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

23. Vermont Catamounts

Few programs in any of the 32 conferences have been as dominant as Vermont, who has lost a grand total of five games in the America East, while also winning at least 26 total overall in the past four seasons. Anthony Lamb has been the catalyst for the program’s recent greatness, winning multiple Conference Player of the Year Awards and leading the team in scoring each time.

"All hope isn’t lost, however, for despite losing Lamb to graduation, Vermont still has a strong roster returning. The key will be whether talented senior guard Stef Smith (14.2 ppg) can take on more scoring and playmaking responsibilities in Lamb’s absence. – Jacob Zinkula (@1Perfectbracket)"

His departure, along with losing starters Daniel Gideons and Everett Duncan certainly hurt, but the Catamounts have plenty of returning talent to remain the favorites to win in the America East. Senior guard Stef Smith will be the star of the new-look Vermont squad, after averaging 14.2 ppg and 2.6 apg.

Also coming back is forward Ryan Davis, along with guards, Everett Duncan, Robin Duncan, and  Aaron Deloney. What really helps the Catamounts, is the offseason addition of Justin Mazzulla, a transfer from George Washington. He averaged 8.9 ppg and 3.5 apg as a sophomore but left the program five games into last season. Northern Arizona transfer Bernie Andre also provides great depth outside.

If he can have a good impact on Vermont alongside Smith in the backcourt, this team can just as easily run through the America East again. Smith isn’t as good as Lamb but should be the clear-cut favorite for conference player of the year. Look for another 20+ win season for the Catamounts.