CAA Basketball: Preseason power rankings for 2020-21 season

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 10: The Hofstra Pride celebrate winning the CAA Men's Basketball Tournament - Championship college basketball game against the Northeastern Huskies at the Entertainment & Sports Arena on March 10, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /

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7. James Madison Dukes

James Madison won just two conference games last season, both coming against UNC Wilmington. Change is in the air for the Dukes, though, and they should be able to escape from the CAA cellar next season.

The two biggest changes for James Madison are coming in the stands and on the bench. Should there be fans and actual home stadiums for the 2020-21 season, the Dukes will be moving into the sparkling new Atlantic Union Bank Center next year. They’ll be doing so with Mark Byington as their head coach.

The 44-year-old has been the coach of Georgia Southern for the past seven years, leading them to a 131-97 record with one CBI appearance. He has a big job ahead, but he’s a proven winner at one mid-major school – there’s no reason to think he won’t be at another.

A new coach and new stadium isn’t the reason the Dukes won’t finish last next season. Matt Lewis is the reason the Dukes won’t finish last next season. The senior guard should be one of the three best players in the CAA. As a junior, Lewis averaged 19.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. Where he goes, the Dukes follow.

James Madison should also benefit from an infusion of veteran talent. Three upperclassmen saw their respective waivers approved and they’ll be eligible to compete in the coming year.

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