Atlantic 10 Basketball: Preseason power rankings for 2020-21 season

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 17: Hasahn French #11 of the Saint Louis Billikens celebrates a basket against the St. Bonaventure Bonnies during their Atlantic 10 basketball tournament Championship game at Barclays Center on March 17, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

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DAYTON, OHIO – FEBRUARY 22: Jalen Crutcher #10 of the Dayton Flyers (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

3. Dayton Flyers

The Flyers were the team to watch last season with the successes of Obi Toppin and Coach Grant throughout the conference and the NCAA. Despite the losses of Obi Toppin, Trey Landers, and Ryan Mikesell, I’m confident that the Flyers can still be a contender this season. Jalen Crutcher should be on the shortlist for Conference Player of the Year. The Flyers have one of the best backcourts consisting of Crutcher, Ibi Watson, and Rodney Chatman.

As far as depth, Coach Grant has some other solid pieces returning in guys like Jordy Tshimanga and Dwayne Cohill. As far as incoming true Freshmen, Lukas Frazier, R.J. Blakney, and Kobi Brea, it’s hard to say which commit will break out the fastest for the Flyers.

The full rotation could still use some work, however, Zimi Nwokeji, top-200 recruit coming out of high school, and Moulaye Sissoko, a 6’10” rim-protector, will both be available after red-shirting. The Flyers’ depth won’t be elite, but it should still be solid enough to let the backcourt carry the team to success.

We can’t expect the Flyers to pick up with where they left off and go 18-0 this season in the Atlantic 10 but, they do have the momentum and confidence of a number three team in the conference. The Flyers have a talented backcourt and depth that should be good enough to succeed and advance in Brooklyn.

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