2024-25 Atlantic 10 Men’s Basketball Season Preview: A return to two NCAA Tournament bids

The 2023-24 marketing campaign noticed the Atlantic 10 make an illustrious return to two-bid league standing as each Dayton and Duquesne acquired alternatives to the 2024 NCAA Match.

To proceed that development, returners like Saint Joseph’s Erik Reynolds II, VCU’s Max Shulga and Loyola Chicago’s Des Watson will prepared the ground as agency contenders for All-Convention nods.

Whereas on the opposite aspect, packages like Dayton, Saint Louis and Duquesne will look to contend regardless of pretty new look rosters, and in some cases, a model new coach on the helm.

Richmond and Loyola Chicago had been topped 2023-24 Co-Common Season Champions regardless of being chosen eighth and eleventh, respectively, within the 2023 A10’s Preseason Ballot. The chaos is inevitable.

Every of the highest 8-9 groups can have a shot at competing which supplies the convention a chance to repeat its multi-bid standing however how will all of it shake out come March?

But once more, your guess is nearly as good as mine.

2024-25 Atlantic 10 Males’s Basketball Preseason Ballot

1.) VCU (14) – 421

2.) Dayton (6) – 394

3.) Saint Joseph’s (5) – 376

4.) Saint Louis (2) – 371

5.) Loyola Chicago (2) – 368

6.) George Mason – 262

7.) Richmond – 230

8.) Duquesne (1) – 222

9.) UMass – 215

10.) St. Bonaventure – 210

11.) Rhode Island – 159

12.) Davidson – 118

13.) George Washington – 111

14.) Fordham – 80

15.) La Salle – 62

The Favourite

VCU

In head coach Ryan Odom’s inaugural season on the helm, the Rams managed a 24-11 document and fought all the best way to the title sport on the 2024 A10 Championship.

Regardless of shedding out to Duquesne, the Rams return the brunt of final season’s contributors headlined by the re-addition of All-Convention First Crew choice Max Shulga.

After declaring for the portal and initially committing to Villanova in early Might, Shulga returned and is crucial to any success VCU will discover through the 2024-25 marketing campaign.

Behind him, Zeb Jackson, Joe Bamisile and Christian Fermin all stay to assist make sure the Rams don’t fall wanting the A10 crown as soon as once more.

To help the group, Odom acquired a pair of veterans from the switch portal in Jack Clark and Phillip Russell, who each bolster invaluable expertise having hung out within the A10.

Whereas the 6-foot-8 Clark performed the previous two seasons at NC State and Clemson, he emerged with La Salle averaging 12.0 PPG as a junior earlier than hitting the portal in 2022.

Russell, an electrifying scorer, was recruited to Saint Louis earlier than lifting SEMO to the NCAA Match in 2023 and being chosen because the 2024 WAC Sixth Man of the Yr with UT Arlington.

Whereas the newcomers will undoubtedly elevate this squad, typically the most effective will get are those you have already got. If VCU is actually the A10’s prime group, that sentiment shall be focal to this season. (CC: @trillydonovan)

The Contenders

Dayton

Reeling from the departure of 2023-24 A10 Participant of the Yr and Defensive Participant of the Yr DaRon Holmes II, Dayton head coach Anthony Grant relied on the portal to restructure.

Whereas returners reminiscent of Nate Santos, Malachi Smith, Enoch Cheeks and Javon Bennett will show key, it’s the additions of Posh Alexander and Zed Key that may elevate the Flyers again into contender standing.

Each bolster high-major expertise with Alexander arriving after stints at each St. John’s and Butler and Key spent 4 seasons enjoying at Ohio State.

Nevertheless, neither Alexander or Key symbolize your common high-major to A10 switch coup which is often a participant taking a step down looking for minutes. Every discovered various levels of success within the Massive East and Massive Ten respectively with Alexander averaging 11.6 PPG whereas Key made 121 profession appearances for the Buckeyes.

Becoming a member of the switch newcomers is a highly-touted recruiting class that features Hamad Mousa, the early favourite for A10 Freshman of the Yr, as a prime worldwide recruit.

Combine all of it collectively and expectations for the Flyers are as soon as once more sky excessive regardless of the lack of a program defining participant like Holmes. Whether or not Dayton can meet expectations with new faces in Alexander and Key carrying this program ahead, we’ll have to attend and see.

Saint Joseph’s

Behind Erik Reynolds II, 2023-24 A10 Rookie of the Yr Xzayvier Brown and All-Convention Preseason Third Crew choice Rasheer Fleming, St. Joe’s may need the league’s finest returning core.

Mix that with a nationally acclaimed schedule for the Hawks, and also you’ve acquired a recipe to assist this program return to the NCAA Match for the primary time since 2016.

