Mid-major Basketball: 5 programs to watch for 2020-21 season
By Tim Edmonds
Richmond Spiders
A breakout 2019-20 campaign may just have been the beginning for Chris Mooney’s program. Winners of 24 games including 14 in conference play last season, the Spiders are one of the most complete mid-majors in the country and are returning all five starters to boot.
Many were left to wonder what could have been last season as the Spiders were red-hot heading into the A-10 and eventual NCAA tournaments. Despite this uncertainty, they’ll still get their chance in 2020-21 with a loaded junior class coming back for more.
Built around their core of guards Blake Francis, Jacob Gilyard, Nick Sherod as well as forward Grant Golden, the Spiders will also welcome plenty of new talent to build upon their already loaded starting lineup.
Joining this quartet will be highly touted point guard Isaiah Wilson from First Love Christian Academy Pittsburgh. Additionally, Tulane transfer guard Conor Crabtree, who after a sit-out year, will join the Spiders’ backcourt, giving them some of the best backcourt depth not only in the A-10 but in all of college basketball.
Upfront, Mooney will hope for forward Nathan Cayo to finally put it together in his senior season. After regression last year from 12.9 to 8.7 points per game, Cayo’s ability to contribute down low and improve as a rebounder beside Golden could see the Spiders play into or beyond the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament this March.
Overall, the Spiders have all the makings of not only an Atlantic-10 contender but one destined for multiple wins in the NCAA Tournament. The Top-25 buzz they’ve been receiving is real, and the Spiders loaded roster will prove itself all year when they’re given the chance.