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

3. VCU Rams

2023-24 season record: 24-14 (11-7)

Coach Ryan Odom’s first season proved to be successful, with the Rams nearly making the NCAA Tournament. They did lose a few rotation players, including most notably, Sean Bairstow. At one point, leading scorer Max Shulga was gone, having committed to Villanova. However, he elected to return, giving VCU an all-league guy to build around.

On paper, the Rams may have the best backcourt in the A-10. Zeb Jackson and Joe Bamisile are two double-digit scorers returning, while the addition of WAC 6th Man of the Year guard Phillip Russell (14.9 ppg at UT-Arlington) gives them more depth.

The frontcourt will be a question, especially considering the lack of depth on paper. NC State transfer Jack Clark is back after starting his career at La Salle, while Christian Fermin (5.2 ppg and 4.0 rpg) will need to be a breakout candidate up front. If freshman big Luke Bamgboye isn’t an impact contributor, they’ll have to use a lot of small-ball lineups.

Look for rising sophomore Michael Belle to be an x-factor to watch since he can play and defend multiple positions. Although it’s a guards game, the Rams might be too guard-heavy with just one ball to win but expect them to be a contender nonetheless.