Atlantic 10 Basketball power rankings: Dayton, Duquesne and VCU on top

6. Rhode Island Rams

2019-20 record: 11-5 (3-1)

If Obi Toppin didn’t exist, Fatts Russell would be the favorite to win A-10 Player of the Year. His averages of 19.6 ppg and 5.0 apg are right up there among the league leaders and he’s had several spectacular individual performances. Let’s not forget big man Cyril Langevine, who is currently averaging a double-double on the season. Jeff Dowtin (when he’s not getting suspended for stupid reasons by the NCAA) and Tyrese Martin have also been performing very well and have given consistent production.

Getting a massive road win at VCU restarts Rhode Island’s at-large hopes, making that bizarre Brown defeat all the more aggravating. This team has shown the ability to beat the top teams in the A-10 and has a very favorable schedule of upcoming games to make a run. They just have to avoid another Brown upset.

5. Richmond Spiders

2019-20 record: 13-4 (3-1)

Having the same number of wins currently as all of last season, Richmond has benefitted greatly from Wagner transfer Blake Francis, who leads the team with 17.6 ppg. Unfortunately, a sternum injury suffered this past week will have the dynamic guard out the next 4-6 weeks. Juniors Jacob Gilyard and Grant Golden, both capable of picking up the scoring load, will now have the ball in their hands.

The hope is that Nick Sherod, who missed most of last season with an injury, can keep the Spiders among the top-4 in the A-10 standings. There’s still a chance at Richmond creating an at-large resume, although not having an 18 ppg scoring for at least a month hurts. There’s a chance that this team slides down the rankings but could be a dangerous threat in the conference tournament once Francis gets back.