The Only CAA Basketball Tournament Preview You’ll Need

| Posted on |

The CAA Basketball Tournament is just a few days away from kicking off in the District. The four worst teams will start the event with two play-in games on Saturday, followed by an action-packed Sunday that will see all eight teams remaining. All weekend games will be on FloSports. CBS Sports Network will be on the call for the two semifinal