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Atlantic 10 Rankings: The Top 25 Returnees
By admin | July 31, 2008
Gone from the conference are eight of the top ten scorers…
Eight of the top ten rebounders…
…and six of the top ten assist men.
Despite losing several fantastic players, however, the Atlantic 10 remains rich in talent.
The league will experience an infusion of transfers from solid Division One programs; players such as Anthony Gurley, Vernon Goodridge, Ben Eaves, Chris Matthews and Maurice Thomas, to name a few. Several highly touted freshmen including Kenny Frease, Jiovanny Fontan, Melquan Bolding, Brett Thompson and Paul Williams will also lace-up for their respective schools. Finally, many talented veterans return for another year.
The following begins CCT’s breakdown, a multi-part series, of the Top 25 Returnees in the Atlantic 10. These rankings are based upon both performance to date and expected contributions in 2008-09. Let the debate begin…
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No. 25 - Ryan Brooks, Temple
With apologies to Charlie Coley, Jason Love, Yves Mekongo-Mbala, Brenton Butler and many others considered… Temple’s Ryan Brooks has nabbed the final spot in CCT’s Top 25.
Brooks emerged not a moment too soon last season for Owl fans, as the 6′4″ guard scored 15 points in the conference final and then poured in 14 more against a stingy Michigan State team in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. He averaged 8.6 ppg last year, but should become a much more consistent scoring option with the graduation of Mark Tyndale. While not a great three-point shooter, Brooks can score the ball, absorb contact and convert from the line (87%).
No. 24 - Aaron Jackson, Duquesne
Jackson turned in a fine 2007-08 season averaging 9 points, 3.5 assists and 4 rebounds a contest. In addition, he sported a great assist to turnover ratio of 1.98 (6th in the A10), particularly when considering the breakneck tempo that Ron Everhart prefers his team play. For a program that took a major step forward last season by winning 17 games, this senior will lead a much different looking group of teammates with the goal of maintaining the ground gained last season by the Dukes.
No. 23 - David Gonzalvez, Richmond
Gonzalvez (11.7 ppg) capped an excellent sophomore season for Richmond by scoring in double figures in nine of his last eleven games. He also raised his free-throw and three-point percentages by 14% and 12%, respectively, from his freshman to sophomore season. He is an excellent scorer for a deliberate Spiders team that does not score often (63 ppg, 12 in A10), and with the untimely injury to stud forward Dan Geriot, Gonzalvez will be asked to shoulder more of the offensive load. He’s also solid defensively, as evidenced by the 42 steals (2nd on team) he collected in 2007-08.
No. 22 - Jerrell Williams, LaSalle
Jerrell Williams and his twin brother Terrell may be difficult to tell apart appearance-wise. Both 6′8″, both 210 pounds and identical twins, there is much they share. Jerrell however, was able to stand alone last season. A freshman who started 23 games (22 mpg), Jerrell averaged 9.1 points and 6.4 rebounds in those modest minutes and emphatically made his presence known on the offensive glass. As a very young and equally talented LaSalle team matures, Jerrell will be a certain scoring threat. His 43% shooting percentage should increase this year, as should his minutes. If the forward from Paterson, New Jersey, can knock down his free throws at a more consistent rate (55% in 2007-08) and improve his decision-making, he has a chance to be an all-conference type performer down the road.
21 - Lavoy Allen, Temple
This 6′9, 225 pound sophomore made a smooth transition to the college game last season and was rewarded by being named to the league’s All Rookie Team. Allen averaged 8.1 points and 5.7 rebounds per game for a Temple team that captured the league title and cracked the 20 win plateau. The forward shot a fantastic 56% from the field and took great care of the basketball (55 assists to 40 TO’s); very impressive for a freshman big man. After laying the foundation for what should be a strong career at Temple, Allen looks to continue his own progression and help the Owls defend their title in Atlantic City come March.
No. 20 - Damian Hollis, GW
The maturation of Damian Hollis took another step forward last season as the long and athletic 6′8″ forward saw his scoring and rebounding totals increase. Hollis averaged 9.1 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, pairing down low with the extremely talented Rob Diggs to frustrate defenses around the league. As Hollis continues to grow and fill out his frame, he should handle contact better and finish with more consistency. Look for Hollis to continue demonstrating his versatility scoring the ball and, with an improved defensive focus, become one of the more complete players in the league.