Whereas St. Joe’s has proven regular enchancment through the tenure of head coach Billy Lange, it seems like this program is lastly ready to capitalize on its homegrown expertise.

The on courtroom means is clear however teaching appears to be the large knock on St. Joe’s over the previous couple seasons. But, Reynolds credit Lange and Co. as his final motive for returning for a fourth consecutive season on Hawk Hill.

Constructing on that core, this employees was methodic and intentional about recruiting the Switch Portal, bringing in simply two additions that seemingly match the Hawks must perfection.

Playmaking guard Derek Simpson arrives from Rutgers the place he made 31 profession begins over the previous two seasons. Moreover, Harvard switch Justice Ajogbor shall be an influential defender after ending second nationally in block proportion final season.

To actually compete with the likes of VCU, Dayton and others, St. Joe’s will want extra consistency from Reynolds this season. If he can show one of many convention’s prime contributors night time in and night time out, this roster certainty has the expertise to again him and win the A10.

Saint Louis

Following the departure of Travis Ford, Saint Louis went out and employed one of many hottest names in all of teaching with former Indiana State chief Josh Schertz.

Behind a brand new man on the helm, the Billikens can have a completely rebuilt roster outdoors of some holdovers highlighted by three-time All-A10 choice Gibson Jimerson who returns for his sixth consecutive season.

From Indiana State, Schertz brings over two of his most dynamic items in two-time switch Isaiah Swope and former All-Missouri Valley First Crew choice Robbie Avila.

Each averaged 16+ PPG this previous season, and because the veterans of Schertz’s system, will assist to create a flawless transition as he appears to be like to instill his gameplan and elegance.

Arriving from the high-major ranks, SLU welcomes within the trio of former Creighton recruit Josiah Dotzler, West Virginia guard Kobe Johnson and Miami’s AJ Casey.

Whereas every struggled to provide or discover minutes at that stage, a transfer to the A10 will undoubtedly present extra enjoying time with every anticipated to be efficient contributors.

Rounding out the rotation shall be Brown switch Kalu Anya, 6-foot-9 UC Santa Barbara ahead Killian Brockhoff in addition to the Billikens solely different returners in Kellen Thames and Larry Hughes II.

If Schertz can get all these new faces on the identical web page from opening tip, Saint Louis will simply be the convention’s most improved group with an opportunity to problem for an A10 title.

Loyola Chicago

Main enhancements noticed Loyola Chicago go from useless final in convention to Co-Common Season champs in yr two of this system’s A10 journey. In year-three, the Ramblers shall be firmly in rivalry as soon as once more behind one of many nation’s hardest defensive models.

Whereas a number of transfers will fill out the rotation, 2023-24 All-A10 Second Crew choice Des Watson, Jayden Dawson and All-Convention Freshman Miles Rubin stay.

After displaying flashes in his first season with this system, Rubin is reported prepared for a breakout marketing campaign and can lead the Ramblers entrance courtroom after averaging 2.3 BKPG in 2023-24.

Including some veteran expertise beside him, former VCU ahead Jalen Deloach returns to the convention that made him an elite defender after a brief sojourn away with Georgia.

Moreover, 6-foot-7 UC San Diego switch Francis Nwaokorie is as versatile as might be and can show a useful piece on each ends of the ground with the potential to play 3-5.

To additional all this defensive improvement, 6-foot-7 wing/guard Kymany Houinsou arrives from Washington the place he was heralded as a defensive stalwart. If the Mulhouse, France, native can enhance his offensive contact, he’ll simply be one of many convention’s prime newcomers.

Final however definitely not least is Justin Moore, a 2023-24 All-CAA honoree from Drexel, the place he averaged 12.4 PPG, 3.5 APG and 1.1 SPG as a troublesome defensive minded guard.

Because the outdated adage goes, protection wins championships, and as you’ve most likely found out by now protection would be the basis of this Loyola Chicago group through the 2024-25 marketing campaign.

Most are going to wrestle mightily to attain towards this rotation on any given night time, and it’ll carry the Ramblers on their journey to repeat as Common-Season Champions and past.

The Darkish Horses

George Mason

In yr one of many Tony Skinn-era in Fairfax, Va., the Switch Portal performed a big function in lifting George Mason to its second consecutive 20-win season regardless of the transition. In yr two of Skinn on the helm, the story will must be related if the Patriots wish to take care of the A10’s prime tier.

The expertise is there, and it begins with KD Johnson, a former top-100 prospect who hung out at each Georgia and Auburn.

In his first-year with the Bulldogs, he was chosen to the SEC All-Freshman group and averaged 13.5 PPG although showing simply 16 instances. As a sophomore, Johnson transferred to Auburn and continued that success managing 12.3 PPG as a 31 sport starter earlier than falling out of favor over the subsequent two seasons.

