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

1. Loyola-Chicago Ramblers

2023-24 season record: 23-10 (15-3)

After going from worst to first in the league standings, it’s safe to say that the Ramblers have gotten acclimated to Atlantic 10 Basketball. But they also lose a few key pieces, including Phillip Alston, Braden Norris, and Dame Adelekun. However, they managed not to lose any rotation pieces to the portal, keeping a pair of key underclassmen for another year.

Center Miles Rubin started 30 games and averaged over two blocks a game and will be a breakout star interior big man to watch. Joining him are transfers Jalen DeLoach (Georgia but played at VCU before) and Francis Nwaokorie (11.3 ppg and 6.5 rpg at UC San Diego), along with 6’6 sophomore wing, Kymany Houinsou.

Leading scorer Desmond Watson (12.6 ppg) is back, along with junior guards, Jayden Dawson and Jalen Quinn. Sheldon Edwards started 10 games and shot 40% from deep, while Justin Moore is a 6’3 point guard from Drexel, coming off averaging 12.4 ppg and 3.5 apg as an all-league player. If he can replace Braden Norris as a lead guard, the Ramblers shouldn’t expect much of a drop-off at all.

Loyola-Chicago was able to win the Atlantic 10 without a 13 ppg scorer, thanks to being the most balanced team in the league. On paper, they look to have the fewest weaknesses, both inside and out. Teams like VCU and Saint Louis, and even St. Joe’s may have a higher ceiling but the safest bet to win the league might be the Ramblers right now.