The Atlantic-10 is constantly that in-between conference that is just on the outside of the BCS conferences but several notches better than the mid-major leagues. This year could see something of a changing of the guard, though. Yes, Xavier and Dayton will still at the top of the league – but not in the order one might expect – and there are several sleeper teams ready to make a move into the upper echelon of the Atlantic-10. In terms of individual players, the A-10 lost 11 of the top 16 scorers and five of its top seven rebounders. While the conference isn’t teeming with standouts, there are plenty of serviceable players who will be of value.
Charlotte 49’s The 49ers struggled in close games last season en route to a 5-11 A-10 campaign. However, they do have some talent, and bring in quality newcomers. The top returnee is DiJuan Harris, who was fourth in the nation in assists at 7.2 per game. Ian Anderson is a big-time shooter who should reach double-figure points this season. He had 15 or more points seven times. Phil Jones is solid at both ends, but needs to live up to his potential better. Freshman Chris Braswell originally signed with Georgetown and will be a top-notch newcomer up front.
Dayton Flyers Although the Flyers are the best team in the conference and should be a top 25 team, they are not a fantasy gold mine. Chris Wright is a freak athlete who can finish with the best of them around the rim. He averaged nearly 14 points and seven rebounds per game last season. Marcus Johnson had the most double-digit scoring games of anyone on the team, and his role will increase this season. Duquesne Dukes The high-scoring Dukes lose all-around stud Aaron Jackson, but return four players who averaged 9.8 points per game or better. Damian Saunders (13.1 ppg, 7.6 rpg) is a difficult match-up for most opponents due to his skill set at forward, and he is primed for a breakout season. Bill Clark (12.9, 5.0, 2.7) contributes in a variety of ways and his shooting ability is outstanding. Melquan Bolding (9.9, 4.4) came on strong late, scoring at least 18 points in three of his last five games. Eric Evans (9.8) will replace Jackson at the point, so his scoring might go down, but he did win Rookie of the Week four times.
Fordham Rams The Rams are going to struggle, but they will be eons better than they would have been had Jio Fontan been let out of his scholarship. The sophomore guard decided (and by that, I mean he was basically forced) to return to the Rams, bringing his 15.3 ppg and 4.7 apg with him. Brenton Butler missed more than half of last season with an ankle injury, but he scored nearly 10 points per game. Freshman Lance Brown is a New Jersey product who can do a variety of things.
George Washington Colonials Damian Hollis is the Colonials’ leading returning scorer and rebounder, and will need to increase both numbers with the loss of Rob Diggs. He can carry the team with his versatility and scoring ability, but someone else will need to step up.
La Salle Explorers The Explorers have a great shot to make a leap in the standings this season with the return of five starters and the addition of Aaric Murray at center. Murray was a big-time high school player and chose the Explorers over several BCS schools. He is dominant around the rim. Rodney Green is one of the most productive players in the conference, with his averages of 17.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. His numbers went up in conference play, averaging over 20 points per game in his last 15. Yves Mekongo Mbala is a double-figure scorer and a solid rebounder who is an excellent role player. Kimmani Barrett is the second-best scorer on the team and can shoot the three (35% from deep). Ruben Guillandeaux (10.1, 2.5, 3.1) is another shooter who contributes all around.
Massachusetts Minutemen The Minutemen were a disappointment last season, but have the pieces to potentially make a run this season. Ricky Harris is the league’s leading returning scorer at 18.2 points per game. He is a high-volume shooter who will get the opportunity to put the ball in the basket. Former Wake Forest transfer Anthony Gurley is a double-figure scorer who provides a nice complement to Harris. Freshman Terrell Vinson should see immediate playing time up front – he is an effective scorer and rebounder.
Rhode Island Rams The Rams lose Jimmy Baron and Kahiem Seawright and will need other players to step up and fill their shoes. Keith Cothran is an athletic guard who will be the team’s go-to player in the backcourt. He can get to the rim should improve on his 13.2 points per game. Delroy James is a 6-foot-8 lefty forward who needs to harness his abilities in order to be most effective. He averaged 9.9 ppg and 6.1 rpg a year ago.
Richmond Spiders The Spiders are another team with the ability to make some serious moves in the standings. David Gonzalvez (16.0 ppg, 4.8 rpg) is a dead-eye long-range shooter who can get hot from deep and become unstoppable. He hit 41% of his threes last year. Kevin Anderson (16.6, 2.9, 2.8) is an explosive guard who is difficult to stop and is confident in his game. Dan Geriot (14.3, 5.5 in 07-08) sat out last season with a knee injury but adds excellent scoring ability up front. Justin Harper (9.2, 4.6) needs more playing time, but he is a difficult match-up with his size and skills. He put up 17.1 points per game when he played 29 or more minutes.
St. Bonaventure Bonnies The Bonnies surprised some people last season, finishing 15-15 overall. They could be improved this season. Andrew Nicholson was the A-10 Newcomer of the Year, averaging 12.5 ppg, 6.0 rpg and 2.7 bpg. If he adds strength, look out. Jonathan Hall (12.9, 6.3, 3.2) was the team’s leading scorer, rebounder and assist man and is perfect for the Bonnies; up-tempo style. Chris Matthews (12.2) is a gunner, pure and simple. He jacked up 246 threes a season ago, hitting just 33%.
Saint Joseph’s Hawks With the loss of Ahmad Nivins and Tasheed Carr, Phil Martelli needs to find some new studs. Darrin Govens is a very likely candidate to lead the team in scoring. He averaged 12.5 points per game last season and will shoot the ball plenty. Idris Hilliard is the key returnee in the frontcourt, but he has to be more aggressive. He is very efficient shooting the ball inside the arc, and will improve on his 9.2 ppg.
Saint Louis Billikens Kwamain Mitchell was an All-Freshman selection in the conference last season, and will have to pick up his numbers this season despite leading the team in assists and being the Billikens’ leading returning scorer. He averaged 11.0 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game.
Temple Owls With Dionte Christmas moving on to a professional career, there will be plenty of shots to go around. One player everyone is looking at to finally play to his potential is forward Lavoy Allen. His numbers last season, 10.9 points and 9.0 rebounds per game, were fine, but Fran Dunphy needs his scoring to improve. Ryan Brooks is the other double-figure scorer for the Owls, and he is a clutch guard who can shoot the three (41% from deep). Juan Fernandez is a sleeper at guard.
Xavier Musketeers Dayton might be ready to take the Musketeers’ spot at the top of the conference, but don’t count out Xavier just yet. First-year coach Chris Mack has plenty of talent on the roster, starting with Indiana transfer Jordan Crawford – yes, the Jordan Crawford who dunked “on” LeBron James this summer. 6-foot-9 big man Jason Love has to become a force down low and improve on his numbers. A candidate in the backcourt to become the next star is Dante Jackson, who averaged 6.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game last season.