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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Feb 27, 2016; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys head coach Travis Ford reacts from the sidelines against the West Virginia Mountaineers during the first half at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports /

14. Saint Louis Billikens

2015-16 record: 11-21 overall, 5-13 in Atlantic 10

Head coach: Travis Ford (first year)

Key returning players: Mike Crawford, Jermaine Bishop, Davell Roby, Reggie Agbeko, Aaron Hines

Newcomers: Three-star PF Jalen Johnson, non-ranked SF Zeke Moore, redshirt freshman F Elliott Welmer

With former Oklahoma State head coach Travis Ford in the fold, the Saint Louis Billikens are expected to make an upward trend in the Atlantic 10 over the next few years.

However, 2016-17 should be a clear cut rebuilding year with the combination of a new head coach and some significant departures.

Ford will have to implement his new system, get his players to buy in and adjust to life in his first year in the Atlantic 10. On top of that, the Billikens lose three of their top five scorers, Ash Yacoubou, Miles Reynolds and Milik Yarbrough.

Guard Mike Crawford (10.3 points per game) is the only double figure scorer returning for the Billikens, while guard Jermaine Bishop, guard Davell Roby and forward Reggie Agbeko will all have to take the next step if Saint Louis is to have success immediately.

The future is promising when looking beyond this season though. Former Rutgers big man D.J. Foreman, former Michigan State forward Javon Bess and Central Florida transfer guard Adonys Henriquez will all be eligible starting in 2017-18. In addition to the transfers, four-star guard Jordan Goodwin chose the Billikens over Illinois and others.

Things are looking up for Ford and company even though 2016-17 could be a rough year.

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