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

21. Duquesne Dukes

Ever since head coach Keith Dambrot came to Duquesne from Akron, the program has risen from the bottom half of the Atlantic 10 to a clear thorn in the side of the top teams. And considering that the team returns all five starters and loses just 6th man Baylee Steele, they’ll be a clear threat at the top of the conference in 2020-21.

While Obi Toppin was getting all of the headlines in the Atlantic 10, forward Marcus Weathers had an impressive campaign himself. He led the Dukes with 14.3 ppg and 8.1 rpg and played phenomenal in conference play. He and Michael Hughes form one of the better mid-major frontcourts in the country, backed up freshmen Andre Harris and Mounir Hima.

"Entering the 2020 season the expectations for coach Keith Dambrot and the Dukes are higher than they were entering last season, as the team proved they have some legitimate talent and have now gained some much-needed experience. – Nick Raponi (@nickraponi)"

The backcourt will be just as strong for Duquense as well, led by junior point guard Sincere Carry. He averaged 12.2 ppg and 5.3 apg and is one of the best pure passers in all of college basketball. 5’7 guard Tavian Dunn-Martin is another double-digit scorer and led the team in three-pointers made with 71.

Look out for sophomore guard Maceo Austin to have a breakout campaign, while Lamar Norman Jr. provides great depth on the perimeter and could very well start again this season. If any of the seven incoming freshmen can become legit rotational players to add even more depth, this team has enough talent and experience to finish in the top-3 of the league.