NCAA Basketball: Ranking all 8 teams in 2020 Cayman Islands Classic

GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 11: Chris Lykes #0 of the Miami Hurricanes attempts a shot against the Clemson Tigersduring their game in the second round of the 2020 Men's ACC Basketball Tournament at Greensboro Coliseum on March 11, 2020 in Greensboro, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /

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MANHATTAN, KS – MARCH 07: Head coach Bruce Weber of the Kansas State Wildcats (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images) /

8. La Salle Explorers

2019-20 record: 16-16 (6-12 in Atlantic 10)

The rebuilding effort continues for the Explorers but the transfer departure of forward Ed Creswell hurts matters. Leading scorer David Beatty (10.7 ppg) does return for his junior season, but the lack of production elsewhere makes this team fighting another uphill battle.

The hope for La Salle lies in the return of double-digit scorer guard Jack Clark from injury, as well as Indiana transfer forward Clifton Moore eligible after sitting out last season. They take on Ole Miss in the opener and there’s a clear talent disparity between the two. The Explorers’ goal will be to get a win in one of the three games.

7. Kansas State Wildcats

2019-20 record: 11-21 (3-15 in Big 12)

As much as the Wildcats struggled last season, losing guards Cartier Diarra and David Sloan this offseason hurt even worse. The team doesn’t bring back anyone who scorer more than seven points a game, making this an even tougher rebuild as a Big 12 program than La Salle’s own situation.

The good news is that Kansas State has a talented recruiting class, led by four-star freshman guard Nijel Pack. Senior Mike McGuirl will provide much-needed leadership, while sophomore guard Dajuan Gordon is a breakout candidate. With plenty of new faces, it’ll take a while for the Wildcats to gel. If they’re not careful, this team could go winless in the Cayman Islands Classic.

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