NCAA Basketball: Top-20 mid-major teams to buy stock into entering 2024-25 season

No. 2 - Saint Mary’s Gaels

After a surprising offseason in which Randy Bennett saw the departures of starters Aidan Mahaney (UConn) and Joshua Jefferson (Iowa State), a simple question arose in Morga: can Randy Bennett, once again, work his magic?

The answer to that question? It would be a smart choice to invest in the Gaels this season.

Although Saint Mary’s is a clear step behind Gonzaga (who are not included on this list because they don’t qualify as a mid-major) in the WCC, Randy Bennett was able to return Mitchell Saxen in the frontcourt -- which was an absolute must this offseason -- while returning Augustas Marciulionis, who had a strong junior season last year and provides a much-needed veteran backcourt presence.

In addition, Luke Barrett, incoming freshman Mikey Lewis, and Arizona transfer Paulius Murauskas expect to have expanded roles for the Gaels this season. 

Even with some uncharacteristic departures in the offseason, the Gaels still have a strong core returning. It's the trust that Randy Bennett -- who averages over 23 wins per season -- will get the most out of this group come November.