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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Mar 18, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Dayton Flyers mascot looks on during the first half of the first round against the Syracuse Orange in the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Dayton Flyers

2015-16 record: 25-7 overall, 14-4 in Atlantic 10, NCAA Tournament 1st round exit

Head coach: Archie Miller

Key returning players: Charles Cooke, Scoochie Smith, Kendall Pollard, Kyle Davis, Darrell Davis, Sam Miller, Xeyrius Williams

Newcomers: Three-star SG Trey Landers, Bradley transfer F Josh Cunningham

The Dayton Flyers are normally very dangerous when March rolls around. The Flyers won three games in the Big Dance in 2014 and reached the Sweet 16 in 2015.

Even though the Flyers won a share of the Atlantic 10 regular season title, they failed to advance past the NCAA Tournament’s first round in 2015-16. On the bright side, they lost to eventual Final Four participant, Syracuse.

Dayton has all the requisites to not only repeat as Atlantic 10 regular season champs, but they have the depth, talent and experience to go far in March.

While the Flyers lose senior Dyshawn Pierre, they played half of last season without the forward as he was dealing with a one semester suspension. The Flyers return Charles Cookie, Scoochie Smith, Kendall Pollard (who is currently dealing with a knee injury), Kyle Davis, Darrell Davis, Sam Miller and Xeyrius Williams, among others.

Returning four double digit scorers is excellent news, but adding a solid three-star recruit Trey Landers and most importantly, a valuable transfer in Josh Cunningham, puts the Flyers over the top.

Cunningham will be a major addition based upon Dayton’s lack of size. Unfortunately, they lost Steve McElvene to devastating circumstances and will be searching for someone to make up for their lack of size up front.

The best asset the Flyers have though is their experience. They are old, and that’s fantastic news if you want to win in college basketball.

Dayton has four players -- Scoochie Smith, Kendall Pollard, Charles Cooke, & Kyle Davis -- that will be 22 during A 10 play. Tough to beat.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) September 4, 2016

The only issue currently concerning me with Dayton is their lack of strength inside and Pollard’s knee injury.

If they can correct those two issues, they have a chance to jump our team who is projected at number one.

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