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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 Northern Iowa Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Northern Iowa Panthers

It was as close a vote as possible between both Loyola-Chicago and Northern Iowa, with the Panthers getting a very slight edge to make it to the top-5. What probably gave them the advantage is AJ Green, the reigning Missouri Valley Player of the Year and star guard of the Panthers.

Last season, Green put up 19.7 ppg and 3.0 apg and had a career-high 35 points against Bradley. Not only does Northern Iowa bring him back but the two other double-digit scorers as well. Trae Berhow (12.5 ppg) and Austin Phyfe (11.1 ppg) were also the team’s top two rebounders and along with Green provided most of the offensive production for the Panthers.

"Northern Iowa has been one of those traditional mid-major powers for a long time and head coach Ben Jacobson has helped keep the Panthers at the top.  – Bryan Mauro (@threecolorbeard)"

On defense, forward Isaiah Brown was huge for the team last season, awarded with the Missouri Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Year. His all-around production, along with the graduation of guard Spencer Haldeman will certainly be missed but the core trio is still enough to keep the Panthers at the top of the conference.

Look for Tywhon Pickford to have a good season as a likely starter and there’s a chance that George Mason transfer forward Goanar Mar could get a waiver in the next couple of weeks to play and have an impact in the frontcourt. If that happens and Green continues to develop as a junior, Northern Iowa will be hard to beat.

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