Andrew Pace
The Atlantic 10 Conference, also known as the A10, is an NCAA conference that sponsors championship competitions in men's and women's sports, including basketball. The A10 men's basketball tournament has seen success for teams like VCU, Dayton, St. Joe's, and Richmond. In the 2024-25 season, George Mason and St. Louis are also expected to be strong contenders. With a history of intense rivalries and talented players, the A10 basketball tournament is always a highly anticipated event.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year founded | 1975 |
| Original name | Eastern Collegiate Basketball League (ECBL) |
| Name change | 1976 (Eastern Athletic Association) |
| Popular name | Eastern 8 |
| Number of original members | 8 |
| Original members | Villanova, Duquesne, Penn State, West Virginia, George Washington, Massachusetts, Pittsburgh, and Rutgers |
| Number of current members | 15 full members |
| Current members | Lock Haven, Saint Francis, High Point, Hobart, UMass, Duquesne, George Washington, George Mason, Richmond, St. Bonaventure, Rhode Island, Saint Joseph's, Temple, St. Louis, and Dayton |
| Number of NCAA sanctioned sports | 10 men's and 13 women's |
| NCAA sanctioned sports | Lacrosse, women's golf, field hockey |
| Number of men's lacrosse affiliates | 3 |
| Men's lacrosse affiliates | High Point, Hobart, Delaware |
| Number of NCAA Tournament bids | 2 |
| Teams with potential to win | St. Joe’s, VCU, Dayton, George Mason, Richmond |
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What You'll Learn
The 2024-25 Atlantic 10 Men's Basketball Season
VCU Rams:
The VCU Rams are expected to be strong contenders this season. Led by head coach Ryan Odom, the Rams reached the 2024 A10 Championship game, falling just short. This year, they return with a core of experienced players, including All-Conference First Team selection Max Shulga, who initially committed to Villanova before returning to VCU. Shulga is joined by Zeb Jackson, Joe Bamisile, and Christian Fermin, who all aim to push the Rams towards the A10 crown. Odom has also bolstered the roster with veteran transfers Jack Clark and Phillip Russell, who bring invaluable knowledge of the A10. With a strong mix of returning talent and strategic transfers, VCU is poised to be a force in the conference.
St. Joe's:
St. Joe's has bolstered their roster with the addition of Justice Ajogbor from Harvard. Ajogbor, a highly-regarded interior defender, averaged 8.4 PPG, 6.5 RPG, and 2.9 BKPG in the previous season. If St. Joe's wants to compete with the likes of VCU and Dayton, they will need a consistent performance from Erik Reynolds II, who has the potential to be a top contributor in the conference. With a talented roster supporting him, St. Joe's could be a surprise package this season.
Dayton:
After the departure of 2023-24 A10 Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year DaRon Holmes II, Dayton head coach Anthony Grant turned to the transfer portal for reinforcements. While they have a fairly new-look roster, Dayton has a history of success, with the Flyers receiving a bid to the 2024 NCAA Tournament. With a new coach and restructured squad, they will be aiming to continue their winning ways and challenge for the top spots in the conference.
Loyola Chicago:
Defense is expected to be the cornerstone for Loyola Chicago during the 2024-25 campaign. With a stout defensive unit, the Ramblers aim to repeat as Regular-Season Champions and make a deep run. Des Watson will be a key contributor, leading the way as a firm contender for All-Conference recognition. Loyola Chicago's performance this season will be a testament to their ability to combine strong defense with consistent scoring.
Rhode Island Rams:
The Rhode Island Rams have a strong backcourt featuring Jaden House, Sebastian Thomas, and Nebraska transfer Jamarques Lawrence. House and Thomas are the leading scorers from last season, and with the addition of Lawrence, who started 35 games in the Big Ten, the Rams have a formidable trio. Their frontcourt is also bolstered by the presence of David Green and David Fuchs, along with transfers like Javonte Brown. Despite a coaching transition, the Rams are projected to finish 11th, but with their talented roster, they could exceed expectations.
Overall, the 2024-25 Atlantic 10 Men's Basketball season promises intense competition, with VCU, St. Joe's, Dayton, Loyola Chicago, and Rhode Island among the teams to watch. The conference is known for its unpredictability, and with returning talent, strategic transfers, and revamped rosters, this season will be a thrilling ride for fans and bettors alike.
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St. Joe's and the need for consistency from Reynolds
St. Joe's has been on a winning streak, taking six out of seven games. The team's success can be attributed to the outstanding performance of Erik Reynolds, who is on the verge of breaking Jameer Nelson's St. Joe's scoring record. With just two games left in the regular season, Reynolds is only three points shy of surpassing Nelson for the most points ever for the Hawks.
Reynolds, a 6-foot-2 guard from the Washington metro area, is St. Joe's highest-ranked recruit in a decade. His commitment to the team is a significant boost, given his familiarity with staff members and his reputation for excelling in elite competition. Reynolds' ability to play both guard spots and score at multiple levels makes him a valuable asset.
However, for St. Joe's to truly compete with powerhouses like VCU and Dayton, Reynolds needs to bring consistency to his game. If he can consistently perform as one of the conference's top contributors, St. Joe's has the talent and roster depth to emerge victorious in the A10.
The team's success is not solely dependent on Reynolds' performance. St. Joe's boasts a strong lineup, including Third-team All-Atlantic 10 guard Ryan Daly and forward Anthony Longpre. With a talented roster and a star player like Reynolds, St. Joe's has the potential to go all the way.
