Men’s Basketball: Patriot League Power Rankings — Preseason

By: Hannah Yoshinaga and Ethan Fuller

Featured image courtesy of John Munson/AP Photo.

After months of uncertainty over whether there would even be a collegiate basketball season, the Patriot League is finally back and ready to kick off on January 2. 

While a championship still looms in mid-March, the league slate will look nothing like it did in previous years. For one thing, teams have been reorganized into mini-conferences to limit travel, so schools will play the majority of their games against the same two or three opponents. Competition has also been limited to weekends, so teams will play back-to-back games on Saturdays and Sundays and spend the rest of the week resting and practicing. 

For this inaugural edition of the Power Rankings, Ethan Fuller and Hannah Yoshinaga review each team’s biggest offseason changes and predict how every squad’s season could play out. 

1. Colgate University

Record Last Season: 25-9 (overall), 14-4 (PL) 

Additions: F Sam Thomson (freshman), G Alex Capitano (freshman), C Jeff Woodward (freshman) 

Losses: F Will Rayman (graduated), F Rapolas Ivanauskas (graduated), G Milan Williams (graduated)   

Returners: G Nelly Cummings, G Jordan Burns, G Zach Light, G Pearson Parker, G Ryan Moffatt, G David Maynard, F Nicholas Evtimov, G Jack Ferguson, F Keegan Records, G Tucker Richardson, F Malcolm Bailey, G Oliver Lynch-Daniels, F Blake Henry

The Raiders fell just short of winning their second consecutive Patriot League title last season, and they are certainly looking to return to the NCAA tournament this year. However, if they do make another title run, they’ll have to do so with almost an entirely different frontcourt, as longtime stalwarts Will Rayman and Rapolas Ivanauskas graduated in the spring. 

Thankfully for the Raiders, sophomore forward Keegan Records is primed to step into a larger role at the 4 or 5 after impressing during his freshman season. Colgate brought in some frontcourt reinforcements with its recruiting class as well, including All-NEPSAC First Team forward Sam Thomson. The Raiders also return Nelly Cummings and Jordan Burns, two of the top guards in the league. Burns was voted Preseason Player of the Year by the league.

The Raiders look like the strongest team in the league to begin the season, but they could be tested with four mini-conference matchups against BU, another Patriot League powerhouse. — Hannah Yoshinaga 

This Week: January 2 at Army, January 3 vs. Army 

2. Boston University

https://twitter.com/TerrierMBB/status/1258532509014343680

Record Last Season: 16-14 (overall), 12-6 (PL)  

Additions: G Caelan Jones (freshman), F Andrew Patnode (freshman), G/F Anthony Morales (freshman), G Miles Brewster (freshman) 

Losses: C Max Mahoney (graduated), Adam Mikula (graduated) 

Returners: G Ethan Brittain-Watts, G Alex Vilarino, G/F Walter Whyte, G Andrew Petcash, G Jonas Harper, G Tarkan Taboglu, G Javante McCoy, G Michael Quinn, F Jack Hemphill, F Tim Uzoegbu, G/F Fletcher Tynen, F Sukhmail Mathon, G Garrett Pascoe, G Daman Tate

The defending champion Terriers slot in as the second-best team in our rankings, behind the team they beat in last year’s title bout. So why are they not the top dogs?

Well, Max Mahoney might be the most consequential loss among any team in the conference. The 2020 graduate led BU in points, rebounds, steals and blocks, and was second on the roster in assists. When the offense struggled, the Terriers could feed Mahoney touches, get some easy buckets in the post, and revive the ball movement.

Sukhmail Mathon and Jack Hemphill will have to fill the void in the short-term. But otherwise, this team returns remarkable depth and looks much like last year’s champs. Senior Javante McCoy is poised for a capstone season, and Walter Whyte, who cracked the preseason All-League team, now has a full year of health under his belt. The guard rotation should be exciting to watch.

