Busting Brackets
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CAA Basketball: Preseason power rankings for 2019-20

By Matthew Winick

SYRACUSE, NY - DECEMBER 04: Anthony Green #30 of the Northeastern Huskies dunks the ball as Elijah Hughes (R) of the Syracuse Orange defends during the first half at the Carrier Dome on December 4, 2018 in Syracuse, New York. (Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images)
SYRACUSE, NY - DECEMBER 04: Anthony Green #30 of the Northeastern Huskies dunks the ball as Elijah Hughes (R) of the Syracuse Orange defends during the first half at the Carrier Dome on December 4, 2018 in Syracuse, New York. (Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images) /
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VILLANOVA, PA – DECEMBER 22: Marvin King-Davis #21 of the Delaware Fightin Blue Hens blocks a shot by Phil Booth #5 of the Villanova Wildcats at The Pavilion on December 22, 2015 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images)
VILLANOVA, PA – DECEMBER 22: Marvin King-Davis #21 of the Delaware Fightin Blue Hens blocks a shot by Phil Booth #5 of the Villanova Wildcats at The Pavilion on December 22, 2015 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images) /

6. James Madison

2018-2019 Record: 14-19 (6-12) – 8th in CAA

James Madison hasn’t made it out of the bottom 3 of the CAA since the 2015-2016 season, which was before current coach Louis Rowe took over. The Dukes weren’t horrible in any one category last season, they just frankly weren’t good in any. Uninspiring would be a good word to describe the 2018-2019 campaign for the squad.

From their four double-digit scorers last season, three return, including leading scorer Matt Lewis and double-double threat Dwight Wilson. Having returning production is a rarity in the CAA for this upcoming season, and is a great foundation for the Dukes to build off of. They also bring in 3-star Forward Michael Christmas, an athletic player who should likely make a difference immediately for his team.

James Madison may not be one of the best teams in the CAA this season, but they shouldn’t be one of the worst. Their experience alone puts them ahead of a few teams, and their talent should keep them in many games. The question that carries over from last year remains large, what do they do well? If they can find a calling card early in the season, then they have a chance to be a top-half finisher in the CAA.

5. Delaware

2018-2019 Record: 17-16 (8-10) – 5th in CAA

Last year was a positive season for Delaware. They finished the season above .500 and were a strong Overtime away from playing in the CAA Championship game. They were one of the better shooting teams in the mid-major ranks and held onto the ball quite well. Although the Blue Hens were supposed to lose star big man Eric Carter to graduation, they were supposed to retain most of their scoring from last season.

However, freshman stud Ithiel Horton decided to transfer to Pittsburgh, and with him took one of their most dependable players from last season who was looking to take a leap forward in year two. Leading scorer Ryan Allen and top assist guy Kevin Anderson remain, but past them, there are lots of questions to be answered. Getting transfers Dylan Painter and Nate Darling will undoubtedly be big for the roster, but Delaware still isn’t very deep.

Looking towards this season, with Allen and Anderson manning the backcourt, Delaware should stay relatively consistent. The wonder with this roster is whether it has a second gear, and potential to challenge for one of the top spots in the CAA. Painter and Darling are huge factors in the result, but even good season from them may not catapult the Blue Hens to tremendous success this season.