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COLONIAL
Five programs from the CAA won 20 or more games last season and 8 of the 10 teams finished at least .500 overall. That is a very good percentage for a “mid-major” conference, even if it did not translate into any postseason success. In fact, only three CAA teams accepted postseason invitations. UNC-Wilmington captured the conference tournament title and NCAA bid, losing in the Round of 64 as a 13 seed to Duke. Hofstra received a bid to the NIT, and lost in their first game to eventual champion George Washington. Towson made it 0-3 in the postseason, losing their first round game in the Vegas 16.
This season, the Colonial teams will look to turn regular season successes into a little more noise in late March. UNC-Wilmington figures to lead the way again in the conference, but as many as 7 different teams could challenge in what may be a wide open race. William & Mary seeks their first ever NCAA bid despite having been a member of Division I since the NCAA went to divisional play (joining only Army, St Francis-Brooklyn, The Citadel and Northwestern on this “elite” list), College of Charleston continues a rapid rebuild under Earl Grant, and teams like Elon, Towson, James Madison and Hofstra all have the weapons to make some serious noise. In all, the CAA has a chance to be one of the most fun and exciting conferences this season, and one that will definitely be worth watching on a nightly basis.
Predicted Order of Finish
1. UNC-Wilmington – Four starters return for a veteran team that won last season’s automatic bid. Led by Chris Flemmings and Denzel Ingram, the Seahawks have a real chance to dance again.
2. William & Mary – Forward Omar Prewitt averaged almost 18 points per game last year and returns this season to give the Tribe another shot at that elusive first dance ticket. The team is deep enough to have a real shot at getting it done.
3. College of Charleston – The Cougars only won 9 games in 2014-15, but improved to 17 victories last season. This year, all five starters from the end of the season return and are joined by point guard Joe Chealey, who missed last year due to injury. Head coach Earl Grant could have this team in serious contention for the title.
4. Elon – With seven key rotation players back, and a balanced scoring attack, do not be surprised if the Phoenix end up among the league’s elite.
5. Towson – Losing Byron Hawkins to transfer (to Murray State) hurts, but with Mike Morsell running the backcourt and Arnaud William Adala Moto hitting the rim, the Tigers will still be tough to beat.
6. James Madison – Despite winning 21 games, JMU let head coach Matt Brady go and brought in Louis Rowe. Rowe does have four starters returning from last season, but replacing point guard Ron Curry and his 17.3 points per game could be tough.
7. Hofstra – Rokas Gustys is a force down low, having averaged well over a double-double last year. Unfortunately, three of his top supporting cast members are gone from last season and the Pride will need to rely on former role-players stepping up and the addition of a few newcomers if they want to be back among the league’s top teams.
8. Drexel – Bruiser Flint is gone, but in his place the Dragons hired Zach Spiker away from Army. Spiker helped turn around the Black Knights program and at least put them among the contenders in the Patriot League, so he may be able to do the same in Philadelphia. With only one starter back from last year, however, he will not be doing it in his first season.
9. Northeastern – The top three scorers are gone from a team that only went 9-9 in conference play last year, making this a rebuilding season.
10. Delaware – There are no returning double-digit scorers for new head coach Martin Ingelsby. Just finding a way to better last year’s 7 wins may be an accomplishment.