2011-12 MAAC Basketball: All-MAAC Preseason Teams

The MAAC possesses a lot of talent for the 2011-12 season. Fairfield and Iona are both loaded, and even the teams at the bottom of the conference have their share of good players.

Here is a look at my All-MAAC preseason teams (first, second, and third) for the 2011-12 season.

*Also check out my 2011-12 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference preview.

**Follow Jesse Kramer on Twitter @Jesse_Kramer for more college basketball news and info.

All-MAAC First Team

G—Scott Machado, Iona

Machado averaged 13.2 PPG and 7.6 APG in 2010-11. He has consistently improved since his freshman year and is ready to be a dominant player in the MAAC.

G—Derek Needham, Fairfield

After an outstanding freshman year, Needham struggled as a sophomore. Needham still showed a lot of talent last season and he will break out of his sophomore slump this year.

G/F—George Beamon, Manhattan

Beamon was possibly the biggest surprise in the MAAC last year. He boosted his scoring average to 12.7 PPG, and, according to Manhattan coach Steve Masiello, he has improved his offense during the offseason.

F—Rakim Sanders, Fairfield

Sanders was a solid player at Boston College and he has the talent to be a dominant player in the MAAC. 

F—Michael Glover, Iona

Glover is the most talented player in the MAAC. Despite being slightly undersized, he is still a NBA prospect.

Preseason MAAC Player of the Year: Michael Glover, Iona

All-MAAC Second Team

G—Colin Nickerson, Fairfield

This Fairfield junior has quietly performed well behind Needham for two seasons. Nickerson has shown his abilities as a solid scorer and distributor. He will complement Needham nicely in the backcourt.

G—Kyle Smyth, Iona

Smyth is arguably the most dangerous shooter in the MAAC this season. Smyth was No. 3 in the MAAC with 75 three-pointers last year while shooting 39.3 percent from beyond the arc.

F—Shane Walker, Loyola (MD)

In his final year of eligibility, Walker is ready for a breakout season. The 6'10" forward averaged 11.1 PPG and 7.1 RPG last year and scored in double digits in 13 of his last 17 games. If he picks up where he left off last year, he will be Loyola's most dangerous player.

F—Novar Gadson, Rider

Gadson even has a shot at making the All-MAAC First Team. The forward from Philadelphia averaged 13.7 PPG last year and showed an improved shooting ability from three-point range.

F—Ryan Olander, Fairfield

Anyone who stands 7'1" in the MAAC has the potential to be extremely dangerous. Olander, a All-MAAC Second Team selection last year, averaged 10.4 PPG and 6.6 RPG. If he continues to improve, he has a shot at making the All-MAAC First Team this year.

All-MAAC Third Team

G—Antoine Mason, Niagara

Although Mason only played in three games last season, he showed signs of becoming the next star in the MAAC. Over three contests, Mason averaged 16.7 PPG and 4.3 RPG.

G—Sean Armand, Iona

In limited playing time last year, Armand showed off his scorching shooting abilities. Although he will take the backseat to Glover, Machado and Smyth, Armand will still be a key role player for the Gaels.

F—Maurice Barrow, Fairfield

The 6'5" wingman scored 6.2 PPG and 5.7 RPG as a freshman. Barrow has the talent to do some damage in the MAAC both off the bench and as a potential starter for the Stags.

F—O.D. Anosike, Siena

Anosike was a well-reputed recruit out of high school. After a very mediocre freshman season, he started to contribute more last year. As the No. 1 big man on this year's Siena team, expect bigger things from Anosike.

F—Rhamel Brown, Manhattan

Brown had a very strong freshman year for Manhattan, averaging 6.7 PPG, 7.1 RPG and 2.2 BPG. He has shown very strong defensive abilities and his scoring improved over the course of last season.