Atlantic 10 Basketball: Preseason power rankings for 2023-24 season

8. George Mason Patriots

2022-23 season record: 20-13 (11-7)

There’s no point in recapping George Mason’s last season since there has been so much change in the program. Coach Kim English is off to Providence, taking with him, Josh Oduro, Justyn Fernandez, and Davonte Gaines. Plus, seniors DeVon Cooper, Victor Bailey, and Ginika Ojiako all ran out of eligibility and are gone as well.

Former Patriot Final Four star Tony Skinn now takes over at head coach and was able to keep point guard Ronald Polite, who averaged 11.5 ppg and 4.0 apg last season. Guard Devin Dinkins and forward Malik Henry could be breakout candidates to watch as well. The key is how effective the group of newcomers is.

Darius Maddox was a starter at Virginia Tech (8.5 ppg) and should start on the wings. Jared Billups (Siena) and Keyshawn Hall (UNLV) are versatile forwards, while Amari Kelly is a center transfer and big body from UNC Wilmington. The Patriots also officially have OK State transfer Woody Newton eligible for the year and if 14 ppg transfer forward Jalen Haynes can also get a waiver, this team will have plenty of depth.

There’s a lot of unknowns for this program, both on the court and on the sidelines. But the talent potential is clear if Coach Skinn can get it to gel. George Mason has one of the higher differences between the ceiling and the floor, which is why the middle is a good spot to place them.