NCAA Basketball: Way-too-early top-25 mid-major rankings for 2021-22

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

Jan 4, 2021; San Diego, CA, USA; Colorado State Rams forward James Moors (10) is congratulated by guard Isaiah Rivera (23) and guard David Roddy (21) against the San Diego State Aztecs during the second half at Viejas Arena. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

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Northern Iowa freshman AJ Green NCAA Basketball 190209 Drakevsuni /

18. South Dakota State Jackrabbits

2020-21 season record: 16-7 (9-3 in Summit League)

The Jackrabbits won’t have former Summit League Player of the Year Douglas Wilson but still returns a ton of production from the team that won the regular-season title. 6’6 guard Baylor Scheierman, who averaged 15.2 ppg, 9.2 rpg and 4.0 apg last season, will be the heavy favorite to win Conference Player of the Year if Max Abmas doesn’t return for Oral Roberts.

Noah Freidel was out for half the season but put up 16.0 ppg when on the court. And rising seniors Alex Arians and Matt Dentlinger both are back after putting up double-figure scoring. Luke Appel and David Wingett adds experience and production off the bench as well.

The concern with this roster is that there isn’t much size, with no one taller than 6’8. And Wilson won’t easily be replaced either. But South Dakota State doesn’t have any 5th-year players and still will be one of the oldest teams in the country next season. And last year already showed that a lack of size won’t stop them from winning the Summit League.

17. Northern Iowa Panthers

2020-21 season record: 10-15 (7-11 in MVC)

The minute former Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year guard AJ Green went down with a season-ending injury, the Panthers’ season was effectively over. The one positive thing to take away was that it allowed other players to step up in his absence, with four different guys stepping up to average double figures.

And to Northern Iowa’s benefit, all of them are coming back next season. Forwards Noah Carter and Austin Phyfe are a solid frontcourt duo, backed up by Goanar Mar. And Green will be supported in the backcourt by senior Trae Berhow and Bowen Born, a surprise freshman who averaged 11.2 ppg and 35% shooting from three-point range.

It’ll take some time to readjust the pecking order with a 20 ppg scorer returning to the lineup. But there’s plenty of talent to get back towards the top of the Missouri Valley next season. It may be this program’s last chance since so many will be seniors.

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