2024-25 A10 Basketball Preview
Conference Overview
Join us for our A10 Basketball Preview as we dive into the upcoming season for one of college basketball’s premier mid-major conferences. Last season’s A10 tournament delivered a stunning upset on Thursday, March 14th, when the top four seeds—the number one, two, three, and four—lost in back-to-back games, creating one of the most shocking days in any conference tournament. This opened the door for Cinderella team Duquesne to claim a March Madness bid, leading to their first-round win over BYU.
This year, the top teams will look to ensure another tournament shocker doesn’t occur. VCU projects to lead the pack, boasting one of the conference’s most complete rosters and featuring Max Shulga, a strong contender for Player of the Year. Dayton follows closely, bolstered by two key high-major transfers as they aim for another March Madness bid after last year’s at-large selection.
Saint Joseph’s has one of the best starting lineups in the conference, though their depth could be a challenge. Saint Louis, under new leadership and with the dynamic big man Robbie Avila, is also in the conversation for top honors.
Loyola Chicago and George Mason bring back strong cores, each adding impact transfer point guards and aiming for top finishes. Massachusetts and George Washington, despite their youth, have enough talent to produce breakout players this season.
Duquesne may have lost some key players, but they carry momentum from last year’s Cinderella run. Rhode Island and St. Bonaventure both feature revamped backcourts with Power 5 transfers, looking to surpass expectations.
Davidson and Richmond, last year’s top seed, return key contributors and will rely on team chemistry to make an impact. Fordham and La Salle, while having low expectations could surprise the conference as last season’s tournament proved anything is possible.
The 2024-25 A10 Basketball Preview promises an exciting season, with numerous teams poised to challenge for both conference supremacy and March Madness bids.
A10 Basketball Preview: Projected Standings
- VCU
- Dayton
- Saint Joseph’s
- Saint Louis
- Loyola Chicago
- George Mason
- Massachusetts
- George Washington
- Duquesne
- Rhode Island
- St. Bonaventure
- Davidson
- Richmond
- Fordham
- La Salle
A10 Basketball Preview: Projected Award Winners
Player of the Year: Robbie Avila, Saint Louis
Defensive Player of the Year: Derek Simpson, Saint Joseph’s
Newcomer of the Year: Robbie Avila, Saint Louis
Freshman of the Year: Daniil Glazkov, Loyola Chicago
Coach of the Year: Anthony Grant, Dayton Flyers
A10 Basketball Preview: Projected All-Conference First Team
KD Johnson, George Mason
Posh Alexander, Dayton
Erik Reynolds II, Saint Joseph’s
Max Shulga, VCU
Robbie Avila, Saint Louis
Davidson Wildcats
Projected Starters:
PG: Zach Laput (18.4 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 4.3 apg @ D2 Bentley)
SG: Connor Kochera (13.2 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 0.9 apg)
SF: Bobby Durkin (8.5 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 1.1 apg)
PF: Reed Bailey (12.7 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 1.4 apg)
C: Sean Logan (2.6 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 0.5 apg)
6M: Hunter Adam (2.8 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 0.5 apg)
Analysis
Davidson returns a core of four starters along with a Division II standout for the upcoming season. Connor Kochera, likely the team’s leading scorer, made significant strides last year and became one of the Wildcats’ most reliable players. Zach Laput, a transfer from Bentley, is expected to adapt well to Division I play, bringing elite long-range shooting to boost Davidson’s offense. On the wing, Bobby Durkin aims to build on his strong freshman season, particularly with his defensive contributions.
In the frontcourt, Davidson plans to play both big men simultaneously. Reed Bailey, a solid scorer, needs to improve his three-point shooting to become a true stretch forward. Sean Logan, while defensively sound, must enhance his offensive game to secure his spot in the starting lineup. Davidson’s returning starters offer stability, but development from younger players will be key for making noise in the A10.
Dayton Flyers
Projected Starters:
PG: Malachi Smith (7.7 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 5.6 apg) *2022-2023 Stats*
SG: Posh Alexander (11.3 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 4.9 apg @ Butler)
SF: Enoch Cheeks (8.1 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 2.0 apg)
PF: Nate Santos (11.7 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 1.5 apg)
C: Zed Key (6.6 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 0.5 apg @ Ohio State)
6M: Javon Bennett (8.4 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 3.3 apg)
Analysis
The Flyers return a mix of starters and add two key transfers to fill the massive void left by DaRon Holmes II, one of college basketball’s biggest departures. Posh Alexander, a Butler transfer and proven Power 5 starter, drops down to the A10 and becomes one of the conference’s top players. He is expected to play a crucial role in Dayton’s season. Joining him in the backcourt is Malachi Smith, who tore his ACL just seven minutes into last season’s opener. Smith, a great passer, was key to the team before his injury, and Dayton is hopeful he will return to form.
