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) /

4 of 5

DALLAS, TX – MARCH 15: Head coach Jim Larranaga of the Miami Hurricanes (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

4. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers

2019-20 record: 20-10 (13-5 in Conference USA)

The Hilltoppers had a successful past season without their best player Charles Bassey, who suffered a tough lower-leg injury. He’s back, along with leading scorer and All-CUSA guard Taveion Hollingsworth. Carson Williams, Josh Anderson and Lipscomb transfer Kenny Cooper will also be part of the rotation, along with Davidson transfer Luke Frampton.

This is a very strong starting lineup that Western Kentucky presents but there are some questions as to the overall depth. They take on Miami in the best opening round matchup and if the Hilltoppers want to make national noise with hopefully a healthy roster, this is a game they need to win. Bassey and Hollingworth is a good enough duo to do that.

3. Miami Hurricanes

2019-20 record: 15-16 (7-13 in ACC)

The Hurricanes will have their own quality duo of Chris Lykes and Kameron McGusty, two guards who combined to average over 28 ppg. They’re back, along with sophomore guards Isaiah Wong and Harlond Beverly and incoming top-50 wing Earl Timberlake.

The perimeter is in good shape but for Miami to become a true NCAA Tournament threat, they’ll need the frontcourt to produce much more on offense. That includes Cincinnati center transfer Nysier Brooks, as well as senior big men Rodney Miller Jr. and Sam Waardenburg. Against Western Kentucky, they’ll have to defend Bassey to get the first-round win and give themselves a resume-building victory.

Home/NCAA Basketball News