NCAA Basketball: Preseason top-25 mid-major power rankings for 2021-22 season

5. Colorado State Rams

It was expected that after losing star big and double-double machine Nico Carvacho, Colorado State would take a step back last season. Instead, they won 20 games for the second straight year, while also finishing tied for second in the Mountain West Conference standings. In 2021-22, 20 wins are the floor, while the NCAA Tournament will be the ceiling.

That’s because the Rams effectively return everyone from the rotation, including leading scorer and rebounder David Roddy. Despite being just 6’5, the forward nearly averaged a double-double at 15.9 ppg and 9.4 rpg and can play the 3, 4, and 5-spots on the court. Former Mountain West Rookie of the Year guard Isaiah Stevens averaged over 15 ppg and five assists last season and is joined by sharpshooting guards, Adam Thistlewood and Kendle Moore on the wings.

Colorado State added even more depth in the backcourt this offseason in Loyola-Chicago transfer Baylor Hebb, as well as former Texas Tech commit Chandler Jacobs. The 6’3 guard was the all-time leading scorer at D-II program Dallas Baptist and averaged nearly 21 ppg and 8.0 rpg. He can shoot and scorer at a high level and gives the team a true backup point guard to Stevens whenever he sits on the bench.

If forwards James Moor and Dischon Thomas give them consistent two-way play in the frontcourt, the Rams aren’t going to have any real weaknesses for teams to exploit. This is a great opportunity for Roddy to get on the national stage and for the program to get back to the dance for the first time since 2023. Head coach Niko Medved is a rising star in his own right and with the entire rotation back, has a great shot at winning the Mountain West.