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#1 · (Edited)
It is almost time for the season! The A10 will get lots of national and local media coverage. I thought this might be a good place to put articles and videos.

I will start with a great article about Duquesne's Derrick Colter and his fight with cancer.

Duquesne's Colter quiet cancer fight

Derrick Colter didn't want to publicize his fight against cancer. But now, he sees that his fight can help others.

As he lay facedown while doctors zapped radiation at the back of his neck, killing the cancer that had taken root there, Duquesne's Derrick Colter never flinched. He didn't cry, didn't complain.

He acted, his coach joked, as though he was trying to get rid of a pimple, not non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Colter was so unemotional that Jim Ferry struggled to find the proper word to describe his junior guard.

"It was very professional, almost business-like,'' Ferry said.

A lot of thoughts went through Colter's head during those 20 consecutive weekday visits to Shadyside Hospital in Pittsburgh.

He worried a lot about his basketball future. Doctors told him he could do whatever he felt he could handle, and so Colter, who averaged 9 points and 3.4 assists for the Dukes last season, pushed himself. But there were days when all he wanted to do was sleep. What if that never changed?

He thought about his parents. They were home in Forestville, Maryland, four hours away. Colter and his family had decided it would be best if he stayed in Pittsburgh for treatments and so he could continue seeing Dr. Stanley Mark, the physician who had first diagnosed him. But Angela and James Colter were obviously concerned and their son knew they'd want instant updates.

Mostly he thought about his oldest brother, JJ, the child who never spoke a word or walked a step, but was the epicenter of the Colter family; the man who wasn't supposed to even see his teen years yet lived until the age of 33; his baby brother's role model, who fought cerebral palsy with dignity, determination, and somehow even joy, until he died in 2012.

"We've got the same genes, man,'' Colter said. "Always fighting.''

For years, James and Angela Colter shuttled between the Hyattsville, Maryland, nursing home where JJ was being cared for and their own home, where Derrick and his two other older brothers were growing up. JJ's battle included its share of life-threatening scares, yet instead of fracturing the family under the weight of its stress, JJ's condition somehow buoyed them.


Derrick Colter continued working out, even as he dealt with cancer and went through treatments.

A lot of that came from JJ. He smiled easily and laughed joyfully, forging a bond with his brothers built on intuitive, not verbal, communication. Muscle degeneration made it impossible for JJ to use his hands, but Derrick, the baby of the family who idolized JJ, found a way to toss a basketball with him, anyway.

"That bond, it was something you had to see,'' James said. "It would touch your heart.''

When the Colters needed outside support, they turned to their church. As part of its Sunday services, the True Way Holiness Church congregation gathers for the Victory March, an uplifting parade around the church. Contrary to what the name might imply, it is not meant to celebrate accomplishments, but rather to ask for help in the gravest of circumstances.

The congregants have marched for a church member whose baby had stopped breathing, and for another who had Hepatitis B. They marched in April for Derrick, and before him, for JJ.

The Victory, James explained, is having the faith to ask for help.

"We're not clowning,'' he said. "If you want God to do something for you, you march for Him and let Him do it.''

For so many years, JJ defied the odds, so long in fact that no one ever thought the disease would win.

In 2012, during Derrick's freshman year, his parents called Ferry to warn him that JJ had taken a turn. Then, one day, Derrick didn't show up for practice.
"I remember it was a rainy day and [Derrick] came walking into practice, just distraught,'' Ferry said.

He went home for the funeral with instructions to take as much time as he needed. Instead, on the same day that he buried his brother, Colter was on the court, playing against Robert Morris. He scored 16 points to go with six assists.

"[JJ] always sucked it up and kept pushing,'' said Derrick, who has been stenciling his sneakers with "4 Bro JJ" since high school, "and that's how I am.''

He first felt the lump in March. It was small, maybe the size of a tiny super ball.

Derrick mentioned it in passing to his athletic trainer, Vic Bauer, while Bauer was taping his ankles before a game at George Mason. He said it had been there for three weeks.

Bauer took a look and, not wanting to upset Derrick, sent him out for pregame warm-ups. Then he got on his phone.

"I started texting our doctors,'' Bauer said. "I thought we should get the ball rolling.''

