The long wait for college basketball’s return is almost over. It feels like a lifetime ago that Baylor was cutting down the nets in Indianapolis.
With the season less than two weeks away, it’s time to take a look at who is going to stand out outside the sport’s power structure. The NCAA’s COVID-19 rule granting an extra year has created a situation for experienced mid-major stars to dominate.
Preseason first team all mid-major:
Kyle Lofton, Saint Bonaventure: Lofton has averaged at least 14 points per game his entire career and has averaged over 5 assists the last two seasons. Statistics are one thing but the presence he brings on the court is another. Lofton played 38.4 minutes a game in 2021 which was number one in America. He will be a key piece in getting Mark Schmidt’s squad back to the NCAA Tournament.
Max Abmas, Oral Roberts: While Lofton was the leading minutes getter in America, Abmas was second. He took the country by storm last March and he is back for more. The nation’s leading scorer a year ago will try to bring the Golden Eagles back to the NCAA Tournament in a tough Summit League. Without Kevin O’bannor, expect Abmas to have to carry more of the weight for Paul Mills’ team.
Grant Sherfield, Nevada: The Wolf Pack’s star point guard is coming off of a huge season. The Wichita State transfer finished second in the MWC in scoring and first in assists. He’s the spearhead of Bryce Alford’s squad that will be an at-large hopeful this March. Sherfield is just one star in a MWC that’s full of game changers.
Drew Timme, Gonzaga: The consensus Preseason National Play of the Year is back in Spokane for his senior season. After coming up one game short last March, Timme will try to lead Gonzaga to their first national championship. The Zags lost three of their four leading scorers from last season’s team meaning Timme might have to add to his 19/7 average to finish the job in 2022.
Chet Holmgren, Gonzaga: Holmgren is the other half of what should be a dynamic front court for the Bulldogs. He was the number one recruit in the country in 2021 and is a strong contender to go number one in next June’s draft. The Minnesota native will mesmerize college basketball with his shooting ability and shot-blocking instincts.
Second Team:
Matt Bradley, San Diego State: Bradley will be pivotal in making sure the Aztecs do not have a significant drop off. The losses of Matt Mitchell and Jordan Schackel means that there will be plenty of shots to go around for the scorer.
Alex Barcello, BYU: Barcello will be the guard that makes the Cougars go. He is coming off a season where he averaged 16 ppg while almost becoming a member of the 50/40/90 club. The loss of Brandon Averette and Matt Haarms mean that scoring average will go up in 2022.
Pat Baldwin Jr., UW Milwaukee: The other top 10 recruit that went to a mid-major school. How Baldwin is able to perform under his father, Pat Sr., will be a story line to follow the whole season. Whatever the record is, the future lottery pick should put up massive numbers in the Horizon League.
Taevion Kinsey, Marshall: Expect the high flying guard to shoot up draft boards as the season goes on. Kinsey averaged 19/6/3 last season in Dan Dantoni’s fast paced offense. He is just one of a number of impact players in what should be a entertaining Conference USA race.
David Roddy, Colorado State: Roddy will combine with Isaiah Stevens to form a dynamic duo capable of getting the Rams to the NCAA Tournament. The junior forward is a nightmare at the mid-major level. He averaged 16 points and nine rebounds last season and will look to expand on those totals in 2022.
Just missed: Grayson Murphy(Belmont), Isaiah Stevens(Colorado State), Eli Scott(LMU), Johni Broome(Morehead State), Jeenathan Williams(Buffalo), Jacob Gilyard(Richmond), Isiaih Mosley(Missouri State), Osun Osunniyi(St. Bonaventure)
Preseason Top 10
1. Gonzaga: The consensus number one team in America brings back Drew Timme and Andrew Nembhard. In addition, they add 5 stars Chet Holmgren and Hunter Sallis along with some key transfers.
2. St. Bonaventure: No team in America will have better chemistry than the Bonnies. All 5 starters are back including dark horse all-american candidate Kyle Lofton.
3. Colorado State: The Rams have the aforementioned duo of Isaiah Stevens and David Roddy spearheading their squad. Around them, they return every other piece from a team that was a No. 1 seed in the NIT.
4. BYU: The Cougars will be a force to be reckoned with in the WCC once again. Alex Barcello will attempt to lead Mark Pope’s squad to their second consecutive NCAA Tournament.
5. Loyola-Chicago: Porter Moser is gone but a lot of talent remains for Drew Valentine. Lucas Williamson looks to be the leader of a team that loses MVC player of the year Cameron Krutwig.
6. Richmond: The Spiders are experienced and talented. Grant Golden, Nick Sherod and Jacob Gilyard hope to help Richmond reach the their first dance since 2011.
7. San Diego State: Brian Dutcher’s squad should be in the thick of an exciting Mountain West race. Cal transfer Matt Bradley will try to fill the role left by Matt Mitchell.
8. Drake: Tank Hemphill and Roman Penn return for the Bulldogs. Don’t expect another long undefeated start but the Drake could be at-large worthy once again.
9. Buffalo: Jeenathan Williams and Josh Mballa could be the most imposing mid-major front court east of Spokane. Those two and Ronaldo Segu look to lead the Bulls back to the top of the MAC.
10. Loyola Marymount: The Lions are part of what should be the deepest WCC in years. Eli Scott and NAU transfer Cameron Shelton form a potent perimeter duo.
Just missed: Nevada, Saint Mary’s, Missouri State, UCI, South Dakota State