No. 19 - B.J. Raymond, Xavier
The upperclassman from Toledo, Ohio averaged 10 points per game last season for a Musketeers team that reached the Elite Eight. Raymond also added 3 boards per game, shot 45% from the field, 41% from long range and 82% from the charity stripe. With the losses of Josh Duncan, Stanley Burrell and Drew Lavender, Raymond should see his minutes and production increase moderately - even with the many talented newcomers joining Sean Miller’s program. A true glue guy, Raymond has worked diligently since arriving on campus as a freshman and become an important cog in the Xavier machine.
No. 18 - Kahiem Seawright, Rhode Island
The top returning rebounder in the conference, Seawright averaged 8.4 per game and had fourteen tilts where he hauled in double-figure rebounds. He was the only player in the conference to register in triple-digits on the offensive glass for the season, tallying 103 offensive boards. The senior-to-be also averaged 9.2 points per game and, if not for a tendency to turn the ball over and struggle to finish inside, would be elevated on this list. He is an under-appreciated work-horse who gets the most out of his frame.
No. 17 - Kevin Anderson, Richmond
The Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Year in 2007-08 (and first Spider ever to win the award) enters his sophomore season with significant expectations. In his freshman year, Anderson averaged nearly 11 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists per game, bringing stability to the lead guard position for Chris Mooney. He was also a pest on the defensive end, recording 1.8 steals per game while avoiding foul trouble (34.8 minutes per game). He’ll need to improve his shooting (38%, 30% from three-point range), but this sophomore has a bright future ahead.
No. 16 - Tasheed Carr, Saint Joseph’s
Carr transfered to Saint Joseph’s after having played at Iowa State of the Big 12 Conference. Simply put, he wasted no time introducing himself to league foes, averaging 10.9 points, 5.5 assists (highest assist returnee in the A10), 4.1 rebounds and 1.5 steals per contest. He shot a very respectable 47% from the field and 35% from deep; good enough to keep defenses honest and allow his teammates better looks at the basket. Carr’s 167 assists in 2007-08 were second best in the league. After losing Pat Calathes and Rob Ferguson, Tasheed will combine with Ahmad Nivins to lead the Hawks in 2008-09.
(The remaining fifteen players in CCT’s ‘Top 25 Returnees’ will be released throughout the month of August.)
Topics: General |
July 31st, 2008 at 10:07 am
[…] College Chalk Talk today released it’s first installment in a multi-part series highlighting its Top 25 Atlantic 10 returnees. Junior Damian Hollis ranked No. 20. Here’s what CCT had to say about him: “The maturation of Damian Hollis took another step forward last season as the long and athletic 6′8″ forward saw his scoring and rebounding totals increase. Hollis averaged 9.1 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, pairing down low with the extremely talented Rob Diggs to frustrate defenses around the league. As Hollis continues to grow and fill out his frame, he should handle contact better and finish with more consistency. Look for Hollis to continue demonstrating his versatility scoring the ball and, with an improved defensive focus, become one of the more complete players in the league.” […]
August 1st, 2008 at 5:00 am
Adrion Graves for Xavier will set this league on fire.
August 1st, 2008 at 8:04 am
Massachusetts and Saint Louis also have top 12 recruits in their respective high-school regions as David Gibbs and Brett Thompson will be mainstays in the league for years to come. Gibbs, the 7th highest rated prospect in New England, replaces Gary Forbes for the Minutemen, and should provide some additional scoring punch for new head coach Derek Kellogg this season. Thompson, the 12th highest rated prospect in Illinois, replaces center Bryce Husak for second-year coach Rick Majerus and will compete with Xavier’s Frease for best incoming center in the conference.
August 4th, 2008 at 11:01 pm
The Flyers better have atleast 5 players listed 1-16. Flyers dominate the league this year, Wright wins POY and is NBA lottery bound.
ps. Xavier girls have butter faces.
August 5th, 2008 at 2:07 am
Can’t wait to see Charlie Coley dunking all over the A10, and Lamont Mack lighting it up with his inside-out game.
Quite honestly the player I’m most eager to see this year is Anjuan Wilderness. The Sophomore showed flashes of greatness last year and was solid defensively all year. If he improves upon that lookout for what could be one of the most lethal slashers in the league.
August 12th, 2008 at 10:23 am
It’s Funny how Xavier fans say B.J Raymond is one of the best players in the league and he is at 19 on your list. Xavier Fans are such SCRUBS.
August 12th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
BJ Raymond is one dimensional or he would be higher. He just takes 3’s.
August 23rd, 2008 at 8:05 am
There isn’t a team in the league that wouldn’t take Dayton’s Wright. It will be interesting to see how the top players in the league gel with their teammates. I think the team with one of the top players that plays “team basketball” will end up winning the league.
August 26th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
Pmthor is the most knowledgable person on the internet. I love UD cryer bball.