***Update 7/15***
- Rider announces its recruiting class.
CANISIUS
Returning: Scott Hitchon
New: Fr PG Tahj Staveskie, SG JUCO Delevion Jackson
VC says 2 spots are left.
Tier 2 team at best, Tier 3 at worst. Whiterspoon's teams are not easy to play against.
FAIRFIELD
Returning: Jesus Cruz and Taj Benning
New: Fr PG Lewis, Fr SG Long, Fr PF Wilis
The MAAC Runner up in the Championship game still needs to grow more as a program. Tier 2, possible Tier 1. Not sure where Fairfield will be playing their home games next year, building a new arena. Bridgeport?
IONA ++FAVORITE++
New: Fr Wildy PF, Fr Duach SG, Fr Clayton PG, (Tulsa) PG Joiner, (SMU) SG Jolly, (Louisville) F Slazinski
Returns: Dylan Van Eyck
In year 2 with Pitino, it just depends how quickly this team can come together and start winning games. They are clear favorite to win this league due to the transfers that Rick was able to get. I will be interested to see how they do in Orlando. Don't forget they have Nelly Junior Joseph and Shema, a 7 footer. Tier 1.
MANHATTAN
Returning: Anthony Nelson PG and Warren Williams
New: Dambreville SG (Florida Southern), Perez SG (Marquette), Roberts PF (Saint Johns)
Tier 1 due to all the new transfers. If Perez is able to play, this team could definitely compete against Iona for the title. Still are a Tier 1 team without him and it just depends if Masiello can get the most of his players.
MARIST
LOST: Bryd to UMBC
New: Fr Benton C, Fr Ituka G, Fr Harris G, F Cele (Southern University)
Tier 2/3. Dunne's punishing defense is not easy. Got to see if they can generate offense.
MONMOUTH
Returns: Papas
New: PG Shavar Reynolds (Seton Hall), F Walker Miller (UNC), Fr Sam Ragan PG, Fr Jaden Doyle SG
Tier 2, possibly a 1. Shavar Reynolds could be the best point guard in the league.
NIAGARA
Returns: Roberts SG
New: Fr Robert Brown III SG, F Sam Iorio (South Alabama)
Tier 2/3.
QUINNIPAC
LOST: Rigoni
Back: PF Marfo (Texas AM)
New: Fr Brody Limric F, PG Dezi Jones JUCO, Fr Bernie Blunt PG
A lot people think this is a Tier 1 team, I just don't see it. Solid Tier 2. Marfo, of course, will be hard to defend against. They do have Bouknight, who was selected to the MAAC Rookie team. If they get good PG play, Tier 1.
RIDER ---NEW INFO 7/15---
Back: SG Vaughn (Ole Miss)
New: SG Altman Pepperdine, F James North Alabama, G Roesling Duquesne
With Vaughn and most of the roster coming back this season, along with some decent transfers, this is a very good Rider team. We have to see if they actually do something in the postseason. Tier 1.
SIENA
Back: Hopkins
New: SG Rogers Cal Poly, SG Gaines Northwestern, SG Johnson Middle Tennessee, SG Kellier Utah, PF Baer Iowa, C Tertsea (JUCO)
Freshmen: PG McCollum, SG Owens, SG Billups
With a lot of moving parts for Siena, including coaching staff, this is a good Tier 2 team. If things go their way, it could be a Tier 1. If things go bad, Tier 3. The big question this season what can the PG position do? Can Carm coach and the kids win the important games this year?
SAINT PETERS
LOST: Ndefo (as of right now)
New: SG Dasher (Portland)
If the offense can improve, Tier 1 or 2 but I could see them as a Tier 3. They will win with defense. The renovated Yantelli Center will open this year.
---Picks---
IONA Favorite
TIER 1
RIDER
MANHATTAN
MONMOUTH
TIER 2
QUINNIPAC
FAIRFIELD
SIENA
TIER 3
SAINT PETERS
CANISIUS
MARIST
NIAGARA
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NOTE: Preview will continue to be updated as I get more information from teams.