After the non-conference schedule, it’s time to take a look at where John and I have faltered in our MAAC predictions prior to the season…
Where We Went Wrong (So Far):
3. Manhattan as the best team in the league, George Beamon as Player of the Year. — Our preseason pick for best team has not shown up and worse yet, suffered injuries. George Beamon has played only four games this season while battling injuries and could potentially sit the season out as a medical redshirt. Though that would cause all other sorts of hassle and roster machinations for the Jaspers.
2. Siena as a Top 5 team in the league. — This prediction, predicated on a deep team that improved from last year’s MAAC semifinals finish and returning players would move them into the top five hasn’t worked. It’s been tough to watch Siena run offense in the two guard set with sophomores Evan Hymes and Rahkeem Brookins, despite both of them averaging double-figures per game. Senior O.D. Anosike has been keyed in on by so many opponents that he is getting limited touches at times.
1. Fairfield as a bottom-level team in the league. — The Stags have won five in a row, shortly after Sydney Johnson received a contract extension until 2019, and appear to be one of the most complete teams in the league. Freshmen Amadou Sidibie and Marcus Gilbert have shown great potential early in the season and are starting to thrive behind the senior guard core of Derek Needham, Colin Nickerson and Desmond Wade.
Biggest Question Marks (Heading Into the Season):
5. How will Canisius’ transfers have an impact? — Clearly yes. Canisius has been off to a great start that includes a big win at Temple in the non-conference portion of the schedule. Already 2-0, the Golden Griffins could potentially start conference play 6-0 or better. Billy Baron has come in and been an instant Player of the Year Candidate and each transfer for Canisius has provided impact play so far this year.
4. Will Marist’s turnaround start this season? — Marist has shown flashes of brilliance, including a win over Vanderbilt and staying with Bucknell in December, however the Red Foxes have yet to find the consistency they need to become a top five team in the league. Chavaughn Lewis has turned around a slow start and began to put together better games but the team needs consistent play from Adam Kemp to turn around this season. The schedule makers were not kind with four of their first five games in January on the road against the majority of MAAC contenders.
3. How will Siena’s depth come in to play? — Siena’s depth has not come in to play so far this season as the Saints have started 2-11 while playing very few players off the bench. Davis Martens began the season in the starting lineup and has all but disappeared from being an impact player. Mitch Buonaguro is still searching for the answer at the four spot but could have it once Imoh Silas gets his confidence as an inside player. If the team that played the second half against Fordham in December, making shots and playing better defense, Siena will have a chance to upset teams in league play but until they show any consistency half to half, this team will likely be at the bottom of the league.
2. Will Loyola (MD) be able to fill their losses from last season? — Mostly. Not only did Loyola (MD) have to worry about R.J. Williams suspension but also managed to lose the coaches pick for Preseason Player of the Year, Erik Etherly, to a shoulder injury. Etherly is back now and Jimmy Patsos has the team competitive, if not at the top of the league at the moment. Beyond Etherly though the front court still has question marks.
1. How will Iona’s newcomers come together? — Very quickly. After experiencing some tough losses early Iona has come together quickly and improved. Also David Laury is now in the mix for a team that has a ton of offensive weapons which means improving freshman A.J. English can provide a spark off the bench.
Updated First Team All MAAC (in alphabetical order):
O.D. Anosike, Siena, Sr.
Sean Armand, Iona, Jr.
Billy Baron, Canisius, Jr.
Erik Etherly, Loyola, Sr.
Derek Needham, Fairfield, Sr.
Not far behind: Lamont ‘MoMo’ Jones, Iona, Sr.; Desi Washington, St. Peter’s, So.; Juan’ya Green, Niagara, So.; Issac Sosa, Canisius, Sr.; Jonathon Thompson, Rider, Sr.; Antoine Mason, Niagara, So.; Rhamel Brown, Manhattan, Jr.; Dylon Cormier, Loyola, Jr.
John’s note: Watch David Laury of Iona make the first team by the end of the season. He’s that good.
Ryan’s note: MoMo not first team is John’s idea. I think MoMo is close in the Player of the Year ballot.
Updated MAAC Player of the Year:
Billy Baron, Canisius, Jr. — Baron is the unlikely choice of this First Team All-MAAC right now but if the junior can lead Canisius to a league title and continue to put up the numbers he has, Baron should be an extremely strong candidate for player of the year. The junior has adjusted to a completely new group of weapons around him and become an assist machine for a team that loves to get up and down. January 13th when Iona and Canisius meet for the first time in New Rochelle will tell us a lot about how these top two teams in the league stack up against each other.
MAAC Rookie of the Year Race: Amadou Sidibie & Marcus Gilbert, Fairfield; A.J. English, Iona
Marcus Gilbert might currently be the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year, he’s already won the Rookie of the Week award twice while A.J. English won’t be too far behind. English, whose also won best for the week twice already, has improved throughout the year on a deep Iona roster.
Adjusted Mid-Season Rankings
- Canisius
- Iona
- Loyola (MD)
- Fairfield
- Niagara
- Marist
- Rider
- Manhattan
- St. Peter’s
- Siena
The adjusted midseason rankings find Canisius to be the co-favorite with Iona as the top two in the league. After that, the third through seven seeds will likely have 8 to 11 wins. Siena appears set for a Friday night first round contest. Those appear to be the only givens in the league right now.
Ryan Restivo covers the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference for Big Apple Buckets. You can follow Ryan on Twitter @ryanarestivo.
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