Now, Johnson arrives within the A10 and can instantly be the most effective perimeter defenders within the convention with Skinn hopeful he can regain a few of that early profession offensive type.

New arrivals in Zach Anderson, MAAC All-Freshman choice Jeremiah Quigley, Brayden O’Connor and Giovanni Emejuru will all play constant minutes in a rotation with out many returners.

Thus, if Preseason All-Convention Second Crew decide Darius Maddox can rally these Patriots, George Mason can simply make one other leap this season and as soon as once more end with 20+ wins.

Richmond

Regardless of being picked eleventh within the 2023 A10 Preseason Ballot, head coach Chris Mooney labored his magic as Richmond fought its strategy to a Co-Common Season title however fell quick on the A10 Championship.

Led by Co-A-10 Participant of the Yr Jordan King, a former switch from Siena, the Spiders will hope to see an identical offensive menace emerge from this season’s forged of portal expertise.

With all 4 of Richmond’s prime contributors in 2023-24 both opting to switch or being out of eligibility, this switch class would be the defining think about how the Spiders progress.

Whereas George Washington III brings high-major expertise from Michigan, Richmond added some confirmed veterans as properly in Dusan Neskovic, B. Artis White and Jonathan Beagle.

Moreover, two-time nationwide champion and former UConn recruit Apostolos Roumoglou is one thing of a wildcard and brings an fascinating developmental piece to this roster.

Returners like DeLonnie Hunt, Mikkel Tyne, Jason Roche and Michael Walz shall be closely relied upon, however behind this switch class, Richmond is latent with upside potential.

Duquesne

Regardless of ending on reverse ends of the A10 spectrum in 2023-24, Duquesne finds itself in a really related scenario to Saint Louis with a brand new head coach in Dru Joyce III and a subsequent new look roster.

Although Joyce was an assistant for final season’s A10 Champions, the departure of a number of key seniors with no remaining eligibility left this employees in a serious crunch for switch expertise.

Inter-conference coup and 2022-23 ROY Maximus Edwards joins from George Washington. He’ll present helpful A10 expertise for a various group coming from totally different packages and ranges.

Tre Dinkins of Canisius, Cam Crawford from Marshall, Chicago State’s Jahsean Corbett, Furman star Alex Williams, and Eli Wilborn of Saint Francis will all play efficient minutes.

It’ll be an uphill battle with a rebuilt roster and a first-year head coach, however this Duquesne group is severely underrated at eighth and can contend for a double-bye if all goes proper for Joyce.

UMass

After surpassing expectations final season with a fourth place end within the A10 to safe the double-bye, UMass misplaced its prime two contributors to the portal in Matt Cross and Josh Cohen.

Although the greed of faculty soccer will see the Minutemen depart for the MAC forward of subsequent season, the 2024-25 marketing campaign brings one final shot at redemption and this system’s first A10 title since 2007.

2023-24’s Most Improved Participant Rahsool Diggins might want to carry continued progress as he’s thrust right into a main function whereas Jaylen Curry and Daniel Hankins-Sanford every see extra minutes.

To fill out his rotation, head coach Frank Martin invested within the portal with the recruitment of Bryant’s Daniel Rivera, Murray State’s Malek Abdelgowad and Arizona State’s Akil Watson.

Moreover, one of many nation’s top-JUCO recruits in 6-foot-10 Shahid Muhammad from Southern Idaho is anticipated to play key minutes alongside Abdelgowad.

Equally to many of the darkish horses, UMass has lots of shifting elements, but when Martin can mesh the returners with an intriguing switch core the Minutemen will surpass expectations as soon as once more.

The A10 “Pillow Struggle”

St. Bonaventure

The addition of Adrian Wojnarowski as basic supervisor of St. Bonaventure has instilled lots of pleasure across the future improvement of this program. Whereas Wojnarowski didn’t have a hand in establishing this season’s roster, search for him and head coach Mark Schmidt to construct profitable A10 contenders for years to come back.

Nevertheless, with nearly all of final season’s expertise departing after struggles in convention play, the 2024-25 offseason hasn’t introduced a lot early confidence for a rebound marketing campaign.

Noel Brown is the one returner from final season who performed important minutes, so the Bonnies will rely closely on transfers like Melvin Council Jr., Probability Moore and Dasonte Bowen.

Rounding out the rotation is a trio of top-tier JUCO acquisitions in Michael Folarin, Jonah Hinton and the nation’s No. 7 ranked JUCO switch in Lajae Jones. Although every has expertise on the DI or DII stage, it’ll take time to transition to efficient contributors within the A10.

Rhode Island

In a similar way to move coach Archie Miller’s second season on the helm of this Rhode Island program, main enhancements aren’t anticipated heading into yr three.

