Atlantic 10 Basketball: Top 5 freshmen for 2018-19

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 13: A detailed view of a Spalding basketball during a quarterfinal game between the Davidson Wildcats and La Salle Explorers in the 2015 Men's Atlantic 10 Basketball Tournament at the Barclays Center on March 13, 2015 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

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1. Carte’are Gordon, St. Louis

Carte’are Gordon is another big man to keep an eye on this upcoming season in the Atlantic 10. Instead of going elsewhere, the Missouri native will stay in-state and play for the Billikens. He should be a solid addition in the paint along with rising sophomore Hasahn French.

Gordon ranked 68th on Rivals in the 2018 recruiting class, 70th overall on 247Sports and 84th on ESPN. He chose St. Louis over Cincinnati, Illinois, Iowa and Iowa State. The big man averaged 18.0 points and 8.3 rebounds in his senior year while also leading them in steals (43) and blocks (54.).

The Billikens ranked second in the conference last season as a team in blocks per game (4.4). That should remain the same with Gordon in the rotation.

Next: Top 5 rising A-10 sophomores for 2018-19

The 6-foot-8 big man has drawn comparisons from head coach Travis Ford’s old college teammate, Jamal Mashburn (Kentucky). Ford has spoken highly of Gordon’s versatility and strength in the paint more so than his ability to shoot the 3-ball. Still, he could develop his 3-point shot as his career progresses. He’ll be one to watch in the 2018 class.

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