American Athletic Conference Preview: Full of Unpredictable Twists
Conference Overview
Join us for our second conference preview of the season with the American Athletic Conference. Despite the departure of powerhouse SMU to the ACC, the AAC brings back all full-time members for the near future, even as Memphis, Tulane, and USF received offers from the newly restructured Pac-12.
Memphis emerges as one of the favorites to make a run to March Madness this year, following a disappointing loss in the second round of last year’s tournament. They bolstered their roster through the transfer portal, acquiring unanimous AAC Freshman of the Year, PJ Haggerty and a strong Player of the Year candidate in Tyrese Hunter. Challenging the Tigers for the top spot will be last year’s AAC Champions, UAB. The Blazers return their Conference Tournament MVP and the only returning member of last year’s AAC All-Conference First Team, Yaxel Lendeborg.
After subpar seasons last year, Wichita State and Tulsa both have an opportunity to contend for the conference title, having retained three of there five projected starters. Under first-year coach Amir Abdul-Rahim, USF had a miraculous season, finishing with a 16-2 record in conference play, which included a 15-game winning streak. Although they lose all three of their top scorers, they will rely on the returning starters in the backcourt to take a major step-up.
FAU made a splash in March Madness two years ago and returned to the tournament last year but lost in the first round to Northwestern in overtime. Now with a new coach and a revamped roster, FAU is aiming to secure a spot in the top half of the conference. In the middle of the pack, North Texas and East Carolina retained key players while also acquiring new talent from the transfer portal.
The projected bottom five teams (except Charlotte) all reloaded in the portal, bringing in new projected starting point guards that will change their dynamics. Teams like UTSA, Rice, and Tulane have replaced over half of their rosters with the transfers and incoming freshman, while Temple and Charlotte made moves but will feature key returners.
With USF’s improbable run to first place last season and Temple’s #11 seed miracle run to the final in the AAC Conference Tournament, it’s clear that any team in the conference can step up and deliver excitement at any moment.
Projected Standings
- Memphis
- UAB
- Wichita State
- Tulsa
- USF
- Florida Atlantic
- North Texas
- East Carolina
- UTSA
- Temple
- Tulane
- Charlotte
- Rice
Projected Award Winners
Player of the Year: Tyrese Hunter, Memphis
Defensive Player of the Year: Moussa Cisse, Memphis
Newcomer of the Year: Tyrese Hunter, Memphis
Freshman of the Year: Mari Jordan, Tulane
Coach of the Year: Andy Kennedy, UAB
Projected All-Conference First Team
Jayden Reid, USF
Tyrese Hunter, Memphis
RJ Felton, East Carolina
PJ Haggerty, Memphis
Yaxel Lendeborg, UAB
Charlotte 49ers
Projected Starters:
PG: Nik Graves (10.4 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.8 apg)
SG: Isaiah Folkes (4.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 2.2 apg)
SF: Robert Braswell IV (6.3 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 0.3 apg)
PF: Nika Metskhvarishvili (12.3 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 2.0 apg @ Louisiana Monroe)
C: Giancarlo Rosado (4.8 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 1.3 apg @ Florida Atlantic
6M: Jeremiah Oden (7.6 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 0.7 apg @ DePaul)
Analysis
The 49ers will rely on returning point guard Nik Graves to lead the backcourt this season as their top returning scorer. With the losses of Lu’Cye Patterson and Igor Milicic, Graves’ role becomes even more significant. Joining Graves in the backcourt is defensive-specialist Isaiah Folkes, who will need to step-up in extended minutes this season.
The frontcourt has a new look with the acquisition of Giancarlo Rosado and Nika Metskhvarishvili from the transfer portal. Rosado, who served as the primary backup to skilled center Vlad Goldin at FAU, will look to capitalize on a full-time role with the 49ers. Arriving from ULM, Metshkvarishvili will look to stretch the floor by aiming to improve his three-point shooting after struggling last season. Rounding out the starting five in his seventh-year of college basketball is Robert Braswell IV, who will focus on staying healthy throughout the season.