Enoch Cheeks offers solid defense but struggled with three-point shooting last season, an area the Flyers hope he improves. Nate Santos, a pleasant surprise last year, emerged as a reliable long-range shooter and will be a key scoring option. Like Alexander, the Ohio State transfer brings Power 5 experience and is expected to step in as one of the best centers in the A10. Javon Bennett, who played significant minutes at point guard when Smith was injured, will likely see considerable time off the bench. As in previous years, Dayton is positioned to be near the top of the conference and will contend for an NCAA tournament bid.
Duquesne Dukes
Projected Starters:
PG: Kareem Rozier (5.2 ppg 1.8 rpg, 2.4 apg)
SG: Jake DiMichele (6.4 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 1.0 apg)
SF: Alex Williams (13.2 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 1.0 apg @ Furman)
PF: Maximus Edwards (12.4 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 1.2 apg @ George Washington)
C: David Dixon (7.2 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 0.7 apg)
6M: Tre Dinkins (15.4 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 3.6 apg @ Canisius)
Analysis
Duquesne’s inspiring run to March Madness, where they emerged as underdogs in both the A10 Conference Tournament and the First Round against BYU, has given the team significant momentum heading into this season. The Dukes return center David Dixon, who is expected to take on a full-time starting role after starting eight games last season. Dixon excelled defensively and is a strong rim protector. The team is expected to run a guard-heavy lineup, featuring George Washington transfer Maximus Edwards, one of the conference’s standout young players. Edwards, the 2022 A10 Freshman of the Year, followed up with a strong sophomore season, showing off his shooting ability and rebounding skills.
Chicago State transfer Jahsean Corbett is expected to play key minutes off the bench at the four. In the backcourt, Duquesne will likely start Kareem Rozier at point guard, an experienced returner known for his capable outside shooting and playmaking. Jake DiMichele, another returning starter, was a strong defender last season and will look to build on a promising freshman campaign.
Rounding out the starting five is Alex Williams, a Furman transfer and a capable three-point shooter. Tre Dinkins, a Canisius transfer, is expected to provide key minutes off the bench as a versatile shooter who can play both guard spots. Duquesne hopes to carry the momentum from last season into a strong campaign.
Fordham Rams
Projected Starters:
PG: Japhet Medor (9.8 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 2.3 apg)
SG: Will Richardson (9.8 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 1.9 apg)
SF: Romad Dean (4.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 0.4 apg)
PF: Matt Zona (2.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 0.5 apg @ Notre Dame)
C: Abdou Tsimbila (7.5 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 0.2 apg)
6M: Jackie Johnson III (5.4 ppg, 1.0 rpg, 0.9 apg @ UNLV)
Analysis
Fordham will rely on its returning starters to develop, along with a few key high-major transfers, to bring success this season. In the backcourt, starting point guard Japhet Medor returns after a promising start last year, though his minutes dwindled due to inconsistent play. The Rams are hoping he regains his confidence, as he was one of the team’s best players during the non-conference season. Will Richardson will join Medor in the backcourt but struggled with shooting efficiency last season compared to his freshman year. With room to grow, Richardson is expected to take on a larger role this season.
Romad Dean will likely fill the wing spot, having improved with more playing time last year. The frontcourt is led by Abdou Tsimbila, one of the conference’s top rim protectors and defenders, though Fordham will be hoping for more offensive production from him. Notre Dame transfer Matthew Zona is projected to round out the starting lineup and should be a key contributor. UNLV transfer Jackie Johnson III will provide important minutes off the bench at both guard spots. Ultimately, Fordham’s success hinges on the offensive development of its returners; otherwise, the team could be in for another challenging season.
