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NCAA Basketball: Way-too-early top-25 power rankings for 2021-22 season

By Tristan Freeman

Baylor players including Baylor Bears guard Mark Vital (11), Baylor Bears guard Davion Mitchell (45) and Baylor Bears guard Jackson Moffatt (13) celebrate after defeating Gonzaga during the championship game of the 2021 NCAA Tournament on Monday, April 5, 2021, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind. Mandatory Credit: Grace Hollars/IndyStar via USA TODAY Sports
Baylor players including Baylor Bears guard Mark Vital (11), Baylor Bears guard Davion Mitchell (45) and Baylor Bears guard Jackson Moffatt (13) celebrate after defeating Gonzaga during the championship game of the 2021 NCAA Tournament on Monday, April 5, 2021, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind. Mandatory Credit: Grace Hollars/IndyStar via USA TODAY Sports /
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NCAA Basketball R.J. Cole Connecticut Huskies (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
NCAA Basketball R.J. Cole Connecticut Huskies (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

30. Arizona State Sun Devils

2020-21 record: 11-14 (7-10)

It was a disastrous campaign for the Sun Devils, dealing with injuries and inconsistencies. A big part of the problem was the lack of a frontcourt, hopefully resolved with the addition of former Michigan State center commit Enoch Boakye, a five-star prospect. He and Robert Morris transfer AJ Bramah (20.3 ppg and 10.0 rpg) will be a force, while Ohio State transfer Luther Muhammad will be back after missing last season with an injury. If they can find some solid point guard play, Arizona State will be a factor in the Pac-12.

29. Illinois Fighting Illini

2020-21 record: 24-7 (16-4)

For now, I’m going to assume that Kofi Cockburn comes back for one more year but he very well could join Ayo Dosunmu to the NBA Draft. If that happens, Illinois could be rebuilding, even with the addition of Florida transfer Omar Payne. Their biggest problem is the sudden transfer of freshman Adam Miller, a key piece in their backcourt. Andre Curbelo is a future Big Ten star but the Illini needs more this offseason to continue in the top-tier of the Big Ten.

28. Wichita State Shockers

2020-21 record: 16-6 (11-2)

Former interim and now official head coach Isaac Brown proved he’s up for the task this season, leading Wichita State to the NCAA Tournament. AAC Player of the Year Tyson Etienne will likely come back, along with rising seniors, Dexter Dennis and Morris Udeze. The loss of point guard Alterique Gilbert is a big blow but if Ricky Council IV can break out, the Shockers will be contending in the ACC once again.

27. UConn Huskies

2020-21 record: 15-8 (11-6)

The loss of future NBA Draft lottery pick James Bouknight will hurt big time but the Huskies have plenty of depth coming back for next season. Rising seniors RJ Cole and Tyrese Martin are double-digit contributors, while Adama Sanogo could be the best big man in the Big East now that Qudus Wahab left Georgetown. If top-50 guard commit Rahsool Diggins can have a big impact out the gate, UConn will be back in the Big Dance.

26. Louisville Cardinals

2020-21 record: 13-7 (8-5)

Louisville hopes that the loss of star guard Carlik Jones will be replaced but Marshall transfer Jarrod West, a two-way athlete, and solid scorer. But the key will be the core underclassmen such as David Johnson, Dre Davis, and Jae’lyn Withers taking the next step in their development. Due to the crazy nature of the past season for the Cardinals, I’m hedging my bets with this team a bit but the ceiling for them is top-15 if West can lead the way. And don’t forget about top JUCO guard commit El Ellis coming in as well.

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