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

9. Dayton Flyers

The absence of Obi Toppin is well known and his impact on the Flyers in undeniable. There also are other under the radar departures on the roster this offseason, including losing double-digit scoring wing elite rebounder Trey Landers, along with starting forward Ryan Mikesell. The trio were the top rebounders on the team by a long shot, leaving behind major questions in the frontcourt.

Dayton does have Jordy Tshimanga, a 6’11 center with great size. But he only played 10 mpg last season and struggles on the defensive end. The hope is that Chase Johnson, a former top-100 prospect who left the team earlier last season due to personal reasons and injuries, can be a legit forward option for them. He came back this offseason and provides needed versatility. Redshirt freshman Moulaye Sissoko also adds depth inside.

"Replacing Toppin’s production is the only storyline that matters at Dayton this season. There will be plenty of talent available on the Flyers roster to push through the loss. – Holden Walter-Warner (@hwalterwarner)"

Where Dayton shines though is in its backcourt, led by all-conference guard Jalen Crutcher. He averaged 15.1 ppg and 4.9 apg and made 42% of his three-point attempts as a junior. The other two senior guards on the roster are Ibi Watson and Rodney Chatman. The duo combined to score 17.8 ppg last year and are also quality shooters as well. The trio forms one of the best perimeter sets in all of college basketball and will provide the bulk of the Flyers’ offense in 2020-21.

Crutcher has the chance to be a national star in his own right this season and should be able to put up major stats. If the frontcourt can come together, this team can certainly remain near the top of the Atlantic 10. And considering what the program has coming for the following year, they won’t be taking a step back any time soon.