Three days later, team physicians looked at the lump in Brooklyn, New York, during the Atlantic 10 tournament. After Duquesne was eliminated, they all consulted with Marks, the deputy director of clinical services for UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute.

Marks ordered a biopsy and, on April 22, while Derrick was home for Easter weekend, Dr. Marks called with the diagnosis. Derrick had non-Hodgkins lymphoma, a cancer that attacks the lymphatic system.

"I didn't understand at first,'' Derrick said, "and then you hear that word -- cancer -- and I just ... there were no words. It was like everything just stopped. Me and my mom broke down crying and my dad just kind of was looking straight.''

That was the beginning and the end of the Colter Family Pity Party.

After PET and CT scans showed no other malignancies in his body, Derrick began his radiation treatments on May 1.

Ferry often went with him.

Before coming to Duquesne, Ferry was the head coach at Long Island University. Four years ago, his best player, Julian Boyd, was diagnosed with a heart condition and was forced to sit out a year. Player and coach had more than one serious conversation as Boyd tried to navigate the emotional roller coaster of his diagnosis.

That's what Ferry was prepared for with Derrick. He even offered him a spare bedroom in his home, so Derrick could relax in peace after his radiation treatments.

Derrick opted for the dorms.

"It was never once a 'why me' situation,'' Ferry said. "His first question in the doctor's office was, 'When can I work out?' I was, I am, amazed."

It was that commitment that first appealed to Ferry.

In high school, Derrick was a high-scoring point guard who led his team to a Maryland 2A state championship game. Ferry knew he'd be a critical addition as he rebuilt the Dukes without T.J. McConnell, who had decided to transfer to Arizona.

After three years of coaching Derrick, it's his attitude that Ferry finds even more impressive than his ability.

"We're playing St. Bonaventure and he has a chance to seal the game for us, but he misses both free throws,'' Ferry said. "He's completely devastated. But then we foul, they miss and he gets the ball. He drives up, shoots a half-court 3 to win the game. Everyone's storming the court and tackling him. Derrick is covering himself up, not wanting the attention.''

The spotlight has never mattered much to Derrick. Amid the fanfare at his high school when he signed his letter of intent, Derrick said he'd rather be off visiting JJ.


Derrick Colter averaged 9.1 points per game a season ago for the Dukes.

For the better part of this summer, in fact, hardly anyone outside of his family and his basketball family knew Derrick was battling cancer.

He's telling his story now for the first time only after some cajoling, and only because he sees a bigger purpose.

At the end of this month, he'll be feted at a Coaches vs. Cancer benefit in Pittsburgh.

But before that, he plans to visit the pediatric cancer wings at Pittsburgh area hospitals.

He wants the kids to know that he was just like them, exhausted from the treatments. Maybe he'll even show them where he's lost a bit of his hair.

And he wants them to know how he played basketball this summer and recorded a triple-double in a Pittsburgh Pro-Am League game (33 points, 10 rebounds and 13 assists); how he will be ready to play when the Dukes open the season in November, just seven months after his diagnosis.

He wants them to know about JJ, too, and how tough he was, tougher than any basketball player Derrick knows.

Mostly he wants to tell them about June 24, the day doctors told Derrick that his cancer was in remission.

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-bas...sne-derrick-colter-quietly-fights-back-cancer
 
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#2 ·
Which sophomores are primed to break out? Here are five candidates

SHAWNDRE' JONES
5-10 combo guard, Richmond
Freshman minutes per game: 13.6
Freshman points per game: 6.4
% of team possessions used: 25.6
Offensive efficiency rating: 102.3



Jones barely saw the court as a freshman until February, when the Spiders' starting point guard, senior Cedrick Lindsay, went down with torn meniscus in both knees. Jones entered the rotation -- and took shots at nearly the same rate and efficiency level as Lindsay, who had been averaging 18.3 points per game. Kendall Anthony, a similarly undersized (at 5-8) and scoring-minded (26.7% of the team's possessions) combo guard, is a near-lock to be their leading scorer this season, but Jones could emerge as the No. 2. He's an even more accurate three-point (38.2%) and free-throw (87.8%) shooter than Anthony, and he seems to be the latest in Chris Mooney's line of underrated guard prospects at Richmond.

http://www.si.com/college-basketball/2014/09/08/deonte-burton-kennedy-meeks-breakout-sophomores
 
#3 ·
AlienAiden, thanks for posting the story on Derrick Colter. Wishing the best for Derrick. And he is really a nice, down-to-earth young man; he was easy to root for even before this story broke.

