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Horizon League Basketball: 2021-22 power rankings entering league play

By Tristan Freeman

Nov 9, 2021; Morgantown, West Virginia, USA; Oakland Golden Grizzlies forward Jamal Cain (1) is introduced prior to their game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at WVU Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 2021; Morgantown, West Virginia, USA; Oakland Golden Grizzlies forward Jamal Cain (1) is introduced prior to their game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at WVU Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports /
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Horizon League Basketball Oakland Golden Grizzlies forward Jamal Cain Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports
Horizon League Basketball Oakland Golden Grizzlies forward Jamal Cain Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Cleveland State Vikings (4-2)

It’s hard to say that Cleveland State has over or underachieved, because they have a pair of close losses to good teams (BYU and Ohio), two wins over non-I programs, and two close wins over teams they should blow out (Coppin State and Canisius). But they haven’t done anything bad so staying in the top tier is warranted.

From a roster standpoint, the team’s 1 million seniors are sharing the production as expected, although reigning Defensive Player of the Year Tre Gomillion has seen his numbers dip. Pacific transfer Broc Finstuen has been an impact player off the bench, while D’Moi Hodge is currently leading the Vikings with 12.3 ppg. They’ll get tested quickly in league play though, with matchups against Northern Kentucky and Wright State coming up at home.

1. Oakland Grizzlies (5-2)

The conference may have struggled overall, but Oakland has been one of the biggest surprises in all of the mid-major world. They nearly defeated West Virginia on the road to open the season but did win at Oklahoma State to get the league’s only real win of value. And making matters better, the Grizzlies managed to get wins over Rice, Vermont, and Delaware in the Gulf Coast showcase.

Returning senior guard Jalen Moore continues to be an effective point guard, averaging 12.9 ppg and a league-leading 6.6 apg. However, the star of not only Oakland but the entire Horizon League has to be forward Jamal Cain. The Marquette transfer figured to be an instant impact contributor but no one expected the massive numbers he’s putting up. Currently, the senior is averaging 22.6 ppg and 11.1 rpg, including going for a whopping 29 points and 17 rebounds in a win over Toledo.

If he keeps it up, Cain will be the Horizon League Player of the Year and Oakland will win the regular-season title with ease. And currently, they have an at-large resume if Selection Sunday was this weekend. But it’s very very early and league play can turn everything we currently know upside down.

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Quite frankly, we still don’t know much about Horizon League Basketball outside of the stellar play of the Grizzlies, so tune in this week to see who stands to stand out.