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Mid-major Basketball: Preseason Top-25 power rankings for 2020-21 season

By Tristan Freeman

Feb 1, 2020; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego State Aztecs forward Matt Mitchell (11) dribbles while defended by Utah State Aggies forward Justin Bean (34) during the first half at Viejas Arena. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2020; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego State Aztecs forward Matt Mitchell (11) dribbles while defended by Utah State Aggies forward Justin Bean (34) during the first half at Viejas Arena. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Murray State Mid-major Basketball Hpt Austin Peay Murray State Basketball 26
Murray State Mid-major Basketball Hpt Austin Peay Murray State Basketball 26 /

16. Murray State Racers

Even after losing star guard Ja Morant to the NBA, the Racers still managed to stay on top of the Ohio Valley, finishing first with a 15-3 conference record. Guard Tevin Brown took over the lead role without Morant and ran with it, averaging a team-leading 17.9 ppg and 3.7 apg.

Joining him to stardom was another sophomore in forward K.J. Williams, who averaged 12.7 ppg and 7.3 rpg. Now juniors, these two will have even more responsibilities for Murray State, considering the number of departures. Starters Jaiveon Eaves and Anthony Smith both graduated, while forward Darnell Cowart has moved to the professional ranks.

The good news for the Racers is that the other starter, junior guard DaQuan Smith is back, while forwards Devin Gilmore and Demond Robinson will potentially start this season as well. The team also gets former Arkansas guard and JUCO commit Justice Hill to provide depth on the backcourt and he could break out into a double-digit scorer as well.

Murray State had plenty of depth last season but will be a bit more top-heavy this time around. Kunkel leaving Belmont boosts the team’s chances to win the Ohio Valley once again, although there’s another team in the conference with even better odds on paper.

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