Conference Preview
1. Dayton B+
Raiderguy and the Flyers seek their 11th straight conference championship and 4th NT appearance in 5 years. Led by big man Bobby Wiltse, balanced scoring and solid defense will make it tough for any team to challenge them for the title.
Ins: B+ Out: B+ Def: A- Reb: A-
2. St. Louis B+
After two rough rebuilding seasons, the Billikens seem to have the best shot at competing with Dayton. Sharpshooter Bradley Singletary coming off the bench boosts an already solid offense that includes Jeremy Jones and Michael Black. Lack of a strong presence on the boards, however, may prevent them from making their first NT appearance in 18 seasons.
Ins: B+ Out: A Def: B+ Reb: B
3. Rhode Island B
Playmaker John Jeter will need to lead the Ram's youthful team containing 9 underclassmen. Freshman of the year Jerome Gros and Richard Pines provide the Rams with strength on the boards. However, without any post offense, as they must rely on the outside game of freshmen Gilbert Espada and Steven Conyers.
Ins: B- Out: B+ Def: A- Reb: A-
4. Umass B-
Senior big man Sean Bellew will need to lead a young Umass team if they are to compete throughout the season. Also with 9 underclassmen, Umass will need Luis Harris to make an impact after averaging 12.0 pts his Freshman year.
Ins: B Out: B- Def: B- Reb: B
5. St. Joseph's C+
7 ft. Tyler Gentle dominates the glass and defensive player of the year Steven Kinney provides both offense and defense for St. Joseph's. However, the Senior backcourt duo of Dooley and Cuthbert will determine the success of kjquest's first year with the Hawks.
Ins: B- Out: B Def: C+ Reb: B-
6. LaSalle C
The Explorers will rely on the inside game of Clarence Reagan and Jonathan Hacklett. LaSalle will need to find an outside scorer to take the pressure off their inside duo, however, if they are to have any success.
Ins: B- Out: C Def: B Reb: B+
7. Temple C
With only one Senior on the roster, and no dominant scorer, the Owls will rely on defense and a balanced scoring attack to bring them a second conference championship in a row. Lack of a true presence inside will make a repeat extremely tough for this squad however.
Ins: C+ Out: C Def: B Reb: C
8. Xavier C-
Poor defense and lack of inside scoring may doom this Xavier team still in their rebuilding phase under fatz60. Without a real scoring threat, the Musketeers will need to force turnovers and wear down teams with their full court press, if they are to compete this season.
Ins: D Out: C+ Def: C- Reb: B-
9. Richmond C-
On a team especially weak on the boards, the Spiders will need to John Jones to be their man inside. Mahn and Peterson will also both need to build off their double digit scoring seasons from last year.
Ins: B- Out: C Def: C Reb: D-
10. Charlotte C-
Ronald Brown will need to do it all for this 49ers team whose strengths are hard to find. Especially weak on the boards, it will be up to JUCO Clarence Neely to help out inside.
Ins: C+ Out: C Def: C Reb: C+
11. George Washington D+
Porous defense and no inside presence will make it hard for GW to compete this year. Ellman and Woody, mediocre at best, will have to find ways to help the Colonials compete throughout the season.
Ins: C- Out: C+ Def: D Reb: D+
12. St. Bonaventure D
Bad defense, no scorers, and only two upperclassmen will most likely lead to another poor season for the Bonnies. It will be up to the two upperclassmen, Meltzer and Tack, to improve the Bonnies' 4-23 record from last season.
Ins: C- Out: C- Def: D Reb D+