NCAA Basketball: Way-too-early top-25 mid-major rankings for 2021-22 season
10. UAB Blazers
2020-21 season record: 23-7 (13-5 in CUSA)
The Blazers were the 4th-best scoring defense in the country last season at 60.3 ppg allowed but a lack of a go-to scorer and offense overall limited their ceiling a bit in the conference. So if they can’t find a guy capable of going for 20 on a given night, head coach Andy Kennedy just simply grabbed as much talent as possible.
In this offseason, UAB added a number of potential impact transfers, most notable wing KJ Buffen from Ole Miss, point guard Tyson Walker from Tulane, Auburn guard Jamal Johnson and 15 ppg scoring guard Tyreke Locure from South Alabama. And with returning leading scorer Michael Ertel coming back for a 5th year and double-digit scorers Tavin Logan and Quan Jackson staying as well, this team has as much raw talent as any mid-major team outside of a few.
Now, it comes down to how Coach Kennedy works out the rotations. And while more offense has arrived at the program, will it come at the expense of the defense? UAB will be a preseason favorite in Conference USA but will also have to deal with the target on its back.
9. Belmont Bruins
2020-21 season record: 26-4 (18-2 in Ohio Valley)
NCAA Basketball analysts are loving the Bruins this offseason. Besides simply playing a beautiful game of basketball that gets them 25+ wins a year, they’re one of just a few programs that neither lost of gained a single player through the transfer portal. And there was no need to add anyone, as the team returns five double-digit contributors, including leading scorer Nick Muszynski (15.0 ppg and 5.6 rpg).
Yet the best Belmont player has to be Grayson Murphy, who averages 10.9 ppg, 8.0 rpg, and 5.8 apg, while also happening to be the two-time OVC Defensive Player of the Year. He’s truly one of the best players in the country that no one talks about. And the team also managed to not missed Adam Kunkel after he transferred to Xavier last offseason, as freshman JaCobi Wood came in and averaged double figures as well.
Belmont is one of the best scoring teams and returns everyone, having the size, shooting, and experience to once again win the conference. They looked like an NCAA Tournament team but a lack of scheduling opportunities doomed them. The Bruins will have that chance this time around and can put a scare into anyone.