Atlantic 10 Basketball: Breaking down each program’s 2018 recruiting class

George Mason Patriots

The Patriots are the only team in the conference, and one of the only teams in the country, that gets to bring back 100% of last year’s scoring output. With that in mind, there won’t be much room, or really any necessity, for the incoming freshman to shine on this year’s team. Beyond the eight returnees who averaged at least 4 points per game, one of the most exciting players on Coach Greg Paulus’ young team will be Virginia-transfer Jarred Reuter, who averaged 3.8 points per game for a good Cavaliers team in a much more competitive conference.

That all being said, there are still some freshman on this Patriots squad that could show us exciting glimpses of their potential, and possibly even prove me wrong and become rotational staples. The most promising of the group is probably Jamal Hartwell II, a point guard whose quickness off the bounce and jump shot remind one of his new mentor, Senior point guard Otis Livingston II (who’s in the conversation for potential PoTY). Other newcomers include Jason Douglas-Stanley – the latest winner of Mount Vernon’s “Mr. Basketball” award and a deadly shooter from deep, and Jordan Miller – a long and athletic lefty from the DMV who can play and defend multiple positions.

Ultimately, while it’s tough to predict which of these guys will see serious minutes this season, it’s okay if none of them do. The Patriots are in a very fortunate situation with the amount of returning talent they have, so there’s no need to rush with developing the freshmen. Their time will come, whether this year or next, and I’m sure they won’t disappoint when it does.