NCAA Basketball: Ranking of top 25 team backcourts for 2023-24 season

18. Saint Joe’s Hawks

Back in the day, Saint Joe’s had one of the best modern-day backcourts in NCAA Basketball. On that famous 2004 team that featured Jameer Nelson and Delonte West, they won 30 games and went to the Elite 8. They haven’t had many big moments since as a program, being in the bottom of the Atlantic 10. However, this could be the breakthrough year for the Hawks, since everyone has elected to come back from last year’s roster.

Erik Reynolds led the team with 19.5 ppg and 2.5 apg last season, including five games of at least 30 points. One was a 34-point game against George Washington in the A-10 Tournament. Also back is Lynn Green (12.5 ppg, 5.0 rpg, and 4.1 apg) who was a triple-double threat when the team had its greatest stretch of the year.

There’s plenty of good depth for the Hawks as well, including Cameron Brown (13.3 ppg and 6.0 rpg), a 6’5 veteran guard. Other key rotation pieces back including Christian Winborne, who averaged 6.0 ppg as a freshman. Speaking of freshmen, Xzayvier Brown and Shawn Simmons are a pair of three-star prospects that could improve the defensive potential of the team.

If Saint Joe’s is to ever get back on the national radar, this is the roster to do it. In an A-10 that is considered to be “down” right now, it’s a great opportunity for them to compete for a bid. Having one of the best guards like Reynolds gives them the chance.