The Big 12 stole much of the American Athletic Conference’s firepower when it poached Houston, Cincinnati, and UCF, but the AAC is still a very talented league. Without a bid-stealer, it will likely be a one-bid conference in 2025, but four of these five conference stars will be looking to change that this week in Fort Worth. The other may just keep his Memphis Tigers on top with a standout performance.
Tulane does not play at a fast pace, but when the Green Wave do get out and run, Kaleb Banks typically finds a way to capitalize. Tulane’s second-leading scorer at 15.0 points a game, the 6-foot-8 Indiana transfer scores nearly 20% of his points on the fast break and is shooting over 50% from the field. He can space the floor as a catch-and-shoot three-point threat, but he’s at his best when he’s attacking the paint and punishing smaller defenders in the post. If his outside shot is falling consistently in Forth Worth, he’ll be tough to stop in the ACC Tournament.
CJ Walker began his career at Oregon in 2019, and after four underwhelming seasons at UCF, he’s blossomed into a star at East Carolina. Averaging 17.2 points a game while shooting over 50% from the field, Walker has punished the AAC with his combination of size, athleticism, and a wealth of experience. While this is his first season as a high-volume scorer, the moment won’t be too big for this seasoned veteran who could lead their first NCAA Tournament bid since 1993.
Jamal Mashburn Jr. is questionable for the AAC Tournament after missing the final six games of the regular season. If he does play, however, he’ll be the best player on the floor in the Owls' first-round matchup against Tulsa. Mashburn shoulders a massive load offensive, registering a 30.5% usage rate this season and Temple’s offensive rating is five points better when he’s on the floor. The New Mexico transfer improved from a disastrous 36.1% field goal percentage a year ago and is hitting over 40% just from three with an above-average 54.3% true shooting percentage. Temple needs a healthy Mashburn if it wants any chance to shock the AAC.
Memphis is the clear favorite to win the AAC championship after grabbing the regular season title and Tulsa transfer PJ Haggerty is the biggest reason why. Haggerty leads the conference in scoring with his three-level attack. Though the 6-foot-3 guard isn’t a high-volume three-point shooter, he knocks down 41.8% of his 2.9 attempts while being lethal for the mid-range and using his length to attack the paint and get to the free throw line. Haggerty’s free throw attempt rate of 54.3% is 93rd percentile in the country and he could wear out the foul line in Fort Worth this week.
Yaxel Lendeborg carried UAB to an AAC title with three consecutive double-doubles, and this year, the 6-foot-9 point forward is even better. He’s averaging 17.1 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists while being a one-man fast break and a reliable mid-post scorer with his old-school face-up game. His combination of size and skill make him a nightmare matchup, though, in two matchups this season, Memphis has held him in check.