Last season, the CAA was all about Delaware. The Fighting Blue Hens went 14-2 during the conference regular season and followed it up with the conference tournament title, before falling by 15 points to Michigan State in the Round of 64. Delaware’s accomplishments practically overshadowed the continued progress of Pat Skerry’s amazing rebuild at Towson, where he led the Tigers to 25 wins and the conference’s only other postseason berth, a spot in the CIT. This season should see some major shifts in power at the top, as both Delaware and Towson will need to retool following offseason losses.
The CAA welcomes one new member this season as Elon moves over from the Southern Conference. The Phoenix probably chose the wrong year for their move, as four of five starters left the program and they will struggle to avoid the CAA basement. Our preseason pick to actually finish at the top of the conference this year is a program that went just 11-21 last season, the Northeastern Huskies. The Huskies return their top eight players, and were a lot better than their record indicated last year with nine of 21 losses coming by five points or less. The Huskies top challenger this year figures to be William & Mary, with potential conference player of the year William Thornton leading the Tribe. Hofstra and James Madison could also figure in the mix of what appears to be a wide open conference race.
Predicted Order of Finish:
1. Northeastern: Scott Eatherton, David Walker and Reggie Spencer lead the way for this deep, veteran team.
2. William & Mary: Omar Prewitt and Terry Tarpey should be big contributors along with Thornton.
3. Hofstra: Juan’ya Green and Ameen Tanksley both averaged double digit scoring at Niagara two years ago and should help the Pride rise in the standings.
4. James Madison: Andre Nation and Ron Curry return to lead a solid backcourt, but the Dukes need answers up front.
5. Drexel: Damion Lee is back after losing last season to an injury, but they may have too many holes to fill after the loss of their top two scorers.
6. Towson: Four McGlynn is Pat Skerry’s top returnee, but he continues to recruit well. Keep an eye on Eddie Keith.
7. Delaware: Kyle Anderson is the only starter back after the surprise transfer of Jarvis Threatt. This looks like a rebuilding year.
8. UNC-Wlmington: Cedrick Williams leads three returning senior starters, but not much else here for ex-Pitino assistant Kevin Keatts in his first year.
9. College of Charleston: The offseason turmoil that led to Doug Wojick’s dismissal as head coach could mean a long first season for Earl Grant.
10. Elon: Losing their top four players from last season will make this a long first trip through the CAA for the Phoenix.