And right after he completed his radiation treatments and was declared cancer free on June 24, he was competing at a very high level in the Pittsburgh Pro-Am Summer League. Here's an excerpt from a July 2nd blog article by Stephen Nesbitt who is the Dukes' beat writer for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

DERRICK COLTER

At halftime of the CRONS-Bakery Square matchup Monday, our intern Hayes Gardner, a bench-warming staple of the Grinnell College men's basketball team, pointed toward CRONS No. 31 and asked, “Who’s that? He’s been easily the best player on the court.” Indeed, Colter looked great. That’s no huge surprise, really; we know he’ll bring the speed and can flash a scorer’s touch. What too often landed him on the bench last season was his affinity for turnovers and his inability to slow scorers on the other end of the court. He rarely showed the ability to create his own shots, which led to some lopsided shooting performances. In the first game this summer, he shot 5-of-17 from the floor for 15 points. This Monday he was 9-of-21 for 23 points. He had a chance to tie the ballgame at the buzzer but his 3-point floater, a la St. Bonaventure, didn't fall.

Colter’s 3-pointer seems to be progressing, too. He shot 31.4 percent as a freshman and 34.5 percent as a sophomore. I saw him pull up and swish three long jumpers Monday and look very comfortable doing so. If he can be counted on as a reliable deep threat — not necessary on Micah Mason level, but somewhat reliable — it would help spread the floor. Colter also showed increased willingness to drive to the basket despite giving up a foot on the bigs.

Watching these games, you’ll notice immediately that when Duquesne guards, particularly Colter and Ridenour, are handling the ball, games run at an absolute breakneck pace. Not sure how the Pitt/West Virginia/Robert Morris teammates love playing the up-tempo transition game, but Jim Ferry, looking on from the third row of bleachers, certainly likes to see things hum. In his third season as starter on the Bluff, I’d expect Colter to be fully ready to push the pace and keep a handle on the transition game. So far, so good.

http://blogs.post-gazette.com/sport...hes/41840-summer-league-update-duquesne-dukes
 
#9 ·
Depends what your asking. Sometimes he a little to optimistic about certain players but usually isn't too far off. He actually surprisingly not too far off when he is talking about teams in general. His predictions for the leagues standings, sleepers and recruiting are pretty decent.

However, he is a total goober when it comes to his twitter.
 
#10 ·
Jon Rothstein @JonRothstein · 12s
@PhilMartelliSJU on the Atlantic 10 "The depth of the league doesn't change. 2-11 could be ranked one way today + another way on Thursday."


Jon Rothstein @JonRothstein · 1m
@PhilMartelliSJU on VCU "They're going to have a number next to their name all season along. That's a legitimate Top 15-20 team."


Jon Rothstein @JonRothstein · 2m
@PhilMartelliSJU on Chris Wilson "We need him to run the team. He doesn't have to score more, he just has to run the team."


Jon Rothstein @JonRothstein · 2m
@PhilMartelliSJU on James Demery "He came here because he knew immediately he'd have a big piece of the pie."


Jon Rothstein @JonRothstein · 3m
@PhilMartelliSJU on DeAndre Bembry "We're counting on him to be an all-league caliber player and I think he's going to relish that."
 
#11 ·
I know who does not overhype and that is my main man Coach Phil Martelli!!

Jon Rothstein ‏@JonRothstein 12s
.@PhilMartelliSJU on VCU "They're going to have a number next to their name all season along. That's a legitimate Top 15-20 team."
 
#15 ·
http://www.coxhub.com/articles/debating-the-top-5-a-10-players-coaches-arenas-fan-bases

DEBATING THE TOP 5 ATLANTIC 10 PLAYERS



Ranking anything these days guarantees a debate. The discussions had in the wake of a new top 25 poll or All American finalist list are always filled with passion.

In that light, we decided to create four different top five lists in areas that are always hot topics in college hoops: best players, coaches, arenas and fan-bases in the Atlantic 10. First up, top 5 players in the Atlantic 10. Let the debates begin!

