CAA Basketball: 2018-19 preseason power rankings

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DURHAM, NC – NOVEMBER 10: Head coach Matt Matheny of the Elon Phoenix directs his team against the Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium on November 10, 2017 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /

10. Elon Phoenix

2017-18 season record: 14-18 (6-12 CAA)

Elon shared the CAA basement with three other teams last season. Unfortunately, they might own it all alone in 2018-19.

Last season was the Phoenix’s worst since joining the CAA in 2014. In four years, however, they’ve only had a winning season once, both in overall and conference play.

The chief difference between Elon and the conference’s other bottom feeders from last season is what they lack. Three of the four teams at the bottom had at least one player who won a CAA Rookie of the Week honor; Elon did not.

The Phoenix will also sport a young roster this season, with a combined nine freshmen and sophomore set to make the team.

Elon does return Tyler Seibring, their best player from a year ago. He averaged 15.4 points and 6.8 rebounds per game and could make a run at an individual conference award, despite the limited resources around him. After him, the next best returnee is fellow senior Dainan Swoope, who averaged 12 points and 3.9 assists per game.

There will be an early litmus test in the season for Elon. After opening their schedule with Duke last season, they get to face the other Tobacco Road team, North Carolina, on November 9. At least that competition will be in front of the Phoenix’s home fans.

Could be a long season in Elon after that.