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NCAA basketball: 5 bold predictions for the AAC in 2020-2021

By Cody Williams

Memphis Tigers guard Boogie Ellis defends a drive by Houston Cougars guard Caleb Mills during their game at the FedExForum on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020.W 29331
Memphis Tigers guard Boogie Ellis defends a drive by Houston Cougars guard Caleb Mills during their game at the FedExForum on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020.W 29331 /
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Memphis Tigers. (Mandatory Credit: USA Today Sports/Syndication: Memphis) /

AAC basketball Breakout Player: Moussa Cisse, C, Memphis

Because of the aforementioned losses of Wiseman — though he barely played — and Achiuwa for the Memphis Tigers, they aren’t as highly publicized coming into the 2020-2021 season as they were last year. Yet, Penny Hardaway’s team is set to compete for the AAC basketball crown and newcomer Moussa Cisse is going to be a massive part of that.

While this shouldn’t be mistaken for hyperbole in saying that they are the same caliber of player, Cisse could have an Anthony Davis-like impact on Memphis as he arrives in the program. That starts with his prowess on the defensive end as the incoming freshman is one of the best shot-blockers in the country upon his arrival. Throw in solid rebounding and he’ll be a force.

Though Davis has developed his offensive game by leaps and bounds over the years in the NBA, while at Kentucky he was very much a rim-runner and lob threat on the offensive side of the ball — but he was more than effective in that capacity. The 6-foot-10 Cisse should offer the Tigers offense much of the same this season as well.

Perhaps the biggest help for Cisse is that he’s not a big fish in a small pond that opponents can solely hone in on. Memphis still has an extremely talented roster around the big man, which should allow him to operate to his strengths. In doing so, he’ll be an immediate star for Hardaway’s team.

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