George Mason Patriots
Projected Starters:
PG: KD Johnson (7.1 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 1.3 apg @ Auburn)
SG: Darius Maddox (14.0 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.8 apg)
SF: Jared Billups (4.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 1.2 apg)
PF: Zach Anderson (12.8 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 1.9 apg @ FGCU)
C: Jalen Haynes (14.6 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 1.5 apg @ ETSU) *2022-2023 Stats*
6M: Woody Newton (5.8 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 0.4 apg)
Analysis
The Patriots had a strong offseason, retaining key starters and adding several impactful transfers, some expected to start and others providing crucial depth. One of the standout transfers is KD Johnson from Auburn, who will have high expectations as one of the top guards in the conference. A former double-digit scorer at the Power 5 level, Johnson shifted to a bench role at Auburn over the past two seasons but now returns to the starting lineup as a dynamic scorer and solid defender. He’ll be joined in the backcourt by Darius Maddox, who impressed in his first season at George Mason and is likely to be the team’s leading scorer this year.
Another key backcourt returner is Jared Billups, one of the best defenders in the conference, who will primarily contribute on the defensive end. The frontcourt features two newcomers: Jalen Haynes, who redshirted last season due to injury but had a standout 2022 season at East Tennessee State as both an offensive and defensive presence, and FGCU transfer Zach Anderson, a sharpshooter who hit over 45% from three-point range last year. With a blend of elite shooting from Maddox and Anderson, two versatile all-around players in Johnson and Haynes, and a defensive specialist in Billups, the Patriots are well-positioned to compete at the top of the conference.
George Washington Revolutionaries
Projected Starters:
PG: Jacoi Hutchinson (7.3 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 2.3 apg)
SG: Trey Autry (5.4 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 0.8 apg)
SF: Gerald Drumgoole, Jr. (13.9 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.4 apg @ Delaware)
PF: Darren Buchanan, Jr. (15.6 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 2.4 apg)
C: Sean Hansen (8.8 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 2.0 apg @ Cornell)
6M: Trey Moss (13.5 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 2.2 apg @ William & Mary)
Analysis
The Revolutionaries will undoubtedly miss the contributions of James Bishop IV, their leading scorer and star, who graduated after leading the team for the past four seasons. They also face the loss of key scorer Garrett Johnson, who will miss the season due to injury. However, George Washington returns Darren Buchanan, Jr., who made the A10 All-Freshman Team and is expected to be a key player this year. In the frontcourt, Cornell transfer Sean Hansen adds versatility as an offensive player. He can stretch the floor with his three-point shooting at the five. The backcourt gets a boost from Delaware transfer Gerald Drumgoole, Jr. He was an efficient volume scorer last season and will add significant offensive firepower.
Jacoi Hutchinson is expected to lead at point guard after a strong freshman season, demonstrating significant improvement during conference play. He could be primed for a breakout year with his excellent three-point shooting. Another sophomore, Trey Autry, impressed as a freshman and should see important minutes this season. With a combination of returning talent and impactful transfers, George Washington could emerge as a sleeper team in the A10, potentially underrated given the talent they retain and have added through the transfer portal.
La Salle Explorers
Projected Starters:
PG: Eric Acker (12.7 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 3.8 apg @ Long Island)
SG: Andres Marrero (7.9 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 1.2 apg)
SF: Daeshon Shepherd (10.6 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 0.7 apg)
PF: Jahlil White (10.1 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 1.5 apg @ Temple)
C: Demetrius Lilley (2.8 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 0.2 apg @ Penn State)
6M: Tunde Vahlberg Fasasi (6.2 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 0.8 apg)
Analysis
The Explorers must rebound from the loss of two key players, Jhamir Brickus and Khalil Brantley, and will rely on two returning guards and three transfers to fill their starting lineup. The leading returning scorer, Daeshon Shepherd, will have the opportunity to become La Salle’s go-to player this season. LIU transfer Eric Acker is projected to start at point guard, despite his struggles as one of the most inefficient offensive players in college basketball last season in a low-major conference. Despite this, Acker is still young and has the potential for development, so La Salle will hope he makes significant strides this year.
Joining him in the backcourt is Andres Marrero, a solid long-range shooter who needs to improve defensively to be an effective starter. The frontcourt will feature two new transfers, with Penn State transfer Demetrius Lilley likely seeing the most minutes at center; although he played limited roles off the bench at Penn State, Lilley should provide capable defense. Rounding out the starting five is Temple transfer Jahlil White, a scorer looking to enhance his shooting efficiency. La Salle’s success this season will largely depend on their guards’ ability to score at a high level, but another challenging season may lie ahead.
