Winter is right around the corner, and that means basketball is primed and ready to get back into full swing. With several teams looking to build off of successful seasons last year, the CSAC will be up for grabs and several teams will have a shot to take the crown this season.  Here are my CSAC  men’s basketball preseason rankings for the 2017-2018 season.

10. Clarks Summit University

After going 0-18 last season in the conference, Clarks Summit will look to get in the win column this year.  While they have talent in the backcourt, and have shown the ability to be competitive in a difficult conference, the Defenders do not have enough defensive presences to stop the superior athletic teams in the CSAC.

9. Keystone College

Keystone boasts one of the most athletic rosters in the conference, with the bulk of their scoring coming from underclassmen.  Sophomore Perry Belcher and Senior Mark Gilliam are two underrated players, but the Giants are not disciplined enough to contend for a playoff spot, as they gave up the most points in the conference last season.

8. Cairn University

Two years in a row the Highlanders were one spot out of qualifying for the CSAC playoffs.  This year they will have another chance to get that coveted CSAC playoff spot.  Junior Jeremiah Harris is a star in the making, and the backcourt should be loaded with talent, but I don’t think the Highlanders have enough length and talent in the frontcourt to get that playoff spot this season.

7. Marywood University

Marywood is one of the soundest fundamental teams in the conference this season, and they have one of the most talented forwards in the conference with 6’8 junior Jeremy Ringland.  Marywood will need more consistent scoring from their guards, particularly junior guard Tip Swartz.  If they do that, I think they have a good chance to contend for a playoff spot.

6. Centenary University

I don’t think the Cyclones are very good and struggled to call them a playoff team this season. Senior Rahsaan Spencer is arguably the best raw scorer in the entire conference, but they rely too much on one player’s scoring.  I think they sneak into the playoffs by the skin of their teeth this season.

5. Rosemont College

Rosemont has been a consistent player in the CSAC for many years now.  I think the combination of their strong backcourt and veteran coaching will grant them a playoff spot this season.

4. Immaculata University

The Mighty Mac’s boast one of the strongest recruiting classes in the CSAC this season with 10 new players joining the team this season.  I think they are strong enough defensively and have enough new talent to bump them up a spot this season.

3. Gwynedd Mercy University

Rip Engle is one of the most complete players in the conference.  He scores, passes, and plays excellent defense.  The Griffins will go as far as their star point guard takes them, and I think it will be pretty far.

2. Neumann University

The Knights had a record-breaking season in 2017, winning 17 conference games and 25 games overall to run away with the conference.  However, they lose 3 of their 5 starters from a year ago, and I don’t think replacing those starters will be an easy task, especially having to deal with the team I think will win the CSAC this season.

1. Cabrini University

The Cavaliers are certainly the favorite to win the CSAC this season.  They return all 5 of their starters from a year ago and boast one of the best players in the entire nation in Tyheim Monroe. The Cavs will be very difficult to contend with this season.