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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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Furman Mid-major basketball Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

11. Furman Paladins

The Paladins won 25 games last season and went 15-3 in the Southern Conference, thanks in part to star guard Jordan Lyons. He averaged a team-leading 16.4 ppg last season and was a two-time All-SoCon player. The good news for Furman is that they return just about the rest of the roster, including three other double-digit scoring starters.

The starting all-conference frontcourt of Clay Mounce and Noah Gurley will lead the way, combining to average 27.5 ppg, 10.6 rpg, and 4.0 apg. Both forwards can shoot as well, making over 40% of their three-point attempts.

In the backcourt, look for junior guard Mike Bothwell to try and replace Lyons’ production at the shooting guard position. He’ll have help with starting point guard Alex Hunter, who led Furman with 3.7 apg last season. Colin Kenney played in limited minutes but will be asked to do more in order for there to be legit backups.

With only 11 scholarship players on the roster, the Paladins are going to lack depth. The starting lineup, along with guard Jaylon Pugh and forward Jalen Slawson will make up the primary rotation for this season. The hope is that some of the incoming freshmen, including Garrett Hien and Joe Anderson, will be instant impact players. If that happens and the frontcourt continues to dominate, this could be the team to beat in the SoCon.

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