Mid-Major Madness’ American Athletic Twitter Space Preview: Chris Kreider/Ron Hunter

Last week, we continued conference previews with the American Athletic Conference. Every week on Twitter, we will do two conferences from the Mid-Major Madness account (@mid_madness), speaking with media members and coaches throughout the selected league.

For the full Twitter Space, hit the link below:

To open up the conversation, New Blood’s Josh Linke and us recapped what happened in the AAC last season. Houston dominated again, making its name known and advanced to the second weekend for the third straight NCAA Tournament. Memphis also made some noise, making the NCAA Tournament for the first time under Penny Hardaway and advancing in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2014.

SMU assistant head coach Chris Kreider (8:45) then hopped on the space to talk about his program. Historically one of the best programs in not only the conference but the country, SMU made the NIT last season. Kreider comes over from Georgia State where he and new head coach Rob Lanier made the NCAA Tournament as a 16-seed last season.

“There was no decision to be made (moving along to SMU),” Kreider said. “We had such a great time working together, three years, all of us. I think Coach Lanier choosing to bring a lot of us from Georgia State shows not only what kind of coach he is, but what kind of person he is. Very loyal. SMU, like you mentioned is a very special place.”

Josh and Nick then continued to talk about the teams in the league, previewing every one. To hear about your team, advance the recording to each time stamp.

22:30 Cincinnati

25:05 ECU

27:25 Houston

30:50 Memphis

35:50 Tulane

38:25 USF

40:00 Temple

42:40 UCF

44:20 Tulsa

47:15 Wichita State

50:40 POTY & Tournament Teams

Along with the Twitter Space, we also talked to Tulane head coach Ron Hunter about his program heading into the season. The Green Wave surprised a lot of people last season and is bringing back most of that team. This season, they started meshing early with a summer trip to Costa Rica. Ron Hunter and his program gave out many shoes for his Samaritans Feet project.

“I love doing those trips because of the mission work you’re able to get done,” Hunter said. “I thought it was really good for our players.”

The Green Wave are on the bubble for the NCAA Tournament in many preseason projections.

To listen to our full chat with Hunter, click the link: Ron Hunter Interview

Along with the American, Mid-Major Madness also released an article on the Big South this week and will have one out on the America East soon. Stay tuned for previews on the ASUN and Summit League next week.