The Atlantic 10 has always been the little man when perceived by the rest of the nation compared other conferences such as the ACC, Big 10, and the SEC. However, it boasts five separate programs that have been able to make it to the Elite Eight within the past twelve years and it looks like the 2016 recruiting classes should bring further success for its programs when it comes to March.

While the season doesn’t look as bright as it has in past years, UMass enters the early signing period with a top-25 recruiting class nationally. It has quite possibly the best pro prospect with DeJon Jarreau, a slender but talented 6-foot-5 combo guard, along with such other top-150 big men in Brison Gresham and Chris Baldwin. Throw in an elite athlete and killer defender in Unique McLean and the 6-foot-2 combo guard makes this class, well, unique.

George Washington showcases the best interior rebounder throughout the conference with Kevin Marfo and Arnaldo Toro fits in right next to him. The two should be lethal glass cleaners the next few years and disable opportunities for its opponents on the weakside glass. The guard set heading to GW isn’t too shabby either where Darnell Rogers and Jair Bolden, both of whom should be able to play on and off the ball respectively, can positively impact the program from day one. Add in another big man with Collin Smith and any other year, this year’s class for the Colonials would be the best within the conference.

Not far behind the Minutemen are the Rams of Rhode Island. Going big was definitely the focus with the class and the A10 favorite heading into this season was able to spread its wings outside of its geographical niche. Michael Layssard hails from Louisiana, Michael Tertsea enters the fold from John Carroll School in Maryland, and Cyril Langevine plays out his high school days at The Patrick School in New Jersey. All three stand 6-foot-8 and above and bring immediate toughness, upside, and production from 15-feet and in. Jeff Dowtin became the last of the four to give his word to the Rams and the lone guard recruit in the class with good length, the 6-foot-3 guard scores the ball very well out of the intermediate area.

VCU settles in with one of the best prospects within the conference in Deriante Jenkins, a 6-foot-6 wing from South Carolina. Versatility is the name of the game with Jenkins and with a last minute addition of Marquell Fraser before the signing period, a guy that can play the 1-3 and is an excellent passer of the basketball, and the talent heading to VCU doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon.

Programs like Duquesne, George Mason, and Richmond have all locked in three or more prospects during the early signing period which should bring further success in getting a leg up in the classes ahead.

Richmond kept all three of its recruits within the state and Nick Sherod is the figurehead of the class. The 6-foot-4 guard from the city of Richmond is a drop dead shooter of the basketball and the son of a coach, Sherod should be an immediate energy giver and shot-maker during his early days on Chris Mooney’s squad.

The Dukes have a sneaky class with two perimeter shooters that fit their system very well and an under the radar but sturdy option at the lead guard with Michael Lewis II. It is Isiaha Mike that might be the biggest sleeper commit within the conference as the 6-foot-8 Canadian brings a lively body to the floor along with a perimeter skillset via his outside jumper.

George Mason welcomes in a four person group that should lay down the foundation that new head coach Dave Paulsen hopes to set in Fairfax. While none of four signees are national names, each serve a purpose and bring quality toughness and a mature approach to the hardwood.

As a whole, several programs like Davidson, Dayton, Fordham, La Salle, St. Joe’s, and St. Bonaventure’s have some further work to be done in finishing off each of their respective classes, but the potential and immediate talent hitting campuses throughout the A10 is promising, to say the very least.

Corey Evans’ take: Yes, UMass and Rhode Island have put together quality classes, groups that can be seen as nationally recognized, but it is hard to not appreciate the recruits headed to Richmond, GW, and Duquesne. While the former two have always been serious threats within the conference, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the group headed to the Bluff as reasons why the Dukes become threats for postseason play in the nearby future.  

Biggest recruiting story: UMass cements its future with a super versatile and star-studded class led by the duo from Louisiana and in two years, the Minutemen are reaping the rewards as all four members become solid catalysts in taking the program back to the NCAA Tournament.

ATLANTIC 10 CONFERENCE TEAM RANKINGS

1. UMass
2. George Washington
3. Rhode Island
4. VCU
5. Richmond
6. Duquesne
7. George Mason
8. Dayton
9. St. Louis
10. St. Joe’s
11. La Salle
12. St. Bonaventure
13T. Davidson
13T. Fordham

ATLANTIC 10 CLASS SUPERLATIVES