Inside the mid-major rankings

What goes into compiling a Top 25 that focuses on smaller schools? Glad you asked. Plus, Bama lands a big prize, the ACC and Big 12 drop their schedules, and more.

Author

Sean Paul
September 27, 2023

Alabama added a major recruit on Tuesday, and the Big 12 and ACC released conference schedule dates and times. But I wanted to turn the focus from the major conference schools to start out today.

Let's get to it.

1. Everything you wanted to know about mid-major rankings but were afraid to ask

Yes, I wrote The Almanac’s feature for the Top 25 mid-major teams. Yes, I probably spent way too much time thinking about the teams, the order, and what I’d say about each team.

So I thought I’d put all that time to good use. (And remind you to buy The Almanac. It’s just $20.)

A major focus was to reward teams who returned important contributors from successful 2022-23 teams. that values the established programs with notable players, such as Furman and UNC Asheville.

And no team fits that standard better than Drake. The Bulldogs will rely on returning star guard Tucker DeVries and reliable big man Darnell Brodie. I my mind, those two offset the loss of three starters (and will be helped by transfers Atin Wright, Kyron Gibson, and Ethan Roberts).

It’s that star power that elevates Drake above Yale. The Ivy League’s top team returns four double-digit scorers from a 21-win team, which finished top-50 in KenPom’s rankings. That’s a team I’m extremely high on due to its entire roster making another run at the conference title.

And even though I spent loads of time with the list, I do have one regret: I wish I’d placed UC Santa Barbara higher.

I love the Gauchos' star guard AJay Mitchell and defensive dynamo Josh Pierre-Louis. Those two provide playmaking and and are known factors. What isn't known is if former 5-star recruit Yohan Traore will play up to his ability. We won’t know until the season begins, but it sure seems like it would’ve been a bet worth taking.

Yet the team I’m most excited to watch is the College of Charleston. After winning 31 games last season, the Cougars have a chance to thrive again. The up-tempo pace makes them an exciting group, something coach Pat Kelsey matches with his own energy.

From a roster perspective, Ante Brzovic dominates the post, sharpshooter Reyne Smith, and a slew of transfers headlined by CJ Fulton (Lafayette) and Brice Butler. They’ll have to fend off another CAA program in the mid-major rankings in UNC Wilmington, but the Coastal runs through #OurCity until further notice.

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2. The ever-rising Tide

Football rules at Alabama. But Nate Oats is proving there’s plenty of room for college hoops to thrive as well.

Whether that’s winning 31 games and earning a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, or producing the second-overall pick in the NBA Draft, Oats’ program is rolling. Here’s the latest example.

Sherrell is the Tide’s first commit for the 2024 class. The 5-star big man will be the program’s highest-rated big man in nearly two decades (note the word “big” as Brandon Miller rated higher).

As for Sherrell’s impact on Alabama, it may look familiar. The 6-10 forward is a Noah Clowney-type of player, an athletic big who can stretch the floor and use his athleticism to throw down kind and compete on the glass. With a skill set like that in Oats’ high-tempo offense, It’s easy to envision Sherrell making an impact in Tuscaloosa.

That style played a pivotal role in Alabama’s recruiting pitch to Sherrell. “I chose Alabama because I fit their playstyle perfectly and I believe that they will help get me to the next level and develop me into the player I want to be,” Sherrell told On3.com.

In other 2024 recruiting news:

3. Highlights from Big 12 & ACC schedules

Tuesday provided a double-dose of schedule announcements, with the Big 12 and the ACC dropping dates for conference matchups.

There’s plenty to like from both, and any list highlighting must-see games would be quite long. So I’m going to spotlight some games for other reasons.

We’ll start with the Big 12 (full release here).

BYU at Cincinnati (Jan. 6)

It’s wild to think that the inaugural Big 12 game for BYU and Cincinnati doesn’t come against a long-time Big 12 team, but at the Marriott Center in Provo. Per The Almanac, both teams will be fighting to be on the NCAA tourney bubble this season, which makes this a key game for both. (Disclaimer: If you haven’t seen Charlotte transfer Aly Khalifa play, get your ready. It’s an absolute pleasure to watch him set up teammates to score.)

West Virginia at Houston (Jan. 6)

The first official Big 12 home game in the Fertitta Center. The Cougars will be a top 25 mainstay, but it’s hard to know exactly what’s ahead for the Mountaineers and interim head coach Josh Eilert. They have Top 25 talent, but can it all mesh? Sneaking out a win here would be quite impressive.

TCU at Kansas (Jan. 6)

This could be quite a day of hoops. Last season, TCU embarrassed Kansas at Allen Fieldhouse. Could another upset be in the works? The Jayhawks have talent, but not much height beyond big man Hunter Dickinson. Meanwhile, eight of TCU’s 13 scholarship players are 6-foot-7 or taller. That bodes well for the Frogs.

Kansas at Kansas State (Feb. 5) & K-State at Kansas (March 5)

Set reminders for these games. Jerome Tang showed last season that the Wildcats wouldn’t be a pushover against their in-state rivals. That first matchup might set records for noise levels at Bramlage Coliseum. Then hosting K-State on senior night at Allen? Wow.

Baylor at Houston (Feb. 24)

I’m a proponent of the revenge game angle. Former Baylor star LJ Cryer is staring the revenge game down here. Two of the best teams In America with two top-five coaches in the country. Must-watch game. (Along with their regular-season finale, when they host Kansas on March 9).

Texas at Texas Tech (Jan. 6) Texas Tech at Texas (Feb. 27)

Few rivalries can match the disdain Texas and Texas Tech fans have for one another. It’s the first year for newly-minted coach Grant McCasland and the first full season for Longhorns head-man, Rodney Terry. It’s also the final Big 12 meetings for the rivals before Texas heads to the SEC in 2024-25.

Let’s turn to the ACC (full release here).

Syracuse at Virginia (Dec. 2)

I love conference games in December. Especially when you get to watch the new era of Syracuse basketball under Red Autry. It’ll be a tough test at John Paul Jones Arena, yet the Orange might be the season’s most underrated team thanks to dynamic guard duo, Judah Mintz and JJ Starling.

NC State at Notre Dame (Jan. 3)

Per The Almanac, the Irish may have the ACC’s most unimpressive roster, but new coach Micah Shrewsberry will get the Fighting Irish on track soon enough. Whether it’s during his first ACC game against the experienced and transfer-laden NC State roster is another story.

Duke at North Carolina (Feb. 3), North Carolina at Duke (March 9)

OK, I said I wasn’t going to spotlight obvious matchups, but I couldn’t help it. These two games are self-explanatory. And if you’re still not following, you may have signed up for this newsletter by accident.

Clemson at Syracuse (Feb. 10)

Joe Girard returns to the Carrier Dome wearing a different shade of Orange. Cuse fans were highly critical of Girard during his four seasons with the program, so we’ll see how they treat him here. It might not matter if Clemson’s PJ Hall — possibly the sport’s most underrated player — plays well and carries the Tigers.

Duke at Miami (Feb 21)

The Hurricanes are 3-1 against the Devils during the regular season in the last three years. The trio of Norchad Omier, Nijel Pack and Wooga Poplar is good enough to keep the streak running, even against a team loaded with talent like the Devils.

Coaching conundrum

Rick Pitino is the coach every media member loves to celebrate. Ed Cooley was that guy when he was at Providence. But now that Cooley is trying to work his magic at Georgetown, can he match Pitino’s roster revamping at St. John’s? And who would win a title first? John Fanta, Rob Dauster and Terrence Oglesby debate.

Links as you Google news for Google’s 25th birthday.

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