WASHINGTON — The Atlantic 10 is not immune to the disease of misrepresentation that has bedeviled college athletics for decades. Yes, there are 14 schools. But there are more than a few that deserve more than a passing glance this winter, four of which just happen to reside in our backyard.
When VCU and then George Mason joined the A-10 they helped create a southern wing to the league with George Washington and Richmond already in the conference. All four schools have made the NCAA Tournament this decade … and each has causes for confidence and concern this winter.
George Washington (22-13, 10-8 Atlantic 10 — lost in NIT second round)
The Colonials return a talented roster in addition to a few transfers. But they had talent last year and faded down the stretch, dropping nine of their last 15 games.
Causes for Confidence
The senior trio of swingman Patricio Garino, Danish center Kevin Larsen and point guard Joe McDonald provide the necessary leadership while Wake Forest transfer Tyler Cavanaugh becomes an impact player. There’s also no arena better when it’s a packed house than the Smith Center — the energy flows over into the media row.
Causes for Concern
They miss the intangibles Kethan Savage provided — the guard transferred to Butler in the offseason, and was second on the team last year in scoring, third in assists and fourth in rebounding. Can Coach Mike Lonergan effectively blend two freshmen and three transfers into a unit that faces more than their share of top-flight nonconference competition? Also, there’s no arena that’s worse to park near for a game than the Smith Center — take the Metro.
Season Opener
Friday against Lafayette. Bring on the Leopards!
Game to Watch
Monday, Nov. 16 when #6 Virginia comes to Foggy Bottom for an early-season litmus test. The Smith Center will be rocking … and I’ll be metroing.
George Mason (9-22, 4-14 and 12th in the Atlantic 10)
Mason posted its first single-digit victory season since Jim Larranaga’s first winter in Fairfax (1997-98). The Paul Hewitt era is over as Dave Paulsen was plucked from Bucknell. Paulsen has a proven track record after leading the Bison to four postseason berths in the last five years, and before that the Division III title at Williams. One figures it will take a winter or two to get his system and players in place, but stranger things have happened in the A-10.
Causes for Confidence
Six-foot-11 center Shevon Thompson averaged a double-double last season and six incoming freshmen will give Paulsen’s program his thumbprint from the start. Doc Nix and the Green Machine remain the best basketball pep band in the area.
Causes for Concern
Second-leading returning scorer Patrick Hollaway has to sit the first six games of the season due to academics. What if coach Paulsen can’t find a reliable point guard to direct his offense and the freshmen play like freshmen?
Season Opener
Nov. 13 against Colgate. Insert fluoride jokes here.
Game to Watch
Sunday, Jan. 31 against George Washington — early enough to still have hope, late enough for this team to have gelled somewhat.
VCU (26-10, 12-6 and 5th in the league — lost in NCAA Round of 64 after winning A-10 Tournament)
King of Havoc Shaka Smart left for Texas in the offseason, and the Rams will now be led by former assistant Will Wade. The 32-year old won 40 games in two seasons at Chattanooga. For those who may be curious, Smart was 32 when he took over the program.
Causes for Confidence
Wade knows the system and most of the players. Smart didn’t leave the cupboard bare. And the Havoc feeds on itself … just ask the Atlantic 10 the last few years.
Causes for Concern
The Rams will miss departing senior Briante Weber more than you think — just look at what happened when he got hurt last year. Nothing against Wade, but he has a lot of swagger to replace, chest bumps included, with Smart no longer patrolling the sidelines.
Season Opener
Nov. 13 against Prairie View. For what it’s worth, Mr. T attended that college. But I still pity the school that opens against VCU.
Game to Watch
Friday, Nov. 20 against Duke. Coach K is still smarting from getting bounced in the 2007 NCAA Tournament.
Richmond (21-12, 12-6 and 4th in the A-10 — lost to Miami in the NIT Quarterfinals)
Richmond somehow flies under the local radar despite being in the upset business longer than the other local A-10 schools (Indiana, Syracuse, South Carolina & Vanderbilt fans will attest to that fact). Chris Mooney’s club enjoyed a late-season run to post its best finish since reaching the NCAA Sweet Sixteen in 2011.
Causes for Confidence
Terry Allen returns after a breakout NIT performance where the forward averaged 19 points and 11 rebounds over three games. There’s plenty of talent coming back, with six of last year’s eight-man rotation returning. Plus, opponents are confused by the whole “sweet tea/iced tea” thing that far south.
Causes for Concern
Kendall Anthony’s scoring won’t be replicated … and on a team that grinds (221st in scoring last winter) like the Spiders, it will be missed more than you think. Plus, sweet tea has been scouted more effectively these days.
Season Opener
Nov. 13 against James Madison. They used to compete in the CAA a long time ago.
Games to Watch
Saturday, Jan. 16 & Friday, Feb. 19 against VCU. Best intracity rivalry in college hoops today.
