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

By Joey Loose

Mar 24, 2022; San Antonio, TX, USA; Houston Cougars guard Jamal Shead (1) tries to save a ball from going out of bounds during the first half against the Arizona Wildcats in the semifinals of the South regional of the men's college basketball NCAA Tournament at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2022; San Antonio, TX, USA; Houston Cougars guard Jamal Shead (1) tries to save a ball from going out of bounds during the first half against the Arizona Wildcats in the semifinals of the South regional of the men's college basketball NCAA Tournament at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports /
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AAC Basketball SMU Mustangs Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

9. SMU

As seems to be the case in this league so far, our attention next turns towards SMU, who also made a head coaching change this offseason. After underachieving under Tim Jankovich, the Mustangs turn towards Rob Lanier, the former coach at Georgia State. These Mustangs have been pretty solid in recent years, winning 24 games despite underachieving last season, but this year could be very different.

SMU lost star Kendric Davis to Memphis and watched Emmanuel Bandoumel head to Nebraska. Zach Nutall (6.8 ppg last year) is the leading returning scorer, though a slew of transfers help build this roster. In particular, the Mustangs will expect contributions from former Louisville forward Samuell Williamson, former Marist guard Ricardo Wright, and former Iowa State big man Xavier Foster, who has very limited experience.

SMU has a few intriguing new pieces on the offense, but the departure of Davis in particular really stings, especially for a new head coach. Lanier’s Georgia State team made the NCAA Tournament last season despite a below-average offense; perhaps this SMU defense can come together and bolster their standing by the end of the season. For now, this roster has taken a big step backward and will certainly struggle against the top teams in this league.