1. Treveon Graham, VCU

First team All Atlantic 10 last year, the 6-foot-6 senior averaged 15.8 points and seven boards while chipping in a pair of assists per game to boot. While you could go with a few different players in this spot, Graham is the best player on the best team in the league which gives him my nod for preseason Player of the Year. Graham returns as not only VCU’s senior leader, but also one of the top seniors in the country. The versatile wing will try to cap his career at VCU with a deep trip into March.

2. Kendall Anthony, Richmond

Anthony seems to have largely flown under the radar in basketball circles. He has averaged at least 11.5 points over three seasons and broke out even more so last year by finishing seventh in the league in scoring at 15.9 points. The only knock on KA 2.0 is that he is purely a scorer and doesn't generally doesn't do anything else exceptionally well. Still, there's a lot of value in a guy who can score in bunches and catch fire from deep. With Richmond set to be improved this year, we will likely hear more about Anthony in his final go-round.

3. E.C. Matthews, Rhode Island

Those shocked to see Matthews this high on the list probably didn’t see him play after the calendar turned to 2014. The rising sophomore grew leaps and bounds and averaged 14.3 points and 4.3 boards, averaging 19 points in URI’s final dozen games. This summer, Matthews was invited to the prestigious Adidas Nations Camp and turned heads. The Rhode Island guard is the best professional prospect in the league right now and could be a three-year player at URI. We're expecting big things from the lean lefty.


4. DeAndre Bembry, Saint Joseph’s

Formerly making our lists as the top player in Philly, Bembry is now a top five player in the A10. A Co-Rookie of the Year with Matthews, the 6-foot-6 wing is a complete player who is just scratching the surface of his potential. Though the box score can afford him praise, Bembry's best work may come on the defensive end where he is an absolute shutdown defender against multiple positions. Expect his stat line from last year (12.1 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists) to beef up as he becomes the Hawks' go-to player in year two.


5. Briante Weber, VCU

One of the best college perimeter defenders of all time, Weber turned himself into a solid offensive point guard in his junior season (9.4 points, 3.9 assists). Weber not only led the nation in steals last year at 3.46 per game, he basically lapped the field. His 296 career steals give him a shot at breaking the NCAA career record. He and Graham give the Rams two terrific seniors, the value of which cannot be understated. Weber's ability to defend on the ball and jump passing lanes qualify him as a top five player but his potential to develop into a credible offensive player make him all the more valuable.


DiSano's Take:

Something's not Wright here. As in Jerrell. The La Salle big man finished last season with averages of 13.3 ppg and 6.6 rpg and was ranked in the conference's top 10 in several categories, including offensive rebounding (4th) and field goal percentage (4th, 57.6 percent). Penalized by his team's lack of success, Wright has been off the accolade radar but is arguably the best big man in the Atlantic 10. He's a beast on the glass and creates great separation by initiating contact and using an effective jump hook in the pivot. Team success - whether unfair or not - often drives all-conference discussion... but I'd have Wright on here as the 6-8 forward heads into his senior year.

GW's Patricio Garino was the one of only three non-seniors (joining Anthony and Graham last year) to make an all-conference team, 3rd, a year ago -- but doesn't appear here. While steady, I don't think Garino's performance in 2013-14 merited all-conference status, but it's worth noting that Ian left him off his top five list. He misses mine as well. GW's Kethan Savage is another to watch, while an eye also needs to be kept on the Dayton duo of Dyshawn Pierre and Jordan Sibert.

As for these five selections, the versatile, 6-6 Graham is a consistent producer night-in and night-out, scoring in double figures in all but three games last season. Anthony is a tough and fiery scorer, though Matthews and Bembry would be higher on my list. Matthews is a special talent and best NBA prospect in the league. Bembry is the most well-rounded on both sides of the ball. And Weber is an incredibly rare blend of energy, length and lateral quickness that gives him an ability to impact a game defensively like nobody else in the nation. But if I had to swap Wright with one of Ian's choices, it would be for Anthony based on the expected jump I anticipate Bembry and Matthews taking.
 
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#5,034 ·
http://www.coxhub.com/articles/debating-the-top-5-a-10-players-coaches-arenas-fan-bases

DEBATING THE TOP 5 ATLANTIC 10 PLAYERS



Ranking anything these days guarantees a debate. The discussions had in the wake of a new top 25 poll or All American finalist list are always filled with passion.

