The 2018-2019 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 Barclays Center:
Rhode Island - David Cox's basketball team is seemingly being slept on because of the exit of Dan Hurley and the five-man graduating class. While a slight dip in results is possible, they bring in (arguably) the most talented recruiting class that is coming into the conference this season. The returning core of Daron "Fatts" Russell, Jeff Dowtin, and Cyril Langevine all have plenty of experience and the potential to be some of the best players in the conference. Veteran players like Christion Thompson will be given the opportunity to shine in bigger roles and freshmen Jermaine Harris and Dana Tate can make major impacts from the very first game of the season.
Davidson - The Wildcats are being viewed as the top team in the Atlantic 10 in the 2018-2019 season. The central reason is due to the skill of Kellan Grady, the 2018 Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Year and a guard that is getting looks as an 2019 NBA draft prospect. Additionally, they bring back a reliable scorer in Jon Axel Gudmundsson and a role player that is familiar with the team's system in the form of KiShawn Pritchett.
Saint Joseph's - Charlie Brown is finally back after never getting to step on the court last season. Even without him, they made a huge statement when they won at the Ryan Center by 30 on February 27, 2018. Shavar Newkirk may have graduated but Lamarr Kimble forms a skillful backcourt with Brown and Chris Clover. Furthermore, Taylor Funk and Pierfrancesco Oliva form a dynamic frontcourt duo.
Saint Louis - With an undermanned team, the Billikens had a top-six finish in the conference standings in 2017-2018. As long as they can stay out of trouble, Travis Ford's team has much as talent to compete with any other team in the Atlantic 10. Michigan State transfer Javon Bess got acquainted with Atlantic 10 play real quick last season, as he was the team's leading scorer. In their sophomore campaigns, Jordan Goodwin and Hasahn French are expected to make major improvements. All the while, D.J. Foreman was efficient (62.6 FG%) when shooting the basketball last season and they welcome in highly touted recruit, Carte'Are Gordon.
