Mid-major Basketball: Preseason Top-25 power rankings for 2020-21 season
25. Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks
The Lumberjacks, when healthy, have been one of the most dominant mid-major basketball programs of the last decade. Last season wasn’t any different, finishing 28-3 overall and 19-1 in the Southland. That included the historic win at No. 1 ranked Duke.
Stephen F. Austin will be without all-time leading scorer and winner Kevon Harris this time around, after averaging 17.5 ppg. Starters Nathan Bain and John Comeaux also have graduated as well. The good news is that there’s a new core of seniors to lead the way for them this season.
Cameron Johnson and Gavin Kensmil each averaged over double figures last season and will be the go-to players to replace Harris. Starting guard Roti Ware will likely take over the lead ball-handler duties, while David Kachelries and Charlies Daniels provide more depth and experience as seniors.
light. Related Story. No. 1 game of 2019-20 season - Duke vs SFA
What can really boost the Lumberjacks is transfer Nigel Hawkins. The 6’4 guard averaged over 12 ppg as a freshman at UTEP but saw his numbers take a major dip after being benched in favor of other transfer guards on the roster. He departed this offseason to SFA and received a waiver to play in 2020-21.
It’s a credit to Coach Kyle Keller to keep the team as the clear Southland favorite, despite losing such a big piece in Harris. However, this team has plenty of talent and experience returning to remain as one of the top mid-majors this year.