Atlantic 10 Basketball: Who will capture the 2016-17 conference title?

Feb 27, 2016; Dayton, OH, USA; Rhode Island Rams head coach Dan Hurley (C) talks with his team during a stoppage in play against the Dayton Flyers in the second half at the University of Dayton Arena. The Rams won 75-66. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 9, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; La Salle Explorers guard Jordan Price (21) talks to the media after a game against the Dayton Flyers at Tom Gola Arena. The La Salle Explorers won 61-57. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

6. La Salle Explorers

2015-16 record: 9-22 overall, 4-14 in Atlantic 10

Head coach: John Giannini

Key returning players: Jordan Price, Cleon Roberts, Johnnie Shuler, Tony Washington, Yevgen Sakhniuk, Amar Stukes

Newcomers: Three-star SF Saul Phiri, one-star C Cian Sullivan, Memphis transfer G Pookie Powell, Syracuse transfer F B.J. Johnson, South Carolina transfer F Demetrius Henry

There’s no other way to put it: The La Salle Explorers weren’t a very good basketball team last season. They only won nine games overall, with most of them coming at the beginning of non-conference play.

But John Giannini’s team was also very competitive in a number of games, including upset wins over Dayton and St. Bonaventure. Despite what their record says, they did beat two out of the three conference regular season champs.

The reason the Explorers didn’t win enough games was because of their youth.

Now in 2016-17, Giannini’s squad is ready to emerge in the Atlantic 10.

They return their top six scorers (senior guard Jordan Price remains in the mix) and add three major transfers in B.J. Johnson, Demetrius Henry and Pookie Powell. All three of the newcomers come from major programs, Syracuse, South Carolina and Memphis respectively, and all have differing skill sets that will help the team.

The Explorers could’ve been ranked higher than 6th in our preseason preview, but they lost graduate transfer Savon Goodman after he opted to withdraw from classes in early June.

Regardless, Price is ready to lead the Explorers to a possible NCAA Tournament. Price, who is also an ex-transfer from Auburn, dropped a team high 19.2 points per game last season. His scoring average will likely dip with all the help he has in 2016-17, however, his impact will be felt on a nightly basis.

Remember, La Salle’s best team was back in 2013 when they were filled with transfers.

Ty Garland and Ramon Galloway led the Explorers to their first Sweet 16 of this century.

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