The 2017-2018 Atlantic 10 MBB Contenders
These are the Atlantic 10 MBB teams that will realistically compete for the regular season conference title and the Atlantic 10 championship in the Verizon Center:
Rhode Island - The Rhode Island Rams are the clear favorite in the Atlantic 10 for the 2017-2018 season. Dan Hurley's team returns one of the best groups of guards in the nation and should have another NCAA tournament appearance to show for it. In addition, Daron "Fatts" Russell is bringing his winning ways to Kingston, RI. Meanwhile, Jeff Dowtin and Cyril Langevine look to continue to improve and only get better in their sophomore seasons. Michael Layssard Jr. and Michael Tertsea have barely been talked about and they could both make significant contributions in the upcoming season. The Rhode Island Rams will be in the discussion to be a preseason Top-25 team again.
VCU - Will Wade leaving for LSU, Lavar Batts leaving for NC State, and Mayan Kiir also leaving for LSU are all significant losses for this team. However, it would be a mistake to bet against VCU's men's basketball team. The hire of Mike Rhoades as head coach was a smart addition. Under the lead of Justin Tillman and Jonathan Williams, Virginia Commonwealth should be a strong presence in the Atlantic 10 and an eighth straight NCAA tournament appearance is possible.
Saint Bonaventure - The Bonnies could have easily dropped into the group of dark horses if Jaylen Adams kept his name in the 2017 NBA Draft and did not return to Olean, NY. With Adams returning, he, Matt Mobley, and Idris Taqqee will lead a Saint Bonaventure team that looks primed for a NCAA tournament bid in the 2017-2018 season.
