NCAA Basketball: Way-too-early top-25 mid-major rankings for 2021-22 season
22. Morehead State Eagles
2020-21 season: 23-8 (17-3 in OVC)
The Ohio Valley Conference was supposed to come down to Belmont, Murray State, and Austin Peay last season. But it was Morehead State that proved to be the best, thanks to star freshman Johni Broome, a 6’10 freshman that led the team with 13.7 ppg, 9.0 rpg, and a couple of blocks as well.
He’ll be back for his sophomore season, along with double-digit scoring guard Skyelar Potter and starting point guard Ta’Lon Cooper. The losses of DeVon Cooper and James Baker certainly hurts but Morehead State was able to find talent in the transfer portal. 6’3 guard Tray Hollowell averaged 11.1 ppg last season at Wofford on 35% three-point shooting, while Jaylon Hall shot 45% from deep at Wright State.
With Broome down low, Morehead State opted to surround him with as much shooting as possible. If the guards can do their part and the defense continues to be the best in the OVC, they’ll be a threat to win 25+ games in 2022.
21. Missouri State Bears
2020-21 season: 17-7 ( 12-6 in MVC)
While the top two teams in the Missouri Valley Conference got all of the attention last season, the Bears quietly finished in third place. And they’ll have the chance to be even better than that next year, thanks to just about the entire roster returning. That includes star big man Gaige Prim (16.7 ppg and 9.1 rpg) coming back for an extra year, along with leading scorer Isaih Mosley (19.8 ppg and 6.3 rpg).
Missouri State’s frontcourt won’t be the question but they’ll need a little more from the backcourt. Although they’re all returning and have another year of experience on the belts, none of them was in double figures a year ago. Ja’Monta Black was closest at 9.6 ppg, while Keaton Hervey and Demarcus Sharp also had large roles.
The Bears played only seven guys in their rotations, so the transfer additions of Jaylen Minnett (16.4 ppg at IUPUI) and Donovan Clay (10.1 ppg at Valpo) should give them the depth needed not to rely solely on Mosley and Prim each night. Prim is arguably the best player in the Missouri Valley but will need to finish first in the league to get that honor most likely.