This section will be for the larger, better one-two bid conferences. Tomorrow and for the next 8 days I will preview a large conference and preview every team. The conferences that will be included in today's section are the A-10, the C-USA, The WCC, the Ivy, and the MVC.
Atlantic-10
1. VCU- The last couple of seasons, everyone has been flooding to the VCU bandwagon after their miracle 2011 tourney run and I have felt, for the most part, that the last two VCU teams were overrated. They really never beat any quality teams despite the hype, and I felt last season's 5 seed was really undeserved. This year, however, all those bandwagoners had to make room for one more because I think this VCU team is, for the first time ever, a legitimate national title contender. It all starts down low, where the rugged Juvonte Reddic decided to return for one more season. He is third leading returning rebounder in the A-10 this season, and will give VCU a huge advantage on the boards. The transition from Darius Theus at point guard to Briante Webber should be a smooth one, as Webber had a very solid 2.34-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio last season. Treveon Graham provides the Rams with a takeover player and a closer, which I believe is essential to have in the Tournament. Look for Graham to put up monster numbers this year as VCU's go-to scorer, and he should contend for A-10 Player of the Year. The addition of Terrance Shannon from Florida State should be key this year, as he is a great perimeter defender. I am very anxious to see how he preforms in VCU's "havoc" defense. I think he'll fit in well and should be an upgrade defensively from the departed Troy Daniels. The task of replacing Daniels' offense will fall to Rob Brandenburg a 6-2, 180 pound 2 guard. He has a solid jumper, but also possesses the athleticism to get to the rim. He could have a breakout year. If there is one concern for this VCU team, it is their depth. They have only 2 guys returning who played substantial minutes last year in Melvin Johnson and Jarred Guest. They will need freshman Mo Allie-Cox and Jordan Burgess to step up this year. Both were partial qualifyers a year ago but possess talent, and Burgess in particular was a top-100 recruit. Head Coach Shaka Smart brought in a solid 4-man recruiting class this year, one that consists of 3 guards; JeQuan Lewis, Douglas Brooks, and Jarius Lyles. Look for each to get minutes this year so Smart can cycle his guys in and out of the lineup to keep guys fresh. To me however, their biggest get is 6-9 center Antravious Simmons, as he will provide some much needed frontcourt depth. All in all, I believe this is Smart's best team at VCU, as they should wreak havoc on oppenents all the way to the sweet 16.
2. Saint Louis- I hate to say this, but I believe Jim Crews got a little too much credit for how well the Bilikens played last year after the death of Rick Majerus. If you look at history, the death of a player or coach usually motivates a team to perform better, such as the Lakers last year after the death of Jim Buss. However, there is no denying that Crews is a solis coach, and he will lead another solid Bilikens team into battle this year. It al1 starts with Dwayne Evans, who is a tenacious rebounder for a guy his height. he will be the unquestioned leader and go-to option offensively for a Bilikens offense hit hard by the losses of Kwamain Mitchell and Cody Ellis. Defensively however they are rock-solid. They are led on defense by point guard Jordair jett, who has been named to the A-10 all defensive team the past two seasons, and Grandy Glaze, a gritty 6-6 forward who is a fan favorite. Look for Glaze's offensive production to spike this year as he averaged only 3.1 PPG last year. Mike McCall and Rob Loe should round out the starting 5. Each brings a solid skill set, as McCall is a sharpshooter and loe can crash the boards and also brings a solid jump shot to the table for a seven footer. The Bilikens also have very good depth. There bench should be led by Central Michigan transfer Austin McBroom who is eligible after sitting out last season. He is a sharpshooter who should team with freshman Mike Crawford to provide backcourt depth. Crawford has a high basketball IQ and was a conteneder for the Indiana MR. Basketball award. Their frontcourt bench will be led by senior Jake Barnett and junior John Manning. While this team won't come close to how good they were last season, the Bilikens still have a solid team that should contend for the A-10 title. While I don't think they are on VCU's level, they should come in second place and be dancing when it's all said and done.
3- La Salle- Losing Ramon Galloway is rough, as he provided them with a great scorer and takeover player. However La Salle has some serious talent coming back, headlined by Tyreek Duren and Jarrell Wright. while they definatley have enough talent to contend for an NCAA berth, in the end, I believe their attempt will come up short. PREDICTION: NIT
4- Massachusetts- This group of Minutemen is led by star Pg Chaz Williams. The tiny point guard defies basketball logic by being an explosive scorer and passer despite his small 5-9 frame. However, his problem is the lack of talent around them. Unless a supporting player can step up big time, it's another NCAA-less season for Umass. PREDICTION: NIT
5- Saint Josephs- Saint Joe's was a huge disappointment last year, as they didn't even make the NIT after being picked by many, including myself to be a dark horse A-10 title contender. This year they return studs Langston Galloway and Ronald Roberts. They could end up being the best 1-2 punch in the league outside of Reddic and Graham at VCU. Those two players have the talent to lead the Hawks to an NIT bertrh, and this year they fulfill their potential. PREDICTION: NIT
6- Rhode Island
7- George Mason
8- Dayton
9- George Washington
10- Richmond
11- Fordham
12- Saint Bonaventure
13- Duquesne
