The Atlantic 10 held their media day in Brooklyn on Tuesday, and in the process released their preseason poll as well as their all-conference awards.
The preseason poll was about what you would expect. VCU was a consensus pick to win the league, receiving all 28 first-place votes. I’d agree with that sentiment, as the Rams have set themselves apart from the pack in terms of the current Atlantic 10 power structure.
George Washington finished second in the poll, followed by Dayton, UMass and Richmond. Here it is in its entirety:
- 1. VCU (28)
- 2. George Washington
- 3. Dayton
- 4. Massachusetts
- 5. Richmond
- 6. Rhode Island
- 7. La Salle
- 8. Saint Joseph’s
- 9. Saint Louis
- 10. St. Bonaventure
- 11. Duquesne
- 12. Davidson
- 13. George Mason
- 14. Fordham
Where I take issue is with the first-team all-conference team. That team went six players deep: Jordan Sibert (Dayton), Patricio Garino (George Washington), Kendall Anthony (Richmond), Deandre Bembry (St. Joseph’s), Treveon Graham (VCU) and Briante Weber (VCU).
It’s tough to criticize any of those picks too much, but it seems silly that Rhode Island guard E.C. Matthews didn’t find his way onto the first team. He averaged 14.8 points as a freshman and is not only the best NBA prospect in the conference, he may end up being the best player in the league this season.