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

3. Saint Louis Billikens

The Atlantic 10 was filled with great frontcourt players from last season. But only one of them averaged a double-double. That was Billikens’ forward Hasahn French, who as a junior, put up 12.4 ppg and 10.4 rpg averages and was first-time all-defense for the league.

Two other all-conference players returns for Saint Louis, including another double-double machine in Jordan Goodwin, as well as Conference 6th Man of the Year Javonte Perkins, who averaged 15.0 ppg off the bench. What helps make the case for a great upcoming season even more for the team is that all five starters are back, including forward Jimmy Bell Jr. and point guard Yuri Collins.

As a sophomore, plenty will be expected of Collins. The 6’0 ball-handler had a solid first season, putting up 5.4 ppg and 5.5 apg. He shot just 37% from the field and relied much more on his teammates for offense but in order for the Billikens to reach their full potential, Collins will have to play at the same level as a Jalen Crutcher, Sincere Carry, and other top-tier points guards in the league.

There’s always a debate about how much a team can improve when everyone returns but Saint Louis was one of the worst free throw shooting teams in the country, while also taking the fewest three-pointers. A simple change in philosophy combined with improved work at the charity stripe can add 3-5 wins for the Billikens. That would put them in the easy at-large conversation for the NCAA Tournament.