BU edged out Colgate to claim first in the Patriot League preseason poll, and it’s close to a coin toss between the two teams. Lucky for us, they have four regular season games to establish a hierarchy.— Ethan Fuller 

This Week: January 4 vs. Holy Cross, January 5 at Holy Cross 

3. Lafayette College

https://twitter.com/CBSSportsNet/status/1224492682392883200

Record Last Season: 19-12 (overall), 10-8 (PL) 

Additions: G Ryan Zambie (freshman), G Eric Sondberg (freshman), F Kyle Jenkins (freshman), G Jon Brantley (freshman), F Tomas Verbinskis (transferred from Richmond) 

Losses: G Cal Reichwein, F Lukas Jarrett, G Kyle Stout, F Myles Cherry  

Returners: G Tyrone Perry, G Jay Vaughn, G Justin Jaworski, F Sean Good, G E.J. Stephens, G Alex Petrie, F Michael Anekwe, F Leo O’Boyle, F Dylan Hastings, F Neal Quinn

Similar to Colgate, Lafayette’s frontcourt will look much different this season as the Leopards seek to replace the product of Lukas Jarrett and Myles Cherry, two of the most productive forwards in the league last season. While Leo O’Boyle impressed in his freshman campaign, he needs to make even bigger strides to help replace Jarrett and Cherry. Lafayette’s other returning forwards will also see increased minutes, providing an opportunity for growth. 

Despite the turnover in the frontcourt, Lafayette returns an impressive backcourt led by 2021 Preseason All-Patriot League First Team selection Justin Jaworski, as well as standouts E.J. Stephens and Tyrone Perry.— Hannah Yoshinaga

This Week: January 2 vs. Lehigh, January 3 at Lehigh 

4. Bucknell University

Record Last Season: 14-20 (overall), 8-10 (PL) 

Additions: G Deuce Turner (freshman), G Josh Adoh (freshman), C Andre Screen (freshman), G Alek Delev (freshman), Miles Latimer (transfer from Stony Brook) 

Losses: G Jimmy Sotos (transferred to Ohio State), G Avi Toomer (graduated), F Bruce Moore (graduated), G Ben Robertson (graduated), F Kahliel Spear (transferred to Robert Morris)

Returners: C Paul Newman, G Walter Ellis, F Malachi Rhodes, G Jordan Sechan, G Andrew Funk, F John Meeks, G Xander Rice, F Jake Van Der Heijden, C Alex Timmerman 

For the first time in a while, Bucknell spent 2019-20 languishing in the middle tier of the conference. The Patriot League’s traditional powerhouse battled offensive inconsistency, averaging just 67.6 points per game and giving the ball away 13.3 times per contest. 

Jimmy Sotos, Avi Toomer and Bruce Moore are all gone, but the Bison have a host of players ready to step up. Walter Ellis canned over 41 percent of his threes last season and should join Andrew Funk in the backcourt, along with lead returning scorer John Meeks. The freshman class could also see action early. Last year was a transition year for the Bison, but this season brings hope of restored success. — Ethan Fuller 

This Week: January 2 vs. Navy, January 3 at Navy 

5. Navy

Record Last Season: 14-16 (overall), 8-10 (PL) 

Additions: G Austin Inge (freshman), G Trae Broadnax (freshman), F B.J. Knight (freshman), G Charles West (freshman), F Aaron Davis (freshman), F Tony Atkinson (freshman), C Ejai Washington (freshman) 

Losses: G Dave Kasanganay (transferred to East Carolina), C Evan Wieck (graduated)

Returners: G John Carter Jr., G Nick Brown, G Sean Yoder, F Tyler Nelson, G Christian Jones, F Jaylen Walker, G P.J. Roach Jr., G Greg Summers, G Patrick Dorsey, G Cam Davis, F P.J. Fenton, F Alec Loehr, G Christian Silva, F Daniel Deaver, F Luke Loehr, F Nate Allison, F Richard Njoku, C Zach Kelch 

The Midshipmen were one of two Patriot League teams who got a head start with some non-conference action. They looked great, going 3-1 with wins over George Washington and Georgetown. Cam Davis figures to be in the Player of the Year conversation.  He dropped 28 on the Hoyas in Navy’s win and made the Preseason All-PL team.

