Credit: Jake Fischer
After reviewing all 11 of the Colonial Athletic Association Mens’ basketball teams’ Non-Conference schedules, CAA Correspondent, Jake Fischer, updates his Preseason Rankings based off of Strength of Schedule. The Rankings reflect how winnable the teams’ games are in comparison to their overall level of talent.
Week 1 2
1. Drexel – The Dragons are still the class of the CAA, especially after the release of their Non-Conference schedule. The defending Regular Season Conference champs are primed for a title repeat.
2. Delaware – The Blue Hens boast some elite wing scorers and a dominant inside game featuring Jamelle Hagins. They do have some challenges in their Non-Conference Schedule, but it will provide opportunities for a boost in the team’s RPI.
3. Northeastern – The Huskies are fresh off their chemistry-building and successful summer tour of Canada, and they look poised to earn a winning record in Non-Conference play. Behind a plethora of scoring wing players, the Huskies definitely belong in the Top 5 of the CAA.
4. Georgia State — The Panthers, behind newly extended Head Coach, Ron Hunter, are on a quest to receive an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament after being declared ineligible for the CAA Tournament due to their imminent departure from the conference. Their schedule might just let them capture that dream.
5. Old Dominion — The Monarchs will face a challenge Non-Conference field of opponents. But, the challenges should be winnable as well. They’ve earned this solid Top 5 spot in the CAA this preseason.
6. George Mason — Many CAA experts and writers have disagreed with the Patriots being ranked 6th in the conference after being a perennial Top 5 team over the past few years. If they can take advantage of a fairly favorable schedule, they might be able to crack this CAA reporter’s Top five.
7. James Madison +1 The Dukes have a winnable Non-Conference schedule that should be more favorable than some of their fellow Pre-Season Bottom 5 members of the CAA. Coach Matt Brady and company might be able to even crack the Top 5.
8. Hofstra -1 The Pride have a few high profile transfers joining their roster, but it might not be enough to overcome their daunting Non-Conference schedule. Coach Moe Cassara needs to bring his new and old players together sooner rather than later.
9. William & Mary +1 The Tribe will not face the most daunting Non-Conference schedule this season. With that, they might be able to enter CAA Conference play with a record around .500.
10. UNCW -1 While the Seahawks they should be able to compete with their Non-Conference foes, the team sitting in the #9 spot definitely has a more winnable schedule. However, if faithful senior Keith Rendleman leads the way, the Seahawks may be able to jump a few rankings.
11. Towson – The Tigers will most likely face the most challenging Non-Conference schedule of the teams in the CAA. While that opens an opportunity for RPI improvements, don’t expect Towson to truly compete outside the conference.
Jake Fischer is the CAA Correspondent for Rant Sports-NCAA Basketball. Make sure to follow Jake on Twitter @fischsportsline.
