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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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Utah State Mid-major Basketball Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

14. Utah State Aggies

It’s not going to be easy for the Aggies to replace Sam Merrill, the star of the team these past few years who carried the program to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances if you take his game-winning shot in the Mountain West Tournament title game against San Diego State.

His graduation, along with Diogo Brito gone and Abel Porter going to Ohio State hurts the depth on the perimeter but they should be good with Brock Miller and Virginia transfer Marco Anthony leading the way.

Where Utah State is most formidable at is its frontcourt. Forward Justin Bean was a national breakout star last season, averaging 11.9 ppg and 10.5 rpg. He took care of the team inside while  Neemias Queta was getting back into shape after suffering an offseason knee injure. His own stats (13.0 ppg and 7.8 rpg) were still good but now as a healthy junior, has a chance to be one of the best mid-major big men this season.

Look for senior wing Alphonso Anderson to provide a much-needed balance offensively, while four-star freshman center Szymon Zapała is a future star in the making. The one concern for Utah State will be the backcourt production but if things can work out, will be a contender in the Mountain West once again.

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