Atlantic 10: Who Are Next Season’s Favorites?

3. Dayton Flyers

Mar 20, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Dayton Flyers forward Dyshawn Pierre (21) dribbles between Providence Friars defenders during the second half in the second round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

Dayton head coach Archie Miller will be coaching a very similar group of players in 2015-16. The big problem is that he will be missing captain Jordan Sibert, who completed his senior year for the Flyers. The Ohio State transfer could not be stopped from long-range and—having averaged a team-high 16.1 points per game in his ultimate season—is the foundation of their offense.

Miller got a taste of the potential implications of Sibert’s departure in Dayton’s First Four contest against Boise State on March 18, 2015, when the Cincinnati, OH native faced foul trouble in the first half. Moments after the guard was fouled out, the Broncos went on a 19-6 run, closing out the first half with a 9-point lead.

Dyshawn Pierre leads a trio of talented returnees, one of them Kendall Pollard. But it will be Scoochie Smith that will headline UD’s back court. The Flyers have been short on truly seasoned and experienced guards since Vee Sanford hit the professional level, and things only get worse with no Sibert. Three-star commit and New Hampton point guard John Crosby could definitely be an asset, but the chances that Miller can truly compete for first place without “Smooth Jordan” are slim.

Next: Rhode Island Rams