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AAC Basketball: Houston on top, SMU and Tulsa rise in latest power ranking

By Carter Chapley

Mar 8, 2020; Houston, Texas, USA; Memphis Tigers guard Lester Quinones (11) drives with the ball as Houston Cougars guard Quentin Grimes (24) defends during the second half at Fertitta Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 8, 2020; Houston, Texas, USA; Memphis Tigers guard Lester Quinones (11) drives with the ball as Houston Cougars guard Quentin Grimes (24) defends during the second half at Fertitta Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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AAC Basketball
AAC Basketball Wichita State Shockers William Purnell-USA TODAY Sports /

10. Tulane

There’s a lot to be said about just winning the games that are ahead of you. The Green Wave are 2-0 and have played two competitive games against teams who are ranked in very similar places to them, according to Ken Pom. Freshmen Sion James has stood out in his two games to open his career, and Junior Jordan Walker continues to be the team’s backbone.

While there is a valid criticism of “well, they haven’t played anyone”, Tulane is very much in a building mode and is getting games they want and accomplishing their goals. There’s a lot of credit to be given there. That being said, this is a conference power ranking…so their placement is indicative of where they stand amongst others in the American.

9. East Carolina

Wins over Radford and Charlotte highlight the Pirates’ success early in the season. They’ve also won a game over D3 North Carolina Wesleyan to make it a perfect 3-0 to start the year. In his junior season, Jayden Gardner (21.7 PPG and 5.7 RPG) has proven to be a legit stud who the Pirates will rest their hopes on.

That being said, East Carolina is in a very similar position to Tulane, they are winning the games they have in front of them, and they’re challenging themselves…but those challenges need a context. If the Pirates want to outperform their station in 2020-21, they will simply need more than just Gardner.

They are building a squad for the future but are currently at the bottom of the conference. They are winning tough in their own way. Nothing wrong with that.

8. South Florida

It’s tough to rank a team that hasn’t really beaten anyone but has at the very least scheduled in such a way in which they tried to get these competitive games. The South Florida Bulls have taken on Rhode Island and Virginia Tech but never really looked great in either game. But they did get good wins over Florida Gulf Coast and NAIA Florida College.

With a balanced group of starters highlighted by David Collins, who is getting 12 PPG and 4.5 assists, the Bulls are relying on a group effort to get by. So far, that’s working in games where they should win but haven’t yet overcome any early-season tests.

The Bulls will get one more shot at a signature win in the non-conference when they take on LSU. Worst case scenario for the Bulls, they are battled tested for when they open up conference play against Cincinnati.

7. Wichita State

The Shockers may be another victim of circumstance in the Power Rankings. WSU has only played two games and has gone up against a Missouri team that may be better than we are giving them credit. But thus far, with only two games, they haven’t been the Shockers we historically know. With their only win being a tight one over Oral Roberts, things have not opened up well.

Granted, with the transfers and coaching changes this team has gone through, they may be graded on a curve in 2020-21 (as almost every is). With only one more non-conference game to play before AAC season starts, the Shockers have struggled early. Tyson Etienne has been outstanding, with a 26-point performance over Oral Roberts, and led the team in scoring in their loss to Mizzou.