Nevertheless, one factor these Rams have that almost all different A10 program’s don’t is a big core of returning contributors. Each main scorers from final season in Jaden Home and David Inexperienced are again for yet one more yr with URI.

After beginning his faculty profession at Rhode Island, Albany switch Sebastian Thomas may also make his approach again to Kingston. He completed forty fourth nationally in scoring this previous season. Moreover, Nebraska switch Jamarques Lawrence, a 35-game starter within the Massive Ten, shall be an prompt affect piece for Rhody.

With a robust again courtroom of Home, Thomas and Lawrence paired with a entrance courtroom of Inexperienced, David Fuchs, and some transfers reminiscent of Javonte Brown, the Rams could end increased than their projected eleventh.

Davidson

The transition from legendary head coach Bob McKillop to his son Matt McKillop hasn’t been as clean as many hoped going from 16 wins in 2023 to fifteen wins in 2024.

Heading into the 2024-25 season, Davidson didn’t do a lot to enhance regardless of the lack of some key items to the portal together with Grant Huffman, David Skogman and Angelo Brizzi.

Guard Connor Kochera and ahead Reed Bailey will proceed to tempo the Wildcats’ manufacturing, whereas 6-foot-7 Bobby Durkin is projected to take a leap heading into his sophomore season.

From the portal, Davidson added a challenge piece in Colorado’s Joe Hurlburt, a 6-foot-11 ahead who made 10 appearances as a freshman for the Buffaloes. Moreover, DII switch Zach Laput will present a veteran scoring menace however possible must acclimate on the DI stage.

It’ll take time for Hurlburt to develop and for Laput to search out consistency whereas the depth of Davidson’s roster is youthful, and so this season shall be extra about this system’s progress.

George Washington

Possessing one of many A10’s prime offensive threats in James Bishop IV, George Washington head coach Chris Caputo wasn’t capable of muster a document over .500 in his first two seasons.

Whereas Bishop departs this system with none remaining eligibility, he leaves behind a bunch of gifted sophomores in Darren Buchanan, Jacoi Hutchinson and Trey Autry.

Every shall be anticipated to assist proceed the event of this younger roster however shall be aided by a veteran switch class in Trey Moss, Gerald Drumgoole and Sean Hansen.

Moreover, the recruitment of 6-foot-10 Windfall switch Rafael Castro brings extra dimension and size in addition to an intriguing developmental piece with a transfer all the way down to the A10.

It appears Caputo and Co. are constructing for the way forward for this program and prevented extra of the senior/grad switch expertise outdoors of Drumgoole and Hansen. As this sophomore regime takes over the reins, the 2024-25 season will present continued and far wanted improvement for a maturing however succesful group.

Fordham

Within the merry-go-round that’s the switch portal, there are undoubtedly winners and losers. Over the previous couple season’s particularly Fordham has fallen sufferer.

Ending third within the A10 simply two seasons in the past, head coach Keith Urgo couldn’t recreate that success coping with the lack of graduate seniors Khalid Moore and Darius Quisenberry.

In 2023-24, UTSA switch Japhet Medor didn’t fill into the first scorer function as Fordham had hoped, whereas Lafayette recruit Josh Rivera battled accidents and thus was inconsistent.

This season, the Rams depart one of many program’s prime improvement items in Elijah Grey although retain a core constant of Medor, Rivera, Will Richardson and Abdou Tsimbila.

Nevertheless, Fordham as soon as once more struggled buying switch expertise.

Former Duquesne standout Jackie Johnson III returning to the A10 and Matt Zona becoming a member of after 4 seasons on the bench at Notre Dame marked the packages solely skilled additions.

It’s a bit underwhelming, and except the Rams have some main improvement from their returners I don’t see Fordham combating off the underside of the A10 standings.

La Salle

Think about choosing the legendary Fran Dunphy to complete final in a convention preseason ballot?

Couldn’t be me, and whereas I don’t count on main progress from La Salle this season, by no means doubt the magic of Dunphy significantly as this program prepares to unveil the model new John Glaser Enviornment.

Gone are program stars Jhamir Brickus and Khalil Brantley with a refreshed roster bringing in a pair of youthful guards with LIU switch Eric Acker and freshman Deuce Jones.

Whereas Jones has been heralded as probably one of many convention’s prime first-years, Acker was an NEC All-Freshman choice averaging 12.7 PPG and three.8 APG in 2023-24.

Bolstering the entrance courtroom, Dunphy brings a pair of inexperienced however helpful high-major huge males with Penn State’s Demetrius Lilley and former UCLA/DePaul ahead Mac Etienne.

Add in a stout defender like Temple switch Jahlil White and a 3-point capturing menace in Corey McKeithan from Rider, and there’s so much for this La Salle employees to construct on in 2024-25. (Shoutout to Mid-Main Insanity legend and present La Salle graduate assistant Nick Lorensen.)