Loyola Chicago Ramblers
Projected Starters:
PG: Justin Moore (12.4 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 3.5 apg @ Drexel)
SG: Sheldon Edwards, Jr. (6.0 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 0.9 apg)
SF: Des Watson (12.6 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.5 apg)
PF: Francis Nwaokorie (11.3 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 0.9 apg @ UC San Diego)
C: Miles Rubin (6.2 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 0.7 apg)
6M: Jalen DeLoach (3.6 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 0.7 apg @ Georgia)
Analysis
The Ramblers bounced back last season with a solid campaign and hope to capitalize on their retention of key returners and the acquisition of important transfers. Leading the way is Des Watson, who significantly improved his three-point percentage in his first season at Loyola Chicago, becoming a more versatile shooter. Joining him in the backcourt is Sheldon Edwards, Jr., who also raised his three-point percentage last season and excelled as a defender. The Ramblers have brought in Drexel transfer Justin Moore to lead the point this season; he proved to be a capable scorer for a solid mid-major program.
The backcourt will feature Miles Rubin, one of the best defenders in the conference, who led all of college basketball in block percentage. Likely joining him in the starting lineup is UC San Diego transfer Francis Nwaokorie, a solid scorer over the past three seasons who can stretch the floor with his three-point shooting. Georgia transfer Jalen DeLoach will play significant minutes at both the 4 and 5 positions. However, his playing time may be limited alongside Rubin, as both players focus on defense, which restricts their shooting potential. Freshman Daniil Glaskov, with his international basketball experience, could provide valuable minutes off the bench. With this strong lineup, Loyola Chicago is well-positioned to compete at the top of the conference once again.
Massachusetts Minutemen
Projected Starters:
PG: Jaylen Curry (7.4 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 2.1 apg)
SG: Rahsool Diggins (12.8 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 2.2 apg)
SF: Jayden Ndjigue (5.5 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 2.1 apg)
PF: Daniel Rivera (13.3 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 2.2 apg @ Bryant)
C: Daniel Hankins-Sanford (6.5 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 0.6 apg)
6M: Marqui Worthy (2.0 ppg, 0.6 rpg, 0.8 apg)
Analysis
UMass prepares for its last season in the A10 before moving to the MAC Conference next year, primarily for football purposes. Leading the way is returning scorer Rahsool Diggins, who elevated his game last season by nearly tripling his scoring average and achieving career highs in shooting percentages. Expected to start at point guard is Jaylen Curry, a returner who made the A10 All-Freshman Team last season but needs to improve his shooting efficiency in his sophomore campaign.
Another rising sophomore, Jayden Ndjigue, will fill the final backcourt spot; he had a solid freshman year and is a prime breakout candidate for the upcoming season. In the frontcourt, UMass adds Bryant transfer Daniel Rivera, an elite defender who scored at a high volume but struggles with shooting, including free throws. Daniel Hankins-Sanford is likely to take the starting center role, bringing the ability to stretch the floor as a capable three-point shooter. With a clear go-to guy in Diggins and two rising sophomores primed for breakouts, UMass is positioned to compete effectively this year.
Rhode Island Rams
Projected Starters:
PG: Sebastian Thomas (19.6 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 4.9 apg @ Albany)
SG: Jamarques Lawrence (6.9 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 2.5 apg @ Nebraska)
SF: Jaden House (14.1 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 1.4 apg)
PF: David Green (14.3 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 0.8 apg)
C: David Fuchs (7.9 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 1.3 apg)
6M: Cam Estevez (7.1 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 1.0 apg)
Analysis
Rhode Island may be one of the most underrated teams in the conference after retaining key returners and adding two high-level transfer guards. Jamarques Lawrence arrives from Nebraska as a breakout candidate in the A10, having found success at the high-major level. Joining him is Albany transfer Sebastian Thomas, who returns to URI after a phenomenal scoring season and should be a major contributor on the offensive end.
The other backcourt spot will likely go to Jaden House, who had a solid first year at URI but needs to become more consistent as one of the main scoring options. Cam Estevez, a returner, should provide valuable depth off the bench as a great three-point shooter and has the potential to break out in his sophomore season.
The frontcourt will likely feature a starting duo of David Green and David Fuchs. Green excelled offensively with impressive shooting efficiency and long-range accuracy but needs to improve defensively. Additionally, Fuchs had a strong freshman season, and Rhode Island will rely on his continued development. Keep an eye on Western Michigan transfer Javonte Brown, who could pick up minutes or become a possible starter at the five. He has a background with high-major programs and recently played well in an exhibition against UConn.
