NCAA Basketball: Ranking all 8 teams in 2020 Cayman Islands Classic
2. Northern Iowa Panthers
2019-20 record: 25-6 (14-4 in Missouri Valley)
The top team in the Missouri Valley is bringing back their top three scorers, including reigning Conference Player of the Year guard AJ Green (19.7 ppg). Forward Austin Phyfe is also returning, along with talented wing Trae Berhow. Northern Iowa had wins over South Carolina and Colorado last season and has no fear taking on power conference opponents.
The Panthers will be one of the top mid-major programs this upcoming season and could very well have the best overall player in the Cayman Islands Classic in Green. A potential blockbuster mid-major matchup between them and Western Kentucky in the semifinals could be huge for either’s NCAA Tournament resume.
1. Ole Miss Rebels
2019-20 record: 15-17 (6-12 in SEC)
Losing leading scorer Breein Tyree certainly stings for the Rebels but the hope is that along with the return of all-around guard Devontae Shuler, incoming top-40 freshman playmaker Matthew Murrell will have a major impact next year.
Ole Miss had a huge offseason overhaul on the frontline to add to center Khadim Sy and combo wing KJ Buffen. Rider transfer Dimencio Vaughn is a 6’8 double-digit scoring wing, big man Romello White averaged nearly a double-double last season at Arizona State. And to help even more, Samford stretch forward Robert Allen is looking to get a waiver to join the team as well.
Next. Latest preseason power rankings for 2020-21. dark
The Rebels weren’t very deep or big last season but the 2020-21 version will be much different. If Shuler can take the next step as the lead guard, don’t be surprised that Ole Miss competes for a top-6 spot in the SEC and make a run at the NCAA Tournament. But first, the could sure use the Cayman Islands Classis title boost those odds.