Atlantic 10 Basketball: Dayton, VCU rises in latest 2021-22 power rankings

10. Duquesne Dukes (3-6)

The current record may not show it (could very well be 3-7 after facing DePaul on the road), but the Dukes have at times looked like a team that could get in the top half of the standings later on. They took Colorado into overtime and were led currently unbeaten Weber State in the second half when they played them. Duquesne has also had a lot of unluck, with multiple game-winning shots against them so far, and is 0-5 in games decided by one possession in the last minute.

This newly formed roster has four newcomers supplying nearly 90% of the offense in transfers Tre Williams, Kevin Easley, and Leon Ayers III, along with freshman point guard Primo Spears. Each of them is averaging between 12.3-13.1 ppg. Their issue has been a lack of frontcourt depth, with D-II forward transfer RJ Gunn still out with an ankle injury. If Duquesne can start to close games out and get some luck on their side, they’ll be on the winning end more.

9. George Mason Patriots (4-5)

After a 4-0 start that included a win at Maryland, the Patriots, and head coach Kim English looked like the stars of the conference. Things have fallen off big time since, with five straight losses that included Old Dominion at home. Their issue is similar to Duquesne’s in that they have four double-digit contributors that play a lot of minutes but only play 6-7 guys at maximum.

Returning big man Josh Oduro (16.6 ppg and 6.7 rpg) has been one of the best big men in the conference, while transfers D’Shawn Schwartz (14.4 ppg), DeVon Cooper (14.0 ppg), and leading rebounder Devante Gaines (10.7 ppg and 8.4 rpg) have had a big impact. But they need more from the rest of the team or have Schwartz and Cooper consistently combine for 30 ppg a game to have a chance at winning. The next four games are winnable but they need to play better to get back some momentum before league play.