Richmond Spiders
Projected Starters:
PG: B. Artis White (10.4 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 3.2 apg @ Western Michigan)
SG: DeLonnie Hunt (9.3 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 1.8 apg)
SF: Jason Roche (3.4 ppg, 0.9 rpg, 0.1 apg)
PF: Dusan Neskovic (16.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 1.1 apg @ Dartmouth)
C: Mike Walz (2.8 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 1.1 apg)
6M: Jonathan Beagle (12.5 ppg, 9.5 rpg, 1.6 apg @ Albany)
Analysis
Richmond’s unexpected rise to the top of the A10 standings last season was a compelling story, but with the loss of all-star players like Jordan King, the team must once again defy expectations. Leading returning scorer DeLonnie Hunt is poised to become the go-to option this season after successfully transitioning from the NEC to the A10 and establishing himself as a reliable scoring threat. Joining him in the backcourt is Western Michigan transfer B. Artis White, who brings a wealth of experience and is known for his strong outside shooting. Jason Roche, who had a disappointing season after a solid previous year, is expected to round out the backcourt and will be looking for a bounce-back campaign.
In the frontcourt, Dartmouth transfer Dusan Neskovic is likely to start at the four, and Richmond hopes his shooting ability will translate well to the A10. Mike Walz, who served as the primary backup last season, is expected to see the most minutes at the five as a strong defender and rim protector. Jonathan Beagle will back up Walz, contributing as a capable scorer and great rebounder. Richmond found itself in a similar position last year and delivered a surprising performance. Can they do it again this season?
Saint Joseph’s Hawks
Projected Starters:
PG: Xzayvier Brown (12.7 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 3.3 apg)
SG: Erik Reynolds II (17.3 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 2.7 apg)
SF: Derek Simpson (8.3 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.9 apg @ Rutgers)
PF: Rasheer Fleming (10.7 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 0.8 apg)
C: Justice Ajogbor (8.4 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 0.6 apg @ Harvard)
6M: Steven Solano (FR)
Analysis
Saint Joe’s is coming off one of its best seasons in recent years, returning key scorers to form a competitive projected starting lineup. Leading the team is last year’s All-A10 First Team honoree, Erik Reynolds II, a top candidate for this year’s A10 Player of the Year. Reynolds excelled on offense again last year and will be the driving force for a team with conference title aspirations. Joining him is reigning Freshman of the Year, Xzayvier Brown, who had an outstanding season and shot the three well. Brown has a huge opportunity to develop further as a sophomore and will be a key part of the backcourt.
The final guard spot is likely to go to Rutgers transfer Derek Simpson. While Reynolds and Brown provide major offensive firepower, Simpson’s focus will be on defense, as he’s an elite defender and a strong contender for Defensive Player of the Year. In the frontcourt, Rasheer Fleming, who had a breakout season last year and started every game, will be another key scoring option behind Reynolds and Brown.
Rounding out the starting five is Harvard transfer Justice Ajogbor, an excellent defender and rim protector. The biggest question for the Hawks is their depth, as it includes five freshmen (one redshirt). One to watch is Steven Solano, who will likely back up Ajogbor at center and could earn key minutes or even a starting role later in the season. The combination of offensive firepower from Brown and Reynolds, an all-around threat in Fleming, and defensive specialists in Simpson and Ajogbor makes this one of the most well-rounded starting fives in the conference, positioning the Hawks as a serious contender this season.
Saint Louis Billikens
Projected Starters:
PG: Isaiah Swope (15.9 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 2.1 apg @ Indiana State)
SG: Kobe Johnson (6.0 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 2.2 apg @ West Virginia)
SF: Gibson Jimerson (15.8 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 2.1 apg)
PF: Kalu Anya (9.6 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 1.7 apg @ Brown)
C: Robbie Avila (17.4 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 4.1 apg @ Indiana State)
6M: Larry Hughes II (7.4 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 1.5 apg)
Analysis
Saint Louis has a whole new look this season as coach Josh Schertz takes over after a phenomenal run at Indiana State, where his team finished as NIT runners-up. One of the biggest names in the transfer portal, Indiana State transfer Robbie Avila, followed Schertz to Saint Louis. Avila is an enigma—one of the best passing big men in college basketball, with the ability to stretch the floor and pose a huge offensive threat. He’s a favorite for A10 Player of the Year and could be one of the most impactful players the conference has seen in recent years.
