Atlantic 10 Basketball: Preseason power rankings for 2023-24 season
1. Dayton Flyers
2022-23 season record: 22-12 (12-6)
On paper, Dayton did just fine last season. Despite the various injuries in the backcourt, they still finished second in the standings and made it to the conference tournament finals. However, they still underperformed compared to expectations, missing out on the Big Dance as an at-large team. And they’re going to be without forward Toumani Camara, along with rotation players such as Mustapha Amzil, RJ Blakeney, and Mike Sharavjamts.
But the most important thing for the Flyers is who did return. Star center DaRon Holmes II (18.4 ppg and 8.1 rpg) is back from both the NBA Draft process and portal rumors to lead the frontcourt and will be the Preseason Player of the Year. Replacing Camara inside is Pitt transfer wing, Nate Santos, along with Buffalo transfer, Issac Jack.
The key will be both the depth and the health of the backcourt. Malachi Smith and Kobe Elvis both missed a combined 30 games last season but are legit starters. And Koby Brea is one of the top shooters in the league as well. Dayton adds Enoch Cheeks, who produced 15.4 ppg and 3.5 apg at Robert Morris, while Javon Bennett was a starting point guard at Merrimack and adds to the depth in case injuries are another issue.
Next. Preseason top-25 power rankings for 2023-24. dark
The loss of Camara will hurt Holmes because it allows opposing teams to solely focus on him inside. But if the guards can stay on the court and provide needed spacing, that ultimately won’t matter. Dayton’s top-tier talent is too good not to make them a favorite again but as last season showed, they’re going to be vulnerable against the other top teams.