Busting Brackets
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AAC Basketball: Preseason power rankings for 2021-22 season

By Joey Loose

Mar 13, 2021; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Houston Cougars guard Marcus Sasser (0) dribbles the ball against Memphis Tigers guard Landers Nolley II (3) during the second half at Dickies Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ben Ludeman-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 13, 2021; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Houston Cougars guard Marcus Sasser (0) dribbles the ball against Memphis Tigers guard Landers Nolley II (3) during the second half at Dickies Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ben Ludeman-USA TODAY Sports /
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AAC Basketball Tyson Etienne Wichita State Shockers (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
AAC Basketball Tyson Etienne Wichita State Shockers (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

4. UCF

If you thought Temple was in solid shape, then consider that UCF not only returns basically every single player who played last season, but this team went 7-3 down the stretch and really started to gel. Coach Johnny Dawkins has a talented squad that looks to take a step forward this season and get back to spreading the ball around and playing tough defense.

Guard Darius Perry (14.7 ppg) is the key to the offense, with UCF really clicking when he returned from injury last season. Throw in Brandon Mahan (12.3 ppg, 5.0 rpg) and Darin Green (11.3 ppg), two guards who can shoot the ball from outside, and we’re still just scratching the surface. The biggest news is the addition of former UNLV center Cheikh Mbacke Diong (8.9 ppg, 7.4 rpg), who adds a lethal threat down low on both sides of the ball. This is the most optimistic offseason for UCF in some time and could look to get back to the NCAA Tournament if this team comes together once more.

3. Wichita State

Wichita State lost coach Gregg Marshall just before last season began, but this is Isaac Brown’s show now and he proved his worth last season. Many certainly didn’t expect to see the Shockers atop the AAC standings last season and it certainly appears as if this will remain one of the AAC’s premier programs. The Shockers don’t lose too much from last year’s squad and could be an NCAA Tournament team once again.

Guard Tyson Etienne (16.3 ppg) is back for another year, looking to build on a standout campaign when he excelled shooting from long range (39%) and taking care of the basketball. Big man Morris Udeze (10.3 ppg) was dynamic in his post opportunities, while Brown will also work in Abilene Christian transfer Joe Pleasant (10.5 ppg). With a few talented shooters sprinkled about the roster, this Wichita State squad should have a fantastic offense; we’ll just have to see if some of that Marshall-esque defensive intensity emerges.