Atlantic 10 Basketball: Way-too-early power rankings for 2024-25 season

4. Dayton Flyers

2023-24 season record: 25-8 (14-4)

Despite a few road hiccups in league play and an upset loss to Duquesne in the A-10 Tournament, the Flyers’ quality non-con play allowed them to earn an at-large bid to the Big Dance. Can they make it two in a row? That’ll depend on whether they can replace three of its top four scorers, including Co-POY big man, DaRon Holmes (20.4 ppg and 8.5 rpg).

Also gone are guards Koby Brea and Kobe Elvis, who are off to the power conference ranks. It also was the top four scorers, as sharpshooter Nate Santos entered the transfer portal. But he elected to return. He’s the focal point of the frontcourt, joined by Marshall transfer Jacob Conner, as well as Zed Key, who started 49 games in four years at Ohio State with a career average of 7.4 ppg and 5.0 rpg.

Starting guards Enoch Cheeks and Javon Bennett are back for Dayton, joined by Butler transfer, Posh Alexander. The 6’0 guard and former Big East Defensive Player of the Year averaged 11.3 ppg and 4.9 apg last season and could be the top point guard in the A-10 if things work out.

It’ll be interesting to see how Malachi Smith would with with Alexander. He averaged over 5.0 apg in his first two years but missed all of last season with an injury. He could come off the bench or start alongside Alexander in the backcourt, which could have its pros and cons. There still remains plenty of talent but the Flyers should take a slight drop in at least preseason expectations.