg) looks to be the best pure passer in the Atlantic 10, while forwards Nathan Cayo and Grant Golden will hold down the frontcourt. Wing Nick Sherod is another double-digit scorer asset who has a 5th year of eligibility.

Tulane transfer Connor Crabtree will add even more depth off the bench, which is the only weakness to consider on this team. They have the scoring, balance, and the star player that should allow them to keep with expectations for next season. Some may still have reservations about head coach Chris Mooney but it’s hard to doubt a five senior starting lineup that has an Atlantic 10 Player of the Year candidate to lead.

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