Let's talk mid majors

Mid-Major news took the day in college hoops. Gotta love it.

Let's get to it.

1. Big addition for a Big West contender

Zion Sensley, you ARE a Gaucho.

So why is this today’s top headline? He’s simply the highest-rated recruit in UC Santa Barbara’s history, per 247 Sports.

A 4-star prospect (and No. 122 overall), Sensley will provide shooting and athleticism to the likely Big West favorites. He initially committed and signed with Saint Mary’s. Then assistant coach Justin Joyner left for Michigan and Sensley looked elsewhere.

Gauchos coach Joe Pasternak has found a way to get multiple high-touted recruits to the Big West in consecutive off-seasons. Last year, it was Yohan Traore, now at SMU, and now it’s Sensley.

After winning just 16 games last season due to a lack of shooting and shaky defense, UCSB should be a conference contender after addressing those problems.

Incoming is guards Stephan Swenson (13.9 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 5.8 apg at Stetson) and Deuce Turner (15.5 ppg at San Diego) will pair with returning sharp-shooting wing Cole Anderson (40% beyond the arc on 175 attempts). In the frontcourt, the Gauchos have options, including Kenny Pohto (8.8 ppg, 5.9 RPG) and Collin Smith (7.1 ppg, 6.6 RPG at Vandy) along with Sensley, while Max Murrell (2.6 ppg at Stanford) and KK Tong will be suitable backups.

2. Flame on!

Mid-major teams need to take swings on players in the portal and NIL era … even when players don’t come from the transfer portal. New UIC coach Rob Ehsan did just that on Tuesday.

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