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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CORVALLIS, OREGON – JANUARY 25: Ethan Thompson #5 of the Oregon State Beavers (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images) /

6. Nevada Wolf Pack

2019-20 record: 19-12 (12-6 in Mountain West)

Losing the team’s top four scorers is bad enough but Nevada has to find a way to replace the massive amount of production of Jalen Harris, who averaged 21.7 ppg, 6.5 rpg, and 3.9 apg last season. The good news is that the frontcourt looks solid, led by sophomore forwards Zane Meeks and KJ Hymes, as well as Oregon State transfer Warren Washington.

If Brown transfer Desmond Cambridge Jr. can continue putting up over 15 ppg from the perimeter then the Wolf Pack will have a balanced offense. There’s still a giant question at the point guard position unless Wichita State transfer Grant Sherfield can get a waiver from the NCAA. Nevada is in the tough part of the bracket and could lose the first two games unless consistent contributors can be found.

5. Oregon State Beavers

2019-20 record: 18-13 (7-11 in Pac-12)

Losing multi-time All-Pac 12 star Tres Tinkle is a major blow but Ethan Thompson (14.8 ppg and 4.5 apg) coming back for his senior season will provide some stability. He, Zach Reichle and Alfred Hollins make up the core of the Beavers, while top-tier JUCO wing Tariq Silver will have a major role in the offense.

The backcourt for Oregon State will be in solid shape but the frontcourt is a major question. The team will have to use undersized lineups to prevail but the good news for them is that opening round opponent Kansas State is even smaller. Thompson will be the best player on the floor in that game and it’ll help the Beavers move on. Will it be enough against the bigger teams in this tournament?

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