In that light, we decided to create four different top five lists in areas that are always hot topics in college hoops: best players, coaches, arenas and fan-bases in the Atlantic 10. First up, top 5 players in the Atlantic 10. Let the debates begin!

1. Treveon Graham, VCU

First team All Atlantic 10 last year, the 6-foot-6 senior averaged 15.8 points and seven boards while chipping in a pair of assists per game to boot. While you could go with a few different players in this spot, Graham is the best player on the best team in the league which gives him my nod for preseason Player of the Year. Graham returns as not only VCU’s senior leader, but also one of the top seniors in the country. The versatile wing will try to cap his career at VCU with a deep trip into March.

2. Kendall Anthony, Richmond

Anthony seems to have largely flown under the radar in basketball circles. He has averaged at least 11.5 points over three seasons and broke out even more so last year by finishing seventh in the league in scoring at 15.9 points. The only knock on KA 2.0 is that he is purely a scorer and doesn't generally doesn't do anything else exceptionally well. Still, there's a lot of value in a guy who can score in bunches and catch fire from deep. With Richmond set to be improved this year, we will likely hear more about Anthony in his final go-round.

3. E.C. Matthews, Rhode Island

Those shocked to see Matthews this high on the list probably didn’t see him play after the calendar turned to 2014. The rising sophomore grew leaps and bounds and averaged 14.3 points and 4.3 boards, averaging 19 points in URI’s final dozen games. This summer, Matthews was invited to the prestigious Adidas Nations Camp and turned heads. The Rhode Island guard is the best professional prospect in the league right now and could be a three-year player at URI. We're expecting big things from the lean lefty.


4. DeAndre Bembry, Saint Joseph’s

Formerly making our lists as the top player in Philly, Bembry is now a top five player in the A10. A Co-Rookie of the Year with Matthews, the 6-foot-6 wing is a complete player who is just scratching the surface of his potential. Though the box score can afford him praise, Bembry's best work may come on the defensive end where he is an absolute shutdown defender against multiple positions. Expect his stat line from last year (12.1 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists) to beef up as he becomes the Hawks' go-to player in year two.


5. Briante Weber, VCU

One of the best college perimeter defenders of all time, Weber turned himself into a solid offensive point guard in his junior season (9.4 points, 3.9 assists). Weber not only led the nation in steals last year at 3.46 per game, he basically lapped the field. His 296 career steals give him a shot at breaking the NCAA career record. He and Graham give the Rams two terrific seniors, the value of which cannot be understated. Weber's ability to defend on the ball and jump passing lanes qualify him as a top five player but his potential to develop into a credible offensive player make him all the more valuable.


DiSano's Take:

Something's not Wright here. As in Jerrell. The La Salle big man finished last season with averages of 13.3 ppg and 6.6 rpg and was ranked in the conference's top 10 in several categories, including offensive rebounding (4th) and field goal percentage (4th, 57.6 percent). Penalized by his team's lack of success, Wright has been off the accolade radar but is arguably the best big man in the Atlantic 10. He's a beast on the glass and creates great separation by initiating contact and using an effective jump hook in the pivot. Team success - whether unfair or not - often drives all-conference discussion... but I'd have Wright on here as the 6-8 forward heads into his senior year.

GW's Patricio Garino was the one of only three non-seniors (joining Anthony and Graham last year) to make an all-conference team, 3rd, a year ago -- but doesn't appear here. While steady, I don't think Garino's performance in 2013-14 merited all-conference status, but it's worth noting that Ian left him off his top five list. He misses mine as well. GW's Kethan Savage is another to watch, while an eye also needs to be kept on the Dayton duo of Dyshawn Pierre and Jordan Sibert.

As for these five selections, the versatile, 6-6 Graham is a consistent producer night-in and night-out, scoring in double figures in all but three games last season. Anthony is a tough and fiery scorer, though Matthews and Bembry would be higher on my list. Matthews is a special talent and best NBA prospect in the league. Bembry is the most well-rounded on both sides of the ball. And Weber is an incredibly rare blend of energy, length and lateral quickness that gives him an ability to impact a game defensively like nobody else in the nation. But if I had to swap Wright with one of Ian's choices, it would be for Anthony based on the expected jump I anticipate Bembry and Matthews taking.
Totally agree with every word
 
#18 ·
Top 10 mascots in college basketball

Saint Joseph's Hawk


The Hawk's version of hell? Multiple overtimes because he must keep flapping. We applaud both his durability and ability to meld the iconic fan chant -- "The Hawk will never die" -- with a bird costume.

