In football, the American Athletic Conference views itself as on par with the Power 5 conferences; if you go to an AAC stadium and watch a game, take a look at the first down markers. They all have a P6 logo on the top of them, a not-very-subtle way of saying that it should actually be the Power 6 conferences. In basketball, the AAC is one of the better mid-major conferences, and it should get three slots in the 68-team men’s college basketball tournament in March, assuming that the format stays consistent.
Let’s look at some preseason rankings as you consider college basketball betting on college hoops futures.
NCAA News: Basketball Preview for the American Athletic Conference
#1 Houston Cougars
Houston has made it as a perennial tournament team under coach Kelvin Sampson. The team does lose Nate Hinton, but Caleb Mills and Quentin Grimes have the talent to fill in those big shoes. Tramon Mack is the third-highest recruit in terms of overall rating in the history of the program. The Cougars can play defense, and they can score in transition.
#2 SMU
Isiaha Mike left the program to try his luck in the NBA, and his lack of interior play is what may keep the Mustangs from winning the conference. Kendric Davis and Tyson Jolly will make for a terrific backcourt. Davis transferred from TCU and has done nothing but good things in leading the SMU offense. The program should have moved on from head coach Tim Jankovich, who seems decent at recruiting but has yet to show that he can make in-game adjustments or make defense and rebounding priorities for this team, but Jankovich will be back on the bench. It will be interesting to see if the team can transcend his limitations.
#3 Memphis Tigers
Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway came to Memphis to coach his alma mater, and he got in hot water with his recruiting last year. James Wiseman and Precious Achiuwa have moved on, which leaves holes in the offense, but Landers Nolley transfers in from Virginia Tech and has had his eligibility waiver granted. He can pour in the points. The problems come up front, as the Tigers struggle to rebound and defend the rim.
#4 Cincinnati Bearcats
The program lost their best young player, Jarron Cumberland, and Tre Scott was another steadying presence whose contributions will be missed. The Bearcats did win the AAC a year ago, and transfer David DeJulius from Michigan will shore up the backcourt. Cincinnati brings a physicality to their game, but scoring is their question mark.
#5 South Florida Bulls
The Bulls have long dwelt in the basement of the AAC, but last year they showed improvement and should be even better this year. They only lost Laquincy Rideau and should get breakout seasons from the likes of Alexis Yetna, Michael Durr, Justin Brown and David Collins. Luke Anderson (Iowa State) and Prince Oduro (Mississippi State) should come in and contribute immediately as transfers. Their scoring will still be back of the top AAC contenders, but they’re not a pair of easy wins anymore.
#6 Wichita State Shockers
Wichita State was an elite NCAA basketball team when they entered the AAC, but since then they have struggled. Those struggles will continue this year, as three of their top players transferred out of the program. They did get transfer Alterique Gilbert from UConn, and he is the sort of player who can win all-conference honors. Tyson Etienne can be a deadeye shooter, and the team will need him if they want to have a shot at contending.
#7 Tulsa Golden Hurricane
Tulsa started 2019-20 near the middle of the pack in rankings but tied with Cincinnati for the AAC title. Now that other teams know who they are, though, they won’t sneak up on anyone. Keshawn Williams is the biggest addition as a terrific combo guard. Jeriah Horne transferred out, which will detract from their offense.
#8 UCF Knights
#9 East Carolina Pirates
#10 Tulane Green Wave
#11 Temple Owls
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