Busting Brackets
Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
18 of 27
Next
Mid-major Basketball
Mid-major Basketball Isaiah Miller Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /

10. UNC Greensboro Spartans

The Spartans had a good season overall, finishing with 23 total wins and going 13-5 in the SoCon. However, the three straight losses, including back-to-back versus Chattanooga to end the season was stinging.

The good news for UNC Greensboro is that they bring back its star player and reigning Conference Player of the Year guard Isaiah Miller. He averaged a team-leading 17.8 ppg and 3.1 apg, while also being one of the nation’s leader in steals. Miller also is a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, showing his all-around elite versatility.

The team lost three starters to graduation, including guard Malik Massey and forwards James Dickey and Kyrin Galloway. The 13.3 rpg combined average for those bigs is tough to replace inside but the Spartans did manage to land Central Arkansas transfer Hayden Koval.

The 7’0 center started 94 games in three seasons, averaging 11.1 ppg and 6.4 rpg, along with nearly three blocks a game. Koval has been one of the best shot blockers in the country, including a career-high 11 blocks as a freshman in a triple-double performance. After given a waiver by the NCAA to play this season, look for Koval to have a major impact as a starter.

With forward Angelo Allegri and double-digit scoring guard Kaleb Hunter also returning, the Spartans will have arguably the best starting lineup in the conference. If Miller continues to be a star, hard to imagine UNC Greensboro not being at the top of the SoCon.

Home/Mid Major Conferences