But Davis isn’t alone in an improving offense. John Carter Jr. has averaged 13.5 points per game as a junior and looks like a solid second option. Greg Summers and Tyler Nelson have their good days, and high-motor forward Richard Njoku should find his footing among younger frontcourt opponents. Navy cleared 70 points just six times all of last year; the team has already done so three times in four games this season.

Of course, Navy is known for fielding one of the best defenses in the Patriot League. If the offense looks as good as it has out of conference, the Midshipmen could become a dangerous team in the PL South.  — Ethan Fuller 

This Week: January 2 at Bucknell, January 3 vs. Bucknell

6. American University

Record Last Season: 16-14 (overall), 12-6 (PL) 

Additions: G Victor Brown Jr. (freshman), G Lorenzo Donadio (freshman), G Chris Gleaton (freshman), F Christian Lorng (transferred from Chipola College), F Johnny O’Neil (freshman), F Matt Rogers (freshman), G Colin Smalls (freshman)  

Losses: G Sa’eed Nelson (graduated), F Yilret Yiljep (graduated), F/C Mark Gasperini (graduated), G Jacob Boonyasith (transferred to UMBC)  

Returners: G Stacy Beckton Jr., G Jamir Harris, F Connor Nelson, G Marvin Bragg, F Josh Alexander, G Ben Lubarsky, G Christian Sutton, F Jesse Little 

Like many other teams in the league, American is coming off of a big loss — 2019-20 Player of the Year Sa’eed Nelson, who recently secured a pro deal. The Eagles lost another major contributor in Mark Gasperini, who did a majority of the squad’s rebounding along with Nelson last season. American will look to replace those two with continued contributions from senior Stacy Beckton Jr. — a third-team All-PL selection last season — and transfer forward Christian Lorng, who could see significant time in the frontcourt right away. 

Once players get past the initial growing pains of stepping into larger roles, the Eagles could easily ascend the PL standings. However, that could prove difficult until everyone gets comfortable in their new roles. — Hannah Yoshinaga 

This Week: January 2 vs. Loyola MD, January 3 at Loyola MD 

7. Loyola University Maryland

Record Last Season: 15-17 (overall), 7-11 (PL) 

Additions: G Wade Jackson (freshman), F Alonso Faure (freshman)  

Losses: G Andrew Kostecka (graduated), F Kavaughn Scott (graduated), G Chuck Champion (graduated) 

Returners: G Jaylin Andrews, G Luke Johnson, G Isaiah Hart, G Garren Davis, F Golden Dike, G Brandon Bradsher, G Cam Spencer, F Markese Redding, G Ethan Norton, F Casmir Ochiaka, F Brent Holcombe, G Daraun Gray, G Kenneth Jones, F Santi Aldama

Full disclosure: Hannah and I are split on the Greyhounds. I am buying all the Santi Aldama stock, especially with a depleted crop of bigs league-wide. He has already landed on the Preseason All-PL First Team. Cam Spencer also showed flashes as a freshman, and Golden Dike has potential as a physical presence inside.

But the graduation of Andrew Kostecka deprives Loyola Maryland of their best player on both ends. He ran the show in Maryland for the last few years, and the team will be hard-pressed to find another mix of takeover scoring and pesky defense. The Greyhounds have a cavernous gap between their ceiling and floor. The difference essentially comes down to the growth of this sophomore class.— Ethan Fuller  

This Week: January 2 at American, January 3 vs. Loyola MD 

8. Lehigh University

Record Last Season: 11-21 (overall), 7-11 (PL) 

Additions: G Jalin Sinclair (freshman), G Luke Traina (freshman), G Jayshen Saigal (freshman), F Ben Li (freshman), F/C Dominic Parolin (freshman), C JT Tan (freshman) 

Losses: G Jordan Cohen (graduated), G David Roelke (graduated), C James Karnik (transferred to Boston College), F Ed Porter (graduated), C Jack Lieb (graduated) 

Returners: F Jakob Alamudun, F Jeameril Wilson, G Jake Betlow, G Andrei Arion, G Evan Taylor, G Marques Wilson, G Reed Fenton, C Nic Lynch 

The Mountain Hawks are another squad searching for firepower on offense and on the glass. Jordan Cohen’s graduation and James Karnik’s transfer to BC leave two giant holes in the rotation. Both were efficient scorers and two-way threats. The pressure is on juniors Jeameril Wilson and Nic Lynch to step up.

