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 6, 2016; Fairfax, VA, USA; George Mason Patriots guard Otis Livingston II (4) looks to pass the ball in front of Dayton Flyers guard Kyle Davis (3) during the first half at EagleBank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports /

12. George Mason Patriots

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

Head coach: Dave Paulsen

Key returning players: Otis Livingston II, Marquise Moore, Jaire Grayer, DeAndre Abram, Jalen Jenkins

Newcomers: Three-star PF A.J. Wilson, three-star SG Ian Boyd, two-star SG Justin Kier, two-star PF Troy Temara, non-ranked SG Karmari Newman

The Patriots return both of their double figure scorers from last season, Otis Livingston II and Marquise Moore, but in this preview they will finish in the same slot as last season.

Big man Shevon Thompson has graduated after averaging 9.9 points and 10.6 boards per game. The next highest rebounder on the Patriots’ team last season was Marko Gujanicic, who also will not be returning to the team.

That means the Patriots will have to do some serious gang rebounding in order to make up for the lack of production up front.

They should have plenty of scoring in the back court though with Livingston returning for his sophomore campaign and Moore back for his final season of college basketball. The Patriots are also not at void of role players as guard DeAndre Abram, guard Jaire Grayer and forward Jalen Jenkins return to Fairfax, VA.

Head coach Dave Paulsen didn’t add any JUCO prospects or transfers, however, they reeled in a nice five man recruiting class that includes two three-star talents. If they can get surprising immediate production from A.J. Wilson and Ian Boyd, maybe the Patriots can climb the standings a bit.

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