The America East found themselves on the wrong side of the transfer market this offseason. Reigning Freshman of the Year, Vermont’s Four McGlynn, transferred to Towson. Albany lost Logan Aronhalt, their second-leading scorer last season, to Maryland while Gerardo Suero, their leading scorer a season ago, went pro. Boston U. not only lost Jake O’Brien to Temple, they lost their right to play in the America East tournament when they made the decision to jump to the Patriot League after the season. Even Binghamton, who won just two games last year, lost three of their top five scorers, had their head coach fired and is dealing with two more players getting arrested.
While it may seem like it from that description, the America East isn’t a complete dumpster fire. Stony Brook lost three of their top four scorers, but they do return Dave Coley, who should be read to shoulder more of the scoring load, and Tommy Brenton. Brenton is one of the most intriguing players in the conference, as he led the Sea Wolves in rebounding, assists and steals a season ago.
Brenton isn’t the only one to put up that statline, however. UVM’s Brian Voelkel did the same, but the Catamounts will also be dealing with losing three of their top four scorers. Luke Apfeld and Clancy Rugg will be asked to play a bigger role this year, but it may not be enough to catch Stony Brook, who brings in a talented freshmen class that will be counted on to contribute immediately.
The sleeper may end up being BU. DJ Irving might be the best player in the conference, and he’ll be joined in the back court by Maurice Watson, a freshman point guard that cracked top 100 lists heading into the season. Hartford finished strong down the stretch last year as well, while Albany will be counting on Mike Black to make up for the loss of Suero and Aronhalt.
While UVM and SBU are the favorites in the league, there is enough transition on their rosters that the regular season title could end up being up for grabs.
All-Conference Team (* denotes Player of the Year)
G: DJ Irving, BU
G: Mike Black, Albany
F: Tommy Brenton, Stony Brook*
F: Alasdair Fraser, Maine
F: Chase Plummer, UMBC
G: Mike Black, Albany
F: Tommy Brenton, Stony Brook*
F: Alasdair Fraser, Maine
F: Chase Plummer, UMBC
Predicted Standings
1. Stony Brook
2. Vermont
3. Boston
4. Albany
5. Hartford
6. Maine
7. New Hampshire
8. UMBC
9. Binghamton
2. Vermont
3. Boston
4. Albany
5. Hartford
6. Maine
7. New Hampshire
8. UMBC
9. Binghamton
