NCAA Basketball: Way-too-early top-25 mid-major rankings for 2021-22 season
12. New Mexico State Aggies
2020-21 season record: 12-8 (7-6 in WAC)
The Aggies had their worst performance in WAC play since 2011 but considering that numerous covid-pauses and being unable to play at home all season, it can be excused. But the rest of the conference should be afraid of this roster, as they landed one of the top-scoring transfers this offseason in Teddy Allen. He led Nebraska with 16.5 ppg last season and is a bucket-getting but has had many stops.
If things can work out here, Allen could be the favorite for WAC Player of the Year. He’ll certainly be a candidate for leading scorer of the Aggies, along with returning leading scorer Jabari Rice. The team also got great news with three seniors coming back for the extra year, including Donnie Tillman, Johnny McCants, and Clayton Henry. JUCO transfers Nate Pryor, Mario McKinney, Jr., Ishan White, and Marchelus Avery adds to the depth and few programs have had more success in the past with Junior College transfers than New Mexico State.
With what should hopefully be a normal season, including actually playing games at home, the Aggies should be viewed as the favorite to once again win the WAC. But it may ultimately depend on how Allen fits with the program on and off the court.
11. Saint Louis Billikens
2020-21 season: 14-7 (6-4 in A-10)
The Billikens will be without double-double machine Jordan Goodwin and all-conference big man Hasahn French but they did get good news, with leading scorer Javonte Perkins (17.1 ppg) set to return. Point guard Yuri Collins, who led the Atlantic 10 in assists last season with 6.1 apg and 40% three-point shooting guard Gibson Jimmerson is back in the backcourt as well.
Saint Louis also brought in Rashad Williams, a double-digit scoring guard that averages over 10 three-point attempts a game. Former top-100 wing prospect Jordan Nesbitt is back home after spending last season at Seton Hall, while Fred Thatch and Terrence Hargrove, Jr. adds more depth.
The biggest question will be how the frontcourt looks, as 20 rpg is now gone from Goodwin and French. Oregon transfer big man Francis Okoro is set to play after sitting out last season, while Marten Linssen will have a major increase in minutes after just 11 mpg on the bench. If this duo, along with Jimmy Bell can combine to create an effective frontcourt and inside play, St. Louis won’t suffer much of a drop-off.