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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 (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images) /

1. Gonzaga Bulldogs

At this point, it almost doesn’t matter who the Bulldogs lose, since we know they always will reload. That’s the case for this season. They lost guards Admon Gilder and Ryan Woolridge, as well as forward Killian Tillie to graduation. And center Filip Petrusev, who led the team in points and rebounds en route to winning WCC Player of the Year, opted to go pro.

Yet Gonzaga still has a roster filled with high-end talent. It starts with the return of guard Joel Ayayi and Corey Kispert at the wing, along with Drew Timme now the clear-cut starting center. Forward Anton Watson is back after his shoulder injury in the non-conference. Redshirt freshman center Oumar Ballo adds some depth inside as well.

But the biggest name on the roster has to be Jalen Suggs, the first-ever five-star prospect to come to Gonzaga as a freshman. He’s a likely “one and done” and will wreak havoc in the WCC. He could’ve started this season at Duke or Kentucky but instead will try to lead the Bulldogs to a potential national title. And behind him is Aaron Cook, an under the radar grad transfer from Southern Illinois that adds experience and depth in the backcourt.

Look for top-60 freshmen players Julian Strawther and Dominick Harris to have an impact as well, whether this season or in the future. This roster not only is the best among mid-majors but potentially nationally. They’re a consensus preseason top-3 team and with Mark Few as head coach, will be a title contender all season.

Next. Preseason top-25 power rankings for 2020-21. dark

Gonzaga was the unanimous selection for No. 1 among all us voters and it wasn’t a surprise. And there certainly is a debate about whether or not the program should even be viewed as a “mid-major”. But that term in itself is not an insult, as this list is filled with quality programs that could beat half of those declared “power conference” teams.

This is simply about the classification of conferences. Because if it were just about the individual programs themselves, the Bulldogs would be considered a “blue blood”.

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