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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
Mid-major Basketball Cameron Krutwig (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

6. Loyola-Chicago Ramblers

The Ramblers had 21 regular-season wins last season and looks to improve on that, including winning back the Missouri Valley Conference. They have a great shot of doing so, bringing back just about everyone from last season’s main rotation, while also adding a couple of new pieces as well.

The leader of course is big man Kameron Krutwig, who averaged a team-leading 15.1 ppg, 8.1 rpg, and 4.2 apg. He can do it all and is one of the best overall mid-major basketball players. The 6’9 center has plenty of good surrounding talent, including guards Tate Hall and Keith Clemons, along with Lucas Williamson and Marquise Kennedy. Kennedy averaged 9.1 ppg as a freshman and was a pleasant surprise addition to the rotation.

"The Ramblers will be as deep as anyone in the Missouri Valley and adding a healthy Kaifes to a team that won 21 games should make them the favorites in the conference and while I am not sure another Final Four run is in the cards, if they are in the bracket they will surely be a popular first (and possibly second) round pick.  – Jason Burgess (@collegehoopsguy)"

To add to the guard depth, Loyola-Chicago has Cooper Kaifes back after suffering a torn labrum a year ago, while Oakland transfer Braden Norris is eligible after sitting out. There isn’t much depth in the frontcourt outside of Krutwig and fellow starter Aher Uguak, so look for the team to use some smaller lineups.

The Ramblers have a likely starting lineup of all seniors, and can run a rotation of 9-10 strong players. This is also a strong defensive unit, while the offense can struggle at times. If they can improve just a bit on that end, Loyola could be in position to make another potential run in the NCAA Tournament.

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