East Carolina Pirates
Projected Starters:
PG: Cam Hayes (7.3 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 2.0 apg)
SG: RJ Felton (17.3 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 1.3 apg)
SF: Yann Farell (7.4 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 0.9 apg @ St. Bonaventure)
PF: CJ Walker (7.8 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 0.5 apg @ UCF)
C: Cyr Malonga (2.1 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 0.1 apg)
6M: Jordan Riley (11.9 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 1.1 apg @ Temple)
Analysis
With a large roster turnover, East Carolina is excited to bring back three starters, including projected All-Conference First Team member RJ Felton. Felton has been a standout for the Pirates and their top player, aiming to continue his success as a dynamic scorer and excellent rebounding guard. Joining him in the backcourt is another returning starter, Cam Hayes, who sat out the first half of the year due to transfer rules but played well during conference play when eligible.
Cyr Malonga ended last season as the starting center and will see more consistent playing time this season at the five. Key transfer CJ Walker will play an important role this season as an excellent defender, though he will need to improve his shooting efficiency. Rounding out the starting five is Yann Farell (Assa Essamvous), who started 55 games at St. Bonaventure over the past two seasons and is know for being an excellent three-point shooter.
Florida Atlantic Owls
Projected Starters:
PG: Leland Walker (15.4 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 4.1 apg @ Eastern Kentucky)
SG: KyKy Tandy (17.8 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 1.4 apg @ Jacksonville State)
SF: Kaleb Glenn (3.9 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 0.2 apg @ Louisville)
PF: Tre Carroll (4.0 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 0.4 apg)
C: Baba Miller (7.6 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 1.4 apg @ Florida State)
6M: Ken Evans, Jr. (18.8 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2.9 apg @ Jackson State)
Analysis
Under new coach, John Jakus, FAU aims to maintain its status as a top team in the AAC. The only returner in the projected starting lineup is Tre Carroll, who came exclusively off the bench for the past two seasons but could be a breakout candidate with increased minutes. Joining him in the frontcourt is transfer Baba Miller from Florida State, who started 32 games last season and is expected to quickly become one of the Owls’ best players.
The backcourt will have a new look after Johnell Davis departed to Arkansas. Leland Walker and KyKy Tandy, join transferring from the ASUN and CUSA conferences respectively, are expected to do a majority of the scoring for Florida Atlantic. Both have proven to be efficient scorers from three-point range, and the team’s success will depend on their chemistry on the court. Additionally, FAU added another high-level scorer off the bench, Ken Evans, Jr., who makes the jump from the SWAC and can also score at a high volume. Rounding out the starting five is former top-100 recruit, Kaleb Glenn, who will look to capitalize on a new role after struggling at Louisville last season.
Memphis Tigers
Projected Starters:
PG: Tyrese Hunter (11.1 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 4.1 apg @ Texas)
SG: PJ Haggerty (21.2 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 3.8 apg @ Tulsa)
SF: Colby Rogers (16.4 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.9 apg @ Wichita State)
PF: Nick Jourdain (6.5 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 1.2 apg)
C: Moussa Cisse (4.5 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 0.3 apg @ Ole Miss)
6M: Dain Dainja (6.1 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 0.2 apg @ Illinois)
Analysis
The Tigers excelled in the transfer portal, acquiring two of the best additions in the conference to enhance their backcourt. PJ Haggerty was an unexpected superstar last season and emerged as one of the best scorers in the conference as a freshman. The decision for Haggerty to transfer into the same conference he excelled in last season, speaks to the strength of Memphis’ recruiting. Joining him is Tyrese Hunter, who has started every game in his career for two Big 12 teams, Iowa State and Texas. Pairing Hunter with Haggerty easily gives Memphis the best 1-2 punch in the entire conference.
Additionally, Memphis added Wichita State transfer, Colby Rogers, who has proven himself as a high-level scorer in the AAC. The only returning player on the roster is Nick Jourdain, who aims to secure significant minutes at the four, likely splitting time with Tyreek Smith, an SMU transfer. At the center position, the Tigers will mix in Ole Miss transfer and Defensive Player of the Year candidate Moussa Cisse. Cisse began his career at Memphis and started every game as a freshman before transferring to Oklahoma State and Ole Miss. He returns as a defensive option to pair with Illinois transfer Dain Dainja, who could serve time as a backup or play alongside Cisse with Dainja at the 4 in defense-heavy lineups.
