Pittsburgh Basketball: Ranking non-conference opponents for 2021-22 season

6. UNC-Wilmington Seahawks

2020-21 season record: 8-10 (1-6 in CAA)

This was a team that had plenty of talent (five double-digit scorers) but was derailed by injuries and covid-related issues. But they could be in store for a breakout campaign, thanks to seniors Ty Gadsen (14.7 ppg) and Mike Okauru (14.2 ppg) electing to come back for an extra year, along with the return of leading scorer Jaylen Sims (17.4 ppg).

The Seahawks did lose two other double-digit contributors in Jake Boggs and Joe Pridgen but in return brought in Duquesne big man Amari Kelly and guards Jaylen Forbes and James Baker Jr. If this team can play any kind of defense, they’ll be a real threat in the CAA next season.

5. Colgate Raiders

2020-21 season record: 14-2 (11-1 in Patriot League)

The best team in the Patriot League had the best player as well in Conference Player of the Year Jordan Burns (16.8 ppg and 5.3 apg). He’s moved on but the good news for Colgate is that they return everyone else, including five players that put up between 8.0-12.5 ppg.

That includes senior guards Nelly Cummings and Jack Ferguson, as well as Tucker Richardson, the all-around playmaker that put up 11.6 ppg, 5.8 rpg, and 4.3 apg. With Burns gone, Richardson can step up and lead the Raiders to another quality season. They were second in the nation at 85.2 ppg last year and considering who’s back, could be around the 80-range again.