Team Overview: The Terriers bring back the America East assist leader D.J. Irving who's role should expand with the loss of America East POY Darryl Partin. Look for freshman guard Mauric Watson to make an immediate impact for Boston U. Dom Morris, Malik Thomas, and Travis Robinson will play key roles in the front court. Boston U. will not be elgible for the AE tournament due to the university switching conferences (Patriot League).
Team Overview: This could be the year the Seawolves breakthrough and get a bid to the NCAA tournament, something that's avoided them the past three years despite winning the regular season titles in 2009-2010 and 2011-2012. Stony Brook losses three starters, but returns great depth. F Tommy Brenton can do it all and could average a double-double this season. Dave Cooley was the teams leading scorer a year ago. Look for Freshman Jameel Warney to make an impact. Five players return with significant playing time.
#3 Maine
Arena: Harold Alfond Sports Arena (5,712) Returning Starters: 3
Team Overview: The Black Bears will rely heavily on G Justoin Edwards and F Alasdair Fraser. The two combined for 27 points and 13.4 rebounds a game last season. F/C Mike Allison had 49 blocks a year ago and plays a key role in Maine's defense. It will be key for a role player to emerge this season. Freshman Til Gloger will add depth in the front court.
#4 Vermont
Arena: Patrick Gymnasium (3,266) Returning Starters: 3
Team Overview: Vermont was hit hard with players leaving the program. Brendan Bald didnt return for his senior season and Four McGlynn transferred to Townson. On top of that Matt Glass Graduated. The Catamounts still return three starters, including the America East tournament MVP, Brian Voelkel. Voelkel is a solid all-around player who averaged 4.6 ppg, 8.6 rpg, and 5.1 apg. Marist transfer Candon Rusin should make an impact from behind the arc.
#5 Hartford
Arena: Chase Family Arena (4,017) Returning Starters: 3
Team Overview: Hartford boast a young squad who won 7 America East games a year ago. Their top four scorers are sophomores. Samford transfer John Peterson will bring his three point shooting to Hartford. This may not be the year, but the next two seasons look very promising for the Hawks.
Team Overview: New Hampshire's leading scorer in 2011-2012 season Alvin Abreu is gone. The back-court will be made up of senior Chandler Rhoads 11.2 ppg and Jordon Bronner 5 ppg. Ferg Myrick could have a break through year for the Wildcats. Iona transfer Chris Pelcher should be a presence inside standing at 6-10.
#7 UMBC
Randy Moore has a veteran ball club in 2012. Out of the four starters that return three of them average over ten points a game. The big issue for the Retrievers last season was allowing opponents to average 77.1 points against them. Brett Roseboro a 6'10 transfer from St. Bonaventure could help solve some defensive problems for UMBC.
#8 Albany
The Great Danes lost two important players from last years team Gerardo Suero and Logan Aronhalt who combined to score 35 ppg last season. Guerrier, Lati, and Watts will all get chances to fill the voids. Guard Mike Black will play a key role in facilitating the Albany offense.
#9 Binghamton
The Bearcats only won two games a year ago. The backcourt is the strength of the team with Robert Mansell and Jimmy Gray leading the way. Look for Fordham transfer Rayner Moquete to contribute as well. The Binghamton has a long way to go, but Tommy Dempsey will try to build towards the future.
First Team All-America East
G D.J. Irving Boston U. G Justin Edwards Maine F Brian Voelkel Vermont F Tommy Brenton-Stony Brook F Chase Plummer UMBC