All-Rookie member Reed Fenton is a sophomore breakout candidate. Classmate Evan Taylor did not make the honorary team, but might have had an even better freshman year. There’s hope for Lehigh, but the young team has to prove itself first.  — Ethan Fuller 

This Week: January 2 at Lafayette, January 3 vs. Lafayette 

9. Army

Record Last Season: 15-15 (overall), 10-8 (PL) 

Additions: G Jalen Rucker (freshman), G Traye Carson (freshman), G Noah Jager (freshman), G Zach Lezanic (freshman), G Kwabena Davis (freshman), G Jared Cross (freshman), F Charlie Peterson (freshman), G Isaac Bullard (freshman), F Matt Dove (freshman), G Zach Rocco (freshman), F Abe Johnson (freshman)   

Losses: G Tommy Funk (graduated), F/C Matt Wilson (graduated), G Will Culliton (graduated), F Keeston Smith (graduated), G Lance Lawson (graduated)  

Returners: G Josh Caldwell, G Brendan Thiele, F Chris Mann, G Mark Madden, G Tucker Blackwell, F Nick Finke, G Lonnie Grayson, G Aaron Duhart, G Jordan Coleman, F Ben Kinker, G John Scully, F Alex King, F Ben Jensen, C Sam Parini

The Black Knights were already bound to face some difficulty this season after losing their two best players and bringing in a mediocre recruiting class, but the Patriot League’s conference realignment made life even tougher for Army. More than half of Army’s mini-conference games are against Colgate and BU — the top two teams in the conference — posing a challenge to the young squad. 

On a positive note, Army showed some flashes of hope during its five-game non-conference schedule. The Black Knights eked out a few close wins and lost to Florida by fewer than 10 points on Dec. 2. Returning guard Lonnie Grayson was the team’s top scorer against the Gators, putting up 13 points to go along with eight rebounds and three assists. — Hannah Yoshinaga

This Week: January 2 vs. Colgate, January 3 at Colgate 

10. Holy Cross

Record Last Season: 3-29 (overall), 2-16 (PL) 

Additions: G R.J. Johnson (freshman), G Bo Montgomery (freshman), G Dajion Humphrey (freshman), F Michael Rabinovich (freshman), G/F Judson Martindale (freshman), F Louth-M Coulibaly (freshman), F Gerrale Gates (transfer from New Orleans)

Losses: F Joe Pridgen (transferred to UNC Wilmington), G Drew Lowder (transferred to Eastern Michigan), F Connor Niego (transferred to Lewis), F Ciaran Sandy (transferred to Miami Dade College), G Clayton Le Sann (graduated), G Lincoln Yeutter (transferred to Johns Hopkins), G Kyle Copeland, F Blake Verbeek (transferred to Grand Valley State) 

Returners: G Ryan Wade, G Austin Butler, G Joey Reilly, G Malcolm Townsel, F Matt Faw, F D.J. Hart

It’s hard to envision a worse offseason for Holy Cross, which lost several of its top contributors after posting one of the worst records in Division I basketball last season. The loss of Rookie of the Year Joe Pridgen is especially painful, as the forward represented a potential turning of the corner for the bottom-feeding Crusaders. 

On the positive side, the departure of more than half the roster will open up plenty of opportunities for Holy Cross’ large recruiting class. Freshmen to watch include forwards Michael Rabinovich and Judson Martindale, both of whom received offers from multiple other Patriot League programs. Playing time should essentially be up for grabs, opening the door for any player eager to make an immediate impact. — Hannah Yoshinaga 

This Week: January 4 at BU, January 5 vs. BU

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