Saint Louis' Billiken


If the creators of "Monsters, Inc." really wanted to come up with a critter that would haunt children's dreams, they would have included the Billiken. He's so utterly terrifying that he's amusing.

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/11531880/top-10-mascots-college-basketball
 
#21 ·
I'll be pretty disappointed if Severe is shackled a bit. He's a peacock, Captain. You gotta let him fly.
 
#25 ·
#26 ·
DEBATING THE TOP ATLANTIC 10 ARENAS & FAN BASES
By Ian Nolan & Chris DiSano

Ranking anything these days guarantees a debate. Over the past couple days, we ranked the top players and coaches in the Atlantic 10. Today, we take a shot at ranking the best arenas and fan bases in the conference.

The Arenas

Ian's List:

1. UD Arena, Dayton

While not the newest or most advanced facility in the league, UD Arena which opened in 1969 is still the best place to see a game in the A10. With great fans and atmosphere every single game (averaged 12K plus fans) there's no question why the NCAA places its opening round games in Dayton every year. Dayton is 563-211 all time at UD Area. Like Fenway Park or Madison Square Garden, UD Arena is a must-see venue. The nostalgia is ever-present inside the building and Flyers fans are as loyal as they come.

2. Chaifetz Center, Saint Louis

New, bright and beautiful, SLU’s digs are about as impressive as it gets in college hoops. The Billikens drew in 8,400 fans per home game last season and won there as well: SLU went 14-3 at the Chaifetz Center last season and is 87-20 (36-12 in A10) since its opening in 2008. It will be interesting to see if SLU continues its winning ways at home given the massive roster turnover heading into this year. I

3. Siegel Center, VCU

Not as historic as UD Arena or as impressive as Chaifetz, the Siegel Center is simply a raucous band box where VCU hammers opponents (193-29). “The Stu” ranks 11th in the nation in home court advantage according to rpiratings.com, where VCU has beaten 86.9% of all opponents since opening its doors in 1999.

4. Charles E. Smith Center, George Washington

After receiving a $43 million face-lift starting in 2008, the Smith Center has become a fantastic place to catch a game. Opened in 1975, the Smith Center holds 5,000 fans and now has amenities to spare. The Colonials have won just a tick under 70% of their contests all-time.

5. Thomas R. Ryan Center, Rhode Island

Opened in 2002, the Ryan Center often flies under the radar when discussions turn to great facilities. URI can cram over 7,600 fans inside the gorgeous $54 million building which has a high major feel all the way through. Its recent upgrades include a new floor and digital banners. As the Rams keep improving their building will get additional traffic and acclaim from fans who visit the Ocean State.

DiSano's Take:

Not much argument here. Dayton lives and breathes basketball and the energy in UD Arena takes a backseat to no other venue. The other venues are solid in their own right for various reasons and perhaps only the Reilly Center (St. Bonaventure) or Hagan Arena (Saint Joseph's) could be swapped into this list in place of the Charles E. Smith Center.


The Fan-Bases

Ian's List:

1. VCU

No fan base even comes close to VCU's in terms of energy, volume and passion. In the past two years at the Barclay’s Center seeing their fans and band alone have been worth the price of admission. During VCU's blowout wins (which they're many) you'll find yourself just waiting for their bands' next set during the media timeouts. VCU’s fans truly feed off their team’s “Havoc” style in the seats. Spike Lee travels to see them play regularly, so you know they bring the heat.

2. Dayton

Before the Rams arrived in the league, Dayton fans topped this list. While no longer number one, UD fans still travel just as well and show up at arenas all over the country, especially during March. Their fight song is not only tremendous but it will reside your head long into the spring. Technically a fan, Rudy Flyer, is likely the league's best mascot.

3. St. Bonaventure

Despite being the smallest school in the league, no fan base packs as much punch as Bonnies’. They have as passionate a fan-base as you will find despite not having the funding for a pep band (they thank Dayton for playing in their stead last March).Last year, in the league semi-final against Saint Joseph’s, Bonnies fans traveled three times as far and dominated the arena despite losing on the hardwood. No matter where the Bonnies play, there always seem to be an alumni presence that defies logic given their incredibly small alumni base.

