AAC Basketball: Way-too-early power rankings for 2022-23 season

1. Houston

Kelvin Sampson’s impact in Houston has been profound. A Sweet Sixteen run in 2019 was mind-blowing but has certainly been topping in recent years, with a Final Four run followed by a return to the Elite Eight this past year. Things are good for a Cougars team that plays fantastic team offense and defense. And yet, there’s every reason to believe that this team could be just as good or even better this season.

Guards Marcus Sasser (17.7 ppg last year) and Tramon Mark (10.1 ppg) both suffered season-ending injuries halfway through the season but both are back and healthy this year. Jamal Shead played excellent ball in their absence and he’s back too. The Cougars were active on the recruiting trail, adding 5-star forward Jarace Walker and 4-star forward Terrance Arceneaux into the mix. The depth on this team is also full of players with experience in Sampson’s system.

The Cougars are not just the favorites in the AAC, but one of the favorites in the nation to cut down the nets next April. Most if not all pundits will have them pegged as a Top 5 team when the season begins next season and Sasser instantly becomes someone to watch on a daily basis. As for the AAC, Houston has the talent, experience, and recent postseason success that the other teams in this conference seriously lack.

We’re finished with our deep dive into the AAC teams, including our ranking of them based on the most recent moves. Who do you think will be higher or lower by the time the season begins?