Atlantic 10 Basketball: George Mason, Fordham rise in latest power rankings

14. Rhode Island (3-7)

There was hope coming into the season that the Rams would be competitive, but it’s hard to see them getting off the schneid after this 3-7 start with a few of those losses coming at the hands of teams like Brown, Texas St, and Quinnipiac. The defense has been okay, but the offense has been putrid (283rd in offensive efficiency and 335th in effective FG%).

On the bright side, Ish Leggett (17.0 points, 6.0 boards, and 3.0 assists per game) has mutated from rotational player to bonafide stud, and potential breakout candidate Brayon Freeman is yet to really get going (I think that’s a positive…?). The Rams can salvage some respectability in the coming weeks with games against Georgia St and Milwaukee preceding a soft opening stretch to conference play.

13. George Washington (5-4)

GW is not down here at the bottom because they are lacking in talent. They have plenty of talent, especially on the offensive end of the floor. They are this low because their defensive intensity to this point has been downright awful, and it has led to losses against the likes of Radford, American, and UC San Diego. I still believe this team has a relatively high ceiling compared to the teams around them – we saw a glimpse of it in the blowout win over South Carolina – but the floor (or lack thereof) is alarming.

As far as positives, James Bishop has been appointment TV and Brendan Adams (averaging essentially 17 points, 5 boards, and 3 assists per game) has taken a huge step forward in the wake of Brayon Freeman’s departure.