4. Saint Louis

Much like Dayton fans, SLU fans have made a habit of traveling all the way to Brooklyn to watch their team play. Their Midwest-base fans are friendly and knowledgeable and have been a great addition to the league since their arrival. It will be interesting to see if this fan presence decreases this March in New York if the Billikens are not a top 25 team.

5. George Mason

While Mason’s play on the floor last year was anything but pretty, their fans are still top-notch. Their home games were swell attended averaging nearly 5,000 despite a horrific season (11-20). That is a true sign of a diehard fan-base. Expect Mason Nation to make a bigger splash this year at the Barclay’s Center if their squad has a respectable season. Mason Nation does still exists—the A10 just hasn't seen it full throttle yet. Here's to hoping that happens next winter.

DiSano's Take:

Fueled by outstanding commitment from its administration (and on game days by one helluva band) the VCU fan base has developed a gigantic presence and definitely has the most reach and resonance of A10 schools in recent years... whether traditionally, across social media platforms, etc. -- but Dayton's fans have withstood the test of time. Whether the Flyers are winning consistently or struggling, the place is filled. That's telling. Neither fan base deserves to be number two here.

http://www.coxhub.com/articles/deba...=8064584&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter
 
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#27 ·
DEBATING THE TOP 5 COACHES IN THE ATLANTIC 10
By Ian Nolan & Chris DiSano

Ian's List:

1. Shaka Smart, VCU

Not even 40 yet, Smart has a .749 career winning percentage (136-46) and a Final Four under his belt. The second youngest coach to reach 100 wins, Smart is more than a head coach but almost an iconic figure in college basketball for his electric personality and up-tempo coaching style. While Smart signed an eight-year extension to stay at VCU back in 2011, his name will likely be front and center for high profile jobs at Duke and North Carolina as soon as they open up. Smart is one of the most recognizable faces in college basketball today and has elevated VCU into a national brand and recruiting powerhouse despite not playing in a high major conference.

2. Jim Crews, Saint Louis

With a 55-14 record over two years at SLU, Crews has racked up several accolades (NABC Coach of the Year, Sporting News Coach of the Year and back-to-back A10 Coach of the Year Awards) since taking over at SLU following Rick Majerus’s untimely passing. His poor seven-year stint at Army is about the only blemish on his resume—in Crews' defense Army doesn't exactly have a winning tradition. Crews has been named his league’s Coach of the Year a total of six times. The 2014-2015 season will test Crews tremendously as the Billikens graduated almost all of their major talent.

3. Archie Miller, Dayton

Miller vaults up this list following UD’s run to the Elite Eight last year (26-11). His three-year coaching record is a stout 63-38 and the 35-year-old Miller seems to be developing as a head coach each year. Last summer, Miller was nowhere close to top five, but his run in March turned heads. He can strengthen his place here by improving his record in A10 play where his Flyers have hit just a few games over .500 since he took over from Brian Gregory.

4. Chris Mooney, Richmond

No one gets more out of his team each season than Chris Mooney who has a record of 166-132 at Richmond over nine seasons. A tremendous basketball mind and developer of players within his system, the only knock on Mooney is his club hasn't won 20 games since Justin Harper and Kevin Anderson left town following the 2011 season (29-8, Sweet 16). Mooney’s team hasn’t finished higher than seventh since 2011 but we expect that to change this year as the Spiders have seemingly improved.

5. Phil Martelli, Saint Joseph’s

Martelli bought himself a ton of equity with Hawk fans after their A10 Tournament Championship last year following back-to-back NIT appearances. After losing three stars, this year will really showcase Martelli’s coaching ability. St. Bonaventure's Mark Schmidt could easily crack this list for his ability to elevate his roster each and every year but we will give the Bald Eagle the slightest of edges here coming off a championship.

DiSano's Take:

The Atlantic 10 is a league full of great coaches and it's tough to argue with any of Ian's selections in Smart, Crews, Miller, Mooney and Martelli. I'm not sure about Miller among the league's elite just yet, but when you take your team to an Elite 8 I'm also not sure it matters what some bald guy in Rhode Island thinks.

