Horizon League Basketball: Preseason power rankings for 2023-24 season

Mar 18, 2022; San Diego, CA, USA; Wright State Raiders guard Trey Calvin (1) dribbles the basketball against the Arizona Wildcats during the first half during the first round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

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Horizon League Basketball Wright State Raiders guard Tanner Holden (2) and guard Trey Calvin Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Wright State Raiders

2022-23 season record: 18-15 (10-10)

The Raiders are known in Horizon League Basketball for being an elite offensive unit while struggling on the defensive end. But despite losing Tim Finke and Amari Davis, the team will be just as explosive this season. 20 ppg scoring guard Trey Calvin is back, reunited with Tanner Holden, a transfer from Ohio State who when he was at Wright State, produced 20.1 ppg in the year before leaving.

Forwards Brandon Noel and AJ Braun combined to produce 22.4 ppg and 14.6 rpg in the frontcourt, giving them one of the best starting lineups in the league. We’ll see how Holden reintegrates himself into the lineup and whether or not the Raiders can play enough defense to avoid losing to the bottom half of the league. If they can, Wright State has a shot to win the regular-season title.

3. Cleveland State Vikings

2022-23 season record: 21-14 (14-6)

Coach Daniyal Robinson proved he was the real deal, taking a completely new roster and turning them into contenders in his first year. And despite losing a couple of rotation pieces (Deshon Parker and Deante Johnson), they still return several key pieces. The frontcourt dup of Tristan Enaruna and Tae Williams is one of the best in the league, while Drew Louder is back to run the offense.

Cleveland State once again went the JUCO route to replenish its depth, landing big man KJ Debrick and guard Jalin Rice. They’ll need Debrick to have an impact inside, as well as South Florida transfer, Dok Muordar. Otherwise, they’ll be a bit small compared to other teams.

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