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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 New Mexico State Aggies (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images) /

19. New Mexico State Aggies

There’s a ton of rightful talk about Florida State and their incredible depth from 1-12. Another team who uses that strategy to great success is New Mexico State, who had 10 players average double figures in minutes per game and went 25-6 overall, despite having just one player score more than 13 ppg.

That player was Trevelin Queen, an outstanding athlete whose numbers matched the potential. He’s gone though, along with several key players from last season’s team. That includes forward  Ivan Aurrecoechea, C.J. Bobbitt, and Terrell Brown. Point guard AJ Harris has become a pro after the NCAA denied his request for a medical redshirt after missing most of last season with an injury.

Still, there’s plenty of talent on the roster to have a great upcoming season. Guard Jabari Rice averaged 12.8 ppg ad 5.6 rpg, while forward Johnny McCants will be the go-to guy inside. After transferring from UTEP, Evan Gilyard saw his production take a slip due to injuries and finding his role in the rotation. Look for him to be a double-digit scorer this season as well.

The Aggies also have incoming transfers, including Donnie Tillman, who averaged double figures at both UNLV and Utah, along with former South Florida forward Mayan Kiir. Freshman guard Marcus Watson looks for a fresh start after getting dismissed at Oklahoma State. And JUCO newcomer forward Wilfried Likayi has a chance to be an instant impact player in the frontcourt.

The WAC has some good talent overall but in terms of depth, none of them can compare to New Mexico State. The team very well could repeat going unbeaten in conference play and getting another ticket to the NCAA Tournament. But they’ll need one of these players to break out and become a star if they want to win in the Big Dance.

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