North Texas Mean Green
Projected Starters:
PG: Jasper Floyd (9.5 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 4.1 apg @ Fairfield)
SG: Atin Wright (14.1 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 1.9 apg @ Drake)
SF: Rondel Walker (3.8 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 1.4 apg)
PF: Grant Newell (5.5 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 0.4 apg @ California)
C: Moulaye Sissoko (3.0 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 0.4 apg)
6M: Latrell Jossell (12.9 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 2.3 apg @ Stephen F. Austin)
Analysis
The Mean Green will aim to be competitive with the top-half of the conference by bringing in three impact guards. Drake transfer Atin Wright arrives as a solid shooting option, having shot over 40% from three-point range last season at one of the best mid-major programs. North Texas also adds Fairfield transfer Jasper Floyd and Stephen F. Austin point guard Latrell Jossell. Floyd was a stat-sheet stuffer at Fairfield, leading the team in rebounding as a point guard. He is well-rounded, efficient, and a strong defender and passer. Jossell would most likely be a starter on most teams in the conference, but North Texas is expected to avoid playing him and Atin Wright in most rotations due to sizing. Returning center Moulaye Sissoko is set to start again, having started every game he played last season. Sissoko’s main value comes as a rim protector and solid defender. Grant Newell, coming off his freshman season at Cal, should get a chance to start at the 4. North Texas will be looking for Newell and returning guard Rondel Walker to step up this season and contribute at a high level.
Rice Owls
Projected Starters:
PG: Trae Broadnax (14.2 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 3.5 apg @ USC Upstate)
SG: Jalen Smith (5.9 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 1.7 apg @ SMU)
SF: Alem Huseinovic (7.8 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 0.9 apg)
PF: Kellen Amos (11.8 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 2.3 apg @ Central Connecticut State)
C: Caden Powell (5.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 1.3 apg @ Wyoming)
6M: Andrew Akuchie (3.6 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 0.5 apg)
Analysis
Rice begins the 2024-2025 under former SMU coach, Rob Lanier, as he attempts to rebuild the program. Returning starter and sharpshooter Alem Huseinovic projects to play significant minutes, bringing much-needed experience. A new look backcourt features two transfers: Trae Broadnax from USC Upstate and Jalen Smith, who followed Lance from SMU. Broadnax is a skilled passer and is projected to be a key part in the starting lineup throughout the season. Smith has familiarity with both the league and Lanier’s coaching style, so he could be a good option start from day one.
In the frontcourt, Rice acquired Kellen Amos from CCSU, a former second-team All-NEC Conference player in 2022 and third-team All-NEC last season. Caden Powell, who started all but one game for Wyoming last season, comes in as the favorite to get the bulk of minutes at the five. Rice is loaded with experience, as Huseinovic, Broadnax, and Amos are all graduate students and will be leaned on for leadership.
Temple Owls
Projected Starters:
PG: Lynn Greer III (10.9 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 3.7 apg @ Saint Joseph’s)
SG: Jamal Mashburn, Jr. (14.1 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 1.5 apg @ New Mexico)
SF: Jameel Brown (4.0 ppg, 0.7 rpg, 0.3 apg @ Penn State)
PF: Steve Settle III (8.6 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 1.2 apg)
C: Elijah Gray (8.4 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 0.8 apg @ Fordham)
6M: Shane Dezonie (7.9 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 0.9 apg)
Analysis
The Owls were aggressive in the transfer portal, securing commitments from two skilled guards. Jamal Mashburn, Jr. arrives from New Mexico as a highlight transfer, having proven to be a high-level player in the competitive Mountain West Conference. Joining Mashburn is Lynn Greer III, a valuable piece who excels as a score and an efficient passer. The third guard, Penn State transfer Jameel Brown, serves a different purpose. While Greer and Mashburn are excellent offensive contributors, Brown is an excellent defender but needs to improve his offensive game.
Temple’s frontcourt poses potential concerns, as returner Steve Settle, despite his 6’10 height, needs to add strength to fill out his frame. Fordham transfer Elijah Gray is expected to play a key role, and if he doesn’t pan out, Temple may be forced to go with a four-guard lineup in a conference that rarely plays small ball. Gray needs to improve his shot selection as he shot only 42% last year as a forward. Temple will rely heavily on Mashburn and Greer to score, with solid depth from guards Shane Dezonie and Matteo Picarelli potentially coming off the bench.
