BROOKLYN, N.Y. – Saint Louis has been picked No. 1 in the league’s annual men’s basketball preseason poll, which was announced today at Atlantic 10 Media Day at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.
The Billikens claimed 15 of the 26 first-place votes to finish ahead of Saint Joseph’s, Davidson and George Mason. All A-10 head coaches and select media members vote on the poll.
Additionally, Saint Louis placed a league-high three players on the A-10’s preseason All-Conference teams. Senior guard Javon Bess and sophomore guard Jordan Goodwin were named preseason second-team All-Conference, while sophomore forward Hasahn French was named to the third team. Bess landed on the league’s preseason All-Defensive team as well.
This is the first year that SLU has been picked to win the A-10 in the league’s preseason poll. The Billikens twice were picked second – in 2012 and 2013. SLU captured back-to-back A-10 regular-season crowns in 2013 and 2014, and the Bills won the 2013 A-10 Championship at Barclays Center.
Preseason projected A-10 order of finish with first-place votes:
1. St. Louis (15)
2. St. Joseph’s (4)
3. Davidson (6)
4. George Mason (1)
5. Rhode Island
6. Dayton
7. VCU
8. UMass
9. St. Bonaventure
10. Richmond
11. Duquesne
12. La Salle
13. GW
14. Fordham