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George Mason's second consecutive 20-win season
George Mason University's men's basketball team, the Patriots, achieved their second consecutive 20-win season in the 2024-25 Atlantic 10 Men's Basketball Season. This was the first year of the Tony Skinn era in Fairfax, Virginia, and the Transfer Portal played a significant role in this success. The team's top performers include KD Johnson, a former top-100 prospect who previously attended Georgia and Auburn. Johnson was selected for the SEC All-Freshman team and averaged 13.5 PPG in his first year with the Bulldogs. Other notable players include Zach Anderson, Jeremiah Quigley, Brayden O'Connor, and Giovanni Emejuru, who all contributed consistently to the team's performance.
The Patriots' success in the 2024-25 season built upon their strong performance in the previous year, where they also secured 20 or more wins. This consistency positioned them as a competitive force within the Atlantic 10 Conference. The team's performance in the 2024-25 season was particularly impressive given the transition under the leadership of Tony Skinn in his second year as coach.
The Patriots' roster boasted a mix of talented transfers and returning players. KD Johnson, with his defensive prowess and offensive potential, stood out as a key addition to the team. Johnson's previous experience at Georgia and Auburn, where he demonstrated his scoring ability, positioned him as a valuable asset to the Patriots. Additionally, the team benefited from the contributions of players like Zach Anderson, who played a pivotal role in key games, such as their win against Samford with a score of 86-69.
The team's success in the 2024-25 season reinforced George Mason's reputation as a formidable contender within the Atlantic 10 Conference. With their consistent performance, the Patriots established themselves as a force to be reckoned with, capable of going up against some of the conference's top-tier teams. George Mason's achievements in men's basketball have continued to solidify their presence in the world of college basketball, with their 2024-25 season serving as a testament to the team's resilience and talent.
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The Capital City Classic rivalry between Richmond and VCU
The Capital City Classic is a men's college basketball series between the VCU Rams and the Richmond Spiders, showcasing a long-standing public school (VCU) vs private school (Richmond) rivalry. The two universities are located within Virginia's state capital of Richmond, with the University of Richmond situated 6 miles away from Virginia Commonwealth University.
The rivalry first began in 1976, with the Spiders beating the Rams 71-65. From 1995 to 2001, it was a conference rivalry in the Colonial Athletic Association, until Richmond left for the Atlantic 10 Conference (A10). The rivalry was reignited in 2012 when VCU joined the A10, with the Rams taking the lead and maintaining it over the years. VCU holds the record for the largest victory, winning 89-55 in 1996, and also boasts the longest winning streak from 1977 to 1979.
The Classic is known for its intense and passionate atmosphere, with students from both schools eagerly anticipating the face-off. The rivalry is not just limited to the basketball court, as it extends to other sports such as football and lacrosse. The excitement and energy generated by the crowd and students from both universities contribute to the intensity of the rivalry.
In recent years, the Spiders have been striving to close the gap with the Rams. In the 2023-2024 season, Richmond, led by Co-A-10 Player of the Year Jordan King, fought their way to a Co-Regular Season title but fell short at the A10 Championship. With a talented transfer class, they aim to build on their successes and improve their performance in the A10.
On the other hand, VCU has been a consistent contender in the A10. With a strong roster and determined mindset, they always put up a good fight, as demonstrated by their student section's pep song, "You Don't Want to Go to War with the Rams."
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The Arch-Baron Cup rivalry between St. Louis and Dayton
The Arch-Baron Cup is a name given to the rivalry between St. Louis University (SLU) and Dayton by their fans. It is one of college basketball's most storied rivalries, with a long history of close games and intense competition. The rivalry is often regarded as the biggest game in college basketball, with fans and commentators alike eagerly anticipating the match-up each year.
The first non-neutral Arch-Baron Cup game was played at Kiel Auditorium in December 1966, with the Flyers winning a close contest, 80-78. The Billikens, however, enjoyed a significant home-court advantage at Kiel, winning 8 out of the 10 contests played there. The arena was demolished in 1992, with the final game played there being a memorable 75-71 victory for the Billikens over the Flyers in late 1971. The game was marred by fan unrest due to the overly aggressive tactics employed by Dayton, with the court being showered with debris during the closing seconds.
The rivalry has also witnessed some notable moments, such as Don Donoher earning his 100th victory as the Flyers' head coach in a 67-56 win in December 1968, which was the least attended Arch-Baron Cup in the history of the series. Another memorable game was in 1995 when, despite a UD super fan being stabbed by an incensed Billiken fan before the game, Dayton still lost by a score of 78-62.
The rivalry has also extended beyond the court, with Dayton President Reverend Raymond Roesch imposing a five-year moratorium on scheduling games against Saint Louis at one point. Despite this, the Arch-Baron Cup has persisted, with Dayton seeking its eighth straight victory over Saint Louis in 2018. The rivalry remains intense, with both teams making significant roster moves and strategic adjustments to gain an edge over their opponent.
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Frequently asked questions
The top contenders for the A10 basketball championship include St. Joe's, George Mason, and Richmond.
The winner of the A10 basketball championship will depend on various factors, including the performance of key players, coaching strategies, and team dynamics.
Yes, the A10 basketball conference has several notable rivalries, including the Capital City Classic between Richmond and VCU, the Arch-Baron Cup between St. Louis and Dayton, and the Revolutionary Rivalry between George Washington and George Mason.