Tulane Green Wave
Projected Starters:
PG: Rowan Brumbaugh (8.3 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 2.6 apg @ Georgetown)
SG: Michael Eley (13.3 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 1.5 apg @ Siena)
SF: Mari Jordan (R-FR @ Georgia)
PF: Kaleb Banks (2.6 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 0.8 apg @ Indiana)
C: Gregg Glenn III (3.6 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 0.5 apg)
6M: KJ Greene (FR)
Analysis
Tulane has one of the youngest teams in the conference and is the only team with a freshman projected to start from day one. Mari Jordan, a former Georgia recruit, transferred after redshirting last year due to injury, but has the potential to contribute at a high level in the AAC. The Green Wave prioritized high-potential guards, bringing in Rowan Brumbaugh and Michael Eley. Brumbaugh impressed as a freshman at Georgetown and is a strong breakout candidate while Eley, joining from Siena, has yet to show his full potential after battling injuries last season. Tulane will have high expectations for both transfer guards and hope they provide efficient scoring.
Kaleb Banks, a transfer from Indiana one of the strongest candidates to start immediately. On the boards, former Michigan transfer Gregg Glenn III will be the go-to guy, though he didn’t meet expectations last season. Keep on eye on freshman KJ Greene off the bench, as he could push for a starting role at any point throughout the season. The theme for Tulane this season is whether once-highly touted recruits can live up to their potential and produce. Therefore, this gives Tulane the largest range of outcomes in the conference, anywhere from a contender towards the top to finishing at the bottom of the standings.
Tulsa Golden Hurricane
Projected Starters:
PG: Dwon Odom (11.8 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 4.6 apg @ Georgia State)
SG: Keaston Willis (12.5 ppg, 3.0 rpg) *2 Games*
SF: Braeden Carrington (4.6 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 1.1 apg @ Minnesota)
PF: Isaiah Barnes (8.2 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 1.0 apg)
C: Jared Garcia (9.4 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 0.9 apg)
6M: Tyshawn Archie (7.2 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 1.4 apg)
Analysis
After a dreadful 2022 season, Tulsa rebounded with a respectable showing last season. With two impact transfers and three solid returners, the Golden Hurricane now have a shot to compete in the top half of the standings. Running the point will be Georgia State transfer Dwon Odom, who broke out last season after starting his career at Xavier. He’ll be joined in the backcourt by Keaston Willis, who was off to a good start last year before breaking his foot just two games into the season. Now healthy, Willis has an opportunity to play significant minutes.
Tulsa also added Braeden Carrington, a Power 5 transfer from Minnesota who could be a candidate for a breakout season. In the frontcourt, returners Isaiah Barnes and Jared Garcia, who both showed improvement last season, are expected to continue developing and provide a strong presence down low. With the current size of the backcourt, the 6’1 Tyshawn Archie will likely come off the bench but has the potential to be an impact scorer and step in as an immediate starter if injuries arise.
UAB Blazers
Projected Starters:
PG: Tyren Moore (17.0 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 3.1 apg @ Georgia Southern)
SG: Efrem Johnson (11.2 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 1.7 apg)
SF: Alejandro Vasquez (11.1 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.1 apg)
PF: Christian Coleman (7.7 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 0.5 apg)
C: Yaxel Lendeborg (13.8 ppg, 10.6 rpg, 2.1 apg)
6M: Greg Gordon (16.0 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 1.3 apg @ Iona)
Analysis
UAB positions itself as the strongest threat to Memphis, returning four key players from last season and acquiring top talent through the transfer portal. Leading the way is Yaxel Lendeborg, the only returning All-AAC Conference First Team member, who was a standout coming from the JUCO and is a top candidate to take home AAC Player of the Year. Joining him in the frontcourt is Christian Coleman, another JUCO product who emerged as a starter down the stretch last season and solidified himself as a force.
The backcourt will feature yet another former JUCO player, sharpshooter Alejandro Vasquez. Vasquez, who was a key piece of last year’s team that reached the NCAA Tournament. Adding to the star-studded lineup is Efrem Johnson, who had a breakout year by tripling his scoring average and starting 25 games. Tyren Moore, a Georgia Southern transfer, is expected to run the point, bringing excellent shooting and leadership.
A player to watch is JUCO transfer Jaborri McGhee, who could see significant minutes given head coach Andy Kennedy’s success with JUCO players last year. Greg Gordon, who shined at Iona last season, would likely start on almost every other team in the conference, but will likely come off the bench due to the Blazers’ deep roster. UAB vs Memphis will be must-watch college basketball.
USF Bulls
Projected Starters:
PG: Jayden Reid (6.8 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 3.1 apg)
SG: Kobe Knox (8.4 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 1.5 apg)
SF: Brandon Stroud (5.2 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 1.8 apg)
PF: Corey Walker, Jr. (4.0 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 0.6 apg)
C: Jamille Reynolds (5.5 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 0.4 apg @ Cincinnati)
6M: De’Ante Green (4.5 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 0.4 apg @ Florida State)
Analysis
USF’s miracle season last year came ended with a loss against eventual AAC champions UAB, but their 16-2 in conference record and regular-season championship success didn’t go unnoticed. Despite losing key players such as Kasean Pryor and Chris Youngblood, the Bulls return a roster of players ready to break out. Leading the way is Kobe Knox, the top returning scorer, who will take on a large role offensively this season. At point guard, we expect incoming sophomore Jayden Reid to take the largest leap in the conference as he lands in our projected All-AAC Conference First Team. Reid made nearly 50% of his three-point attempts (29-61).
In the frontcourt, the Bulls added two transfers: Jamille Reynolds from Cincinnati and De’Ante Green from Florida State. Reynolds’ size and previous history in the AAC give him the inside track to start. Returners Brandon Stroud and Corey Walker, Jr. round out the starting lineup and will be play expanded roles. Off the bench, JUCO All-American Jimmie Williams, who averaged over 20 points per game last season, is a player to watch with potential to become a starter.
UTSA Roadrunners
Projected Starters:
PG: Marcus Millender (9.7 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 3.3 apg @ South Alabama)
SG: Primo Spears (10.6 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 2.1 apg @ Florida State)
SF: Damari Monsanto (5.1 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 0.6 apg @ Wake Forest)
PF: Raekwon Horton (6.9 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 1.0 apg @ James Madison)
C: Jonnivius Smith (8.0 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 1.2 apg @ Buffalo)
6M: Tai’Reon Joseph (20.5 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.7 apg @ Southern)
Analysis
UTSA’s revamped team features just one returner, with the roster consisting primarily of transfers. Leading the backcourt is Primo Spears, who brings high-major experience after averaging over 10 points per game for Duquesne, Georgetown, and Florida State in his career. He is expected to play one of the largest roles for the Roadrunners. Joining Spears in the backcourt will likely be South Alabama transfer Marcus Millender. Although Millender is a small guard at 5’11 he was an incredible three-point shooter last season. The key for Millender will be how well he adjusts to the tougher competition in the AAC.
The player with the most potential on the roster, Wake Forest transfer Damari Monsanto, is also the team’s biggest question mark. In 2022, Monsanto averaged 13.3 points for Wake Forest, but a knee injury caused him to look like a completely different player last season. His form will be critical, as it could propel UTSA to the middle of the conference standings. The frontcourt is made up of two mid-major transfers: the efficient Raekwon Horton from James Madison and rim protector Jonnivius Smith. Additionally, Tai’Reon Joseph, making the jump from the SWAC, will provide scoring off the bench.
Wichita State Shockers
Projected Starters:
PG: Justin Hill (9.5 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 3.2 apg @ Georgia)
SG: Xavier Bell (11.3 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.4 apg)
SF: Harlond Beverly (11.2 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 3.1 apg)
PF: Corey Washington (15.9 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 0.5 apg @ Saint Peter’s)
C: Quincy Ballard (7.4 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 0.4 apg)
6M: Zane Meeks (3.6 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 0.2 apg @ Arizona State)
Analysis
Wichita State’s roster features a blend of returning starters and transfers. A key player for the Shocker is center, Quincy Ballard, who was one of the team’s best defenders last season. He aims to elevate his game this year and establish himself as an impact player on both sides of the ball. Joining Ballard in the frontcourt is Corey Washington, a transfer from Saint Peter’s. Washington showcased his physical dominance in the MAAC and is an excellent rebounder, making him a top candidate to succeed at a higher level like the AAC.
In the backcourt, Wichita State returns two starters: Xavier Bell and Harold Beverly. Both players averaged over 11 points per game last season and are know as excellent passers. The new point guard, Justin Hill, transfers in from Georgia and is expected to play significant minutes. Additionally, the Shockers have great shooting depth off the bench with the additions of Zane Meeks and AJ McGinnis, both of whom have the ability to make shots from behind the arc.
Coming Next
To view the conference preview release schedule, keep up to date with us on X @collegehoopsrpt. Next up is the Atlantic Coast Conference. Thank you for reading and we appreciate all the support!
Cover Image: Photo Credit: American Athletic Conference
