NCAA Basketball: Preseason top 25 mid-major power rankings for 2022-23 season

18. George Mason Patriots

2021-22 record: 14-16 (7-9 in Atlantic 10)

Kim English’s first year as head coach was filled with a number of ups and downs streak-wise. The hope is that more experience for him and the returning cast will bring about more consistency because, from a talent perspective, the Patriots have real potential.

They’re led by last year’s breakout star, Josh Oduro. The 6’9 forward led the team with 17.7 ppg and 7.5 rpg, including four games of at least 30 points last season. Like the team as a whole, Oduro could go for 25+ one game and fewer than 10 points the next but he’s one of the best players in all of the A-10 and should have another big year.

Also in the frontcourt is Devante “Ticket” Gaines, who averaged 10.2 ppg and 8.1 rpg as a 6’7 forward. Role players Malik Henry and Blake Jones are back, while 6’10 and 250-pound big man and Virginia Tech transfer John Ojiako gives George Mason much-needed depth inside.

With the exception of returning 41% three-point sharpshooter DeVon Cooper, the backcourt for the Patriots has been revamped. Top-100 freshman guard/wing Justyn Fernandez should have an impact, while transfers Saquan Singleton and Victor Bailey Jr. will be the primary ball-handlers. That was an area of weakness for the team last season so an improvement from there will raise the floor and ceiling for this season.