In the frontcourt alongside Avila is Brown transfer Kalu Anya, who will provide much-needed defense, balancing out Avila’s offensive focus. Another Indiana State transfer, Isaiah Swope, will start at point guard after a standout offensive season where he made over 113 three-pointers at a high volume. West Virginia transfer Kobe Johnson will join him in the backcourt as a defensive guard, providing a complementary skill set to Swope’s shooting ability.
Rounding out the starting lineup is one of the few returning players for the Billikens, Gibson Jimerson, who has been a consistent high-level scorer for the past three years and should adapt well to Schertz’s system. Saint Louis brings together a strong roster with the potential to compete at the top of the A10 conference.
St. Bonaventure Bonnies
Projected Starters:
PG: Dasonte Bowen (4.4 ppg, 1.3 rpg, 2.0 apg @ Iowa)
SG: Melvin Council, Jr. (14.9 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 3.5 apg @ Wagner)
SF: Chance Moore (10.7 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 0.5 apg @ Missouri State)
PF: Lajae Jones (15.4 ppg, 9.2 rpg, 1.2 apg @ JUCO Barton)
C: Noel Brown (6.1 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 0.5 apg)
6M: Jonah Hinton (14.2 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 3.2 apg @ JUCO Panola)
Analysis
The Bonnies are shaping up to be one of the most intriguing teams in the A10 this season, with a wide range of potential outcomes. Noel Brown, last year’s backup center, is set to take on a starting role after showing efficiency in limited minutes. The backcourt has been completely revamped, led by Iowa transfer Dasonte Bowen and Wagner transfer Melvin Council, Jr. Bowen’s experience at the high-major level makes him a crucial X-factor at point guard, while Council, an athletic guard who played a key role in Wagner’s NCAA tournament run, brings strong defensive skills.
Chance Moore is expected to start on the wing, providing stability after two solid years at Missouri State. Lajae Jones, one of the top JUCO prospects, adds a new dynamic to the frontcourt with his impressive three-point shooting, hitting over 40% from deep at Barton College last season. Fellow JUCO transfer Jonah Hinton is also likely to earn significant minutes in the backcourt. Unlike many other teams in the conference, the Bonnies are highly athletic and filled with new faces, and their success will hinge on how quickly the roster develops chemistry and comes together as the season unfolds.
VCU Rams
Projected Starters:
PG: Phillip Russell (14.9 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 4.4 apg @ UT Arlington)
SG: Max Shulga (14.0 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 3.6 apg)
SF: Zeb Jackson (11.4 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 3.3 apg)
PF: Jack Clark (4.4 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 1.4 apg @ Clemson)
C: Christian Fermin (5.2 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 0.5 apg)
6M: Joe Bamisile (13.1 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 0.6 apg)
Analysis
VCU has once again built an elite A10 team with one of the best roster fits in the conference, anchored by the return of A10 Player of the Year candidate Max Shulga. Shulga had a phenomenal debut season with the Rams, earning All-A10 First Team honors while excelling as a shooter. He will likely be joined in the backcourt by UT Arlington transfer Phillip Russell, a consistent high-level scorer and natural point guard. Zeb Jackson is expected to take the final backcourt spot as one of the team’s top defenders, though improving his outside shooting efficiency will be key, as he took a high volume of threes last season.
With VCU’s depth in the backcourt, Joe Bamisile will likely come off the bench, despite being talented enough to start for most A10 teams, showcasing VCU’s depth. The frontcourt sees the addition of Clemson transfer Jack Clark, who brings extensive A10 experience from his time at La Salle and was an efficient player at both NC State and Clemson. Christian Fermin is expected to fill the last starting spot, adding defensive strength alongside Clark as a tough presence at the five. With Shulga’s return and the key transfer of Clark, VCU is positioned to compete at the top of the conference once again, and the expectations are rightly high.
Coming Next
Thank you for reading the 2024-25 A10 Basketball Preview. To view the conference preview release schedule, keep up to date with us on X @collegehoopsrpt. If you haven’t already, feel free to check out one of our other conference previews linked below! Next up is the Big East Conference. Thank you for reading, and we appreciate all the support!
- America East Conference Preview
- American Athletic Conference Preview
- ACC Conference Preview
- ASUN Conference Preview
Cover Image: Photo Credit: Atlantic 10 Conference (A10)