That said, Bob McKillop, though a new face, is one of the best coaches you'll find. He'll have his work cut out for him as Davidson enters new competitive territory, but the man can coach. Mark Schmidt also does wonders up at Bonaventure. Mike Lonergan has been outstanding at GW... the list goes on. Bottom line: there is an excellent coaching contingent woven throughout in the A10. Pick 5 and go with 'em. Just about any mix is defensible.


http://www.coxhub.com/articles/debating-the-top-5-coaches-in-the-atlantic-10
 
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#30 ·
Saint Louis may get the Final Four Nod




ST. LOUIS — St. Louis Sports Commission president Frank Viverito is hopeful after meeting with NCAA officials about the city's bid to host an upcoming men's basketball Final Four.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that six NCAA officials have visited St. Louis. Viverito told the newspaper he felt good about the way it went.

Eight finalists are competing for NCAA Final Four sites for 2017 through 2020. St. Louis is probably an underdog considering that the other cities have new stadiums. They are Indianapolis, Atlanta, New Orleans, Minnesota, Dallas, San Antonio and Phoenix.

http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-ba...aint-louis-sites-slu-indy-atlanta-new-orleans
 
#31 · (Edited)
Indy will almost certainly get 2020. Atlanta would probably get one anyway, but a new stadium almost guarantees it. New Orleans is a final four hub, they probably get one.

I think Phoenix will get the last spot. Hasn't been a final four out west since 1995. It's time. The stadium has hosted a regional, College football title games, and soon to be a 2nd Super Bowl. They're more than ready. Minnesota, Dallas, and St Louis can fight for 2021-2024 spots.
 
#32 · (Edited)
On the fan base ranking: We were standing around Beale St after the Elite 8 game, and a group of Florida fans walked by and started talking to us. After talking about the game a bit, they paid Dayton fans the highest possible compliment: "It felt like an SEC football road game in there". The area around Beale St and the arena was a sea of red, including a small park roughly 1/2 a block by 1/2 a block filled shoulder to shoulder. It was incredible.

There are only two A10 arenas that could fit Dayton's season ticket base, UD Arena and Chaifetz. And by tipoff on opening night, UD may have out sold Chaifetz.

Dayton fans, man. We are a disease. Symptoms include a red, vest shaped rash and an irrational sense that every black referee has it out for us.
 
#36 ·
Uh oh! Ramble like Rothstein is at VCU so it is about to be Twitter Havoc.

Jon Rothstein ‏@JonRothstein 17m
Greetings from VCU! Here to check out the clear favorite in the Atlantic 10.
 
#42 · (Edited)
Jon Rothstein ‏@JonRothstein 36s
This could wind up being Shaka Smart's deepest team at VCU. Rams will play 11. Have reserves that would start at other A 10 schools.

Jon Rothstein ‏@JonRothstein 1m
Palpable buzz out of VCU surrounding Melvin Johnson. 6-3 SG made 66 3's last year as a sophomore. Should make between 80 and 95 in 14-15.

Jon Rothstein ‏@JonRothstein 57s
Terry Larrier may not immediately start for VCU but he'll hit his stride by the time the Rams hit A 10 play. Kid has no ceiling. Pro.

Jon Rothstein ‏@JonRothstein 50s
Early prediction on VCU's starting five --- Briante Weber, Melvin Johnson, Jordan Burgess, Treveon Graham, Mo Alie-Cox....

Jon Rothstein ‏@JonRothstein 47s
Mike Gilmore gives VCU a different look at the 5. 6-9 freshman is a pick and pop big that can face the basket. Has a chance. Very skilled.

Jon Rothstein ‏@JonRothstein 2m
Mo Alie-Cox is one of the more physically imposing big men I've seen in person. 6-6, 250. Will start for VCU at the 5. 8 and 8 guy.

Jon Rothstein ‏@JonRothstein 2m
VCU may have a better team this year than last but Rams could enter A 10 with a spotty record. Non-conference slate is BRUTAL.

Jon Rothstein ‏@JonRothstein 1m
The guy who's going to surprise people on VCU is freshman PG Johnny Williams. Built like a fullback. Big time facilitator. Going to play.

Jon Rothstein ‏@JonRothstein 1m
Quick thought: JeQuan Lewis may be better served playing in long stretches off the ball. VCU's second best shooter behind Melvin Johnson.
 
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