In a small conference such as the Patriot League, the reality is that only one team can make the NCAA tournament. Started up in 1990 (formerly the Colonial League), Patriot League teams have only won tournament games twice. Bucknell won in consecutive years in 2005 over Kansas and 2006 over Arkansas.
Only one current NBA player came out of the Patriot League. Adonal Foyle, who attended Colgate, is a center for the Orlando Magic. Future Hall of Famer David Robinson attended Navy, but that was pre-Patriot League.
The Patriot League is one of the few conferences that values the academic part of the student athlete. The league ranked first in the most recent NCAA graduation rate report, even above the more heralded academic conference, the Ivy League.
The Patriot League does not have any one-and-dones. The league only added athletic scholarships very recently. Players play for these teams because of the love for the game, not as a one year shoot around before they bounce for the NBA draft.
In the Patriot League you will find four-year senior leaders, and not five-star recruits. Recruiting is one of the hardest things for Patriot League teams.
Last season, American (21-12 overall, 10-4 in conference) captured the Patriot League automatic bid. It came after six of the last seven bids were earned by either Bucknell or Holy Cross.
The Eagles earned a 15 seed and lost to Tennessee in the first round of the NCAA tournament. American fought hard until the end against Tennessee and what was supposed to be a blowout turned out to be a close game until the closing minutes of the second half. American, Navy, and Lehigh are all contenders to capture the bid this year.
If American gets the bid again come March, look for American to be an upset special. Garrison Carr wreaked havoc on Tennessee last year, and he will be looking for a tournament win to end a great career.
Preseason All-Patriot
Guard - Garrison Carr, Senior, American - As a junior, Carr was the leading scorer for the Eagles and helped them get their first tournament bid in almost 50 years. In American's first four games, Carr is averaging 20.4 points per game. Carr is a favorite for Patriot League Player of the Year.
Guard - Marquis Hall, Junior, Lehigh- Marquis Hall is averaging 15.8 points per game, 4.8 assists per game, and 6.6 rebounds per game to lead Lehigh to a 5-1 start. He scored 28 points in Lehigh's victory over the Big East's Rutgers.
Guard - Chris Harris, Junior, Navy - Averaging 19 points per game through 5 games, he has led Navy to a 4-1 start to the season.
Forward - Brian Gilmore, Senior, American- Although not big for a forward and therefore not the best rebounder, Gilmore is a great scorer to complement Carr for American. He is averaging 11.2 points per game including an 18 point performance against Jacksonville.
Forward - Zahir Carrington, Junior, Lehigh- Carrington is off to a hot start for the Mountain Hawks, averaging 14.8 points per game and 4.8 boards per game.
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2 comments Last one added 7 months ago — Leave a Comment
Jameson Fleming 7 months ago
First off, I love the Patriot League coverage, the PL is basically in my backyard since Lehigh and Lafayette are within ten minutes of my house. Lehigh has been more impressive so far than American, but I still think American is the slightly better team. Garrison Carr is the best player in the league and its not even close which is what puts AU over the top. This league should shape up to have one of its best title races in awhile because of the strength of American and Lehigh.
Great stuff Ryan.
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Ryan Callahan 7 months ago
Thanks a lot Jameson. I watched Garrison Carr play last year against Tennessee and I was amazed at how he kept American in the game. The Patriot League is an underappreciated league and has some quality players and quality teams with Lehigh and American.
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