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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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Mid-major Basketball Markquis Nowell Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Mid-major Basketball Markquis Nowell Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

15. Little Rock Trojans

After winning just 10 games total and losing star guard and 20 ppg scorer Rayjon Tucker last offseason, it figured that the Trojans would remain towards the bottom of the Sun Belt. But two unexpected things happened that turned them into the team to beat in the league.

The first was the emergence of point guard Markquis Nowell. After averaging a solid 11.1 ppg and 4.2 apg as a freshman, the 5’7 guard exploded to produce 17.2 ppg and 4.9 apg, both leading the team. The other was JUCO big man Ruot Monyyong, who became a star for Little Rock inside. He averaged 11.9 ppg and 9.8 rpg, along with blocking over two shots a game en route to winning Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year.

Both players will be back, along with another double-digit scorer in guard Ben Coupet, Jr. The other double-scorer from last season Kamani Johnson transferred, as well as primary reserve guard  Jaizec Lottie. The good news for Little Rock is that they had a ton of depth last year and still has plenty leftover.

Nikola Maric and Marko Lukic will have even bigger roles off the bench, while forward Kris Bankston is back after playing just three games last season. Starter Jovan Stulic will also have a nice role as well on offense. There’s plenty of surrounding talent alongside Nowell and Monyyong for the Trojans to remain the team to beat in the Sun Belt.

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