We’re all still trying to establish some sort of identity for the American Athletic Conference, though UConn winning the National Championship two seasons ago certainly helped the newly formed conference’s prestige. In all, it’s hard to really define the AAC.
However, that hasn’t stopped the conference from churning out intriguing storylines and NBA talent. Our look through college basketball continues with the ranking of the AAC, and it starts with guards.
1. Nic Moore, SMU Mustangs
The returning Conference Player of the Year is the best player that the AAC will feature next season, hands down. He can get into the paint and score, or set up a teammate. He can knock down shots from the perimeter. He defends at a high level. Quite frankly, the only thing he doesn’t seem able to do is place a quarter on the top of the backboard–though I’m not ready to claim definitively that he can’t. This spot really isn’t up for debate.
2. James Woodard, Tulsa Golden Hurricane
As good as Woodard was last season, while helping Tulsa contend for a conference crown, many of his numbers were actually lower than his sophomore season. Perhaps it was the emergence of other scoring options on his team, perhaps it was something else. Either way, we’re still expecting Woodard to churn out a 14 points, five rebounds, and two assists per game stat line next season, which should put him in line with another nod for First Team All-Conference honors. It should also keep Tulsa near the top of the standings in the stretch run of 2016.
3. Jalen Adams, UConn Huskies
The only newcomer to the list, Adams was the highest ranked signee that any AAC program signed for the 2015 class. Not only that, but he’s going into a system that provides its guards with a tremendous amount of freedom with the ball, whether it is shooting or creating for teammates. Adams is an explosive talent who can score from all three levels while also competing on the defensive end. He’s my favorite for Rookie of the Year honors and to be an All-Conference selection when it’s all said and done next season.
4. Shaquille Harrison, Tulsa Golden Hurricane
Harrison’s junior season emergence was another reason why the Golden Hurricane experienced the success that it did a year ago. Every season at Tulsa, he’s increased his scoring by about three points per game while seeing his efficiency increase while doing so. He may not be quite as dynamic as his backcourt mate, but there’s no question that he deserves to be on this list.
5. Troy Caupain, Cincinnati Bearcats
Caupain took advantage of his increased role with UC as he started 33 of 34 games after not starting a single game as a freshman. With that role, he became one of the most well-rounded, facilitating guards in the conference, averaging 9.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. That success landed him an Honorable Mention nod for postseason awards, but it also announced his arrival as a legitimate candidate to be considered a top guard in the conference.
