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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NCAA Basketball D.J. Wilkins Drake Bulldogs (Photo by David K Purdy/Getty Images) /

14. Drake Bulldogs

2020-21 season record: 26-5 (15-3 in MVC)

There are some folks who take exception to Drake’s past season due to a lack of top-100 opponents, However, their being able to overcome injuries towards the end to still get an NCAA Tournament bid was very impressive. And with the exception of one player, the Bulldogs will be returning every one of importance from a 26-win team.

That one key player is a big one though in Joseph Yesufu, the league’s 6th Man of the Year after averaging 12.8 ppg. The dynamic scorer is a good combo guard, so the Bulldogs lose both a scorer and facilitator. However, the team landed a quality perimeter replacement this offseason in Ayo Akinwole, a 6’0 guard from Omaha coming off a breakout campaign, putting up 13.0 ppg and 2.9 apg on 46% shooting from deep.

With seniors Tremell Murphy, Roman Penn, and ShanQuan Hemphill all taking a 5th year, combined with the trio of rising seniors in DJ Wilkins, Garrett Sturtz, and Darnell Brodie, there’s a ton of experience and depth for Drake to effectively run it back and try to win the Missouri Valley again.

13. Murray State Racers

2020-21 season record: 13-13 (10-10 in OVC)

Last season was fairly disappointing for the Racers, despite having star duo KJ Williams and Tevin Brown. They did their part, combining to produce 30.3 ppg, 15.4 rpg, and 5.3 apg but a lack of consistent support put them on par with the rest of the Ohio Valley. And the team’s other double-digit contributor Chico Carter transferred out, the Racers supporting cast is now a big question.

The good news is that Murray State did very well in the transfer portal. Carter Collins was a double-digit scoring guard at Davidson in the past two years, while Trae Hannibal impressed as a reserve at South Carolina. Forward Jordan Skipper-Brown averaged 10.2 ppg and 5.6 rpg at Eastern Illinois, along with Damiree Burns from Southern.

With Justice Hill and Devin Gilmore back as well to provide more depth, a good argument can be made that the Racers improved their roster compared to last season. If the pieces fit, this may be the favorite in the OVC in 2022.

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