NCAA Basketball: Preseason top 25 power rankings for 2023-24 season

Feb 4, 2023; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer (right) talks to center Kyle Filipowski(30) during the second half against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The Blue Devils won 63-57. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports /

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NCAA Basketball St. Mary’s Gaels guard Aidan Mahaney James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /

22. Saint Mary’s Gaels

2022-23 season record: 27-8 (14-2 WCC)

They may not be at the level of a Gonzaga when it comes to being a national power but Coach Randy Bennett has turned this mid-major program into one with expectations of making the Big Dance. But they’re going to have to make it work without its two best defenders in forward Kyle Bowen and Logan Johnson, the team’s leading scorer/passer and recent WCC Defensive Player of the Year.

What won’t be an issue is the offense for the Gaels. Coming back is Aidan Mahaney, the star guard coming off averaging 13.9 ppg on 40% three-point shooting as a freshman. He went for 24 points on the road at LMU and had 18 in the upset win over Gonzaga. Sharpshooting wing Alex Ducas is back for a 5th year, while big man Mitchell Saxen is back to anchor the post.

Saint Mary’s is hopeful that former top-100 prospect Augustas Marčiulionis can take over for Johnson at point. But if he can’t look for four-star freshman guard Jordan Ross to get some big minutes out the gate. And sophomore forward Harry Wessels is a breakout candidate to also watch for.

Historically, the Gaels do great when they bring back its star player. And assuming that Mahaney takes that sophomore leap, they’ll be a contender to win the WCC this season.

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