As the start of the new season grows closer, CBB Review gives its Atlantic 10 Basketball Preview.
Atlantic 10 Basketball Projected Standings
1. Dayton Flyers
2. Saint Louis Billikens
3. Loyola-Chicago Ramblers
4. VCU Rams
5. Davidson Wildcats
6. UMass Minutemen
7. St. Bonaventure Bonnies
8. Richmond Spiders
9. George Mason Patriots
10. Rhode Island Rams
11. George Washington Colonials
12. Fordham Rams
13. La Salle Explorers
14. Duquesne Dukes
15. St. Joseph’s Hawks
Preseason Player of the Year
DaRon Holmes, Dayton
Holmes exploded onto the scene in his freshman season at Dayton, averaging He was the A10 Rookie of the Year, an all-conference member, and part of the all-defensive team. He was especially dominant down the stretch, also earning himself a spot on the A10 All-Tournament team.
As a clear star on both ends, Holmes looks to take the lead role among a promising Dayton squad.
Preseason Coach of the Year
Frank Martin, UMass
Widely considered a dark horse team in the conference, UMass has undergone a complete program transformation when Martin took over the job this offseason. He has brought in a plethora of quality transfers and a capable freshman class, which includes top-100 prospect Tafara Gapare. He is also expected to improve a defense that ranked near the bottom of the country nationally last season, although only time will tell the extent to which this can occur. If UMass can finish in the top five of the conference, Martin will be the one to thank.
Preseason Freshman of the Year
Mike Sharavjamts, Dayton
The 6-7 forward from Mongolia may have among the rawest talent in the entire conference. He is already being raved about by coaches and could potentially crack the opening game starting lineup, especially with a few injuries throughout the roster. Sharavjamts was a top 100 recruit and had offers from several power conference programs, including Ohio State and Providence.
Preseason Transfer of the Year
Victor Bailey Jr., George Mason
Bailey Jr played four years of power conference basketball, starting at Oregon and eventually transferring to Tennessee. In 2020-21, he played quality minutes off the bench for the Volunteers, averaging 10.9 points in less than 25 minutes. Then, Tennessee’s roster got even deeper and Bailey Jr struggled to find playing time. Nonetheless, he is a talented player who has proven he can score at against high-level competition.
Preseason First Team
- G: Foster Loyer, Davidson
- G: Yuri Collins, Saint Louis
- F: DaRon Holmes, Dayton
- F: Josh Oduro, George Mason
- F: Tyler Burton, Richmond
Preseason Second Team
- G: Ace Baldwin, VCU
- G: James Bishop, George Washington
- G: Noah Fernandes, UMass
- F: Javonte Perkins, Saint Louis
- F: Toumani Camara, Dayton
Preseason All-Freshman Team
- G: Alphonzo Billups, VCU
- G: RJ Luis, UMass
- F: Justyn Fernandez, George Mason
- F: Mike Sharavjamts, Dayton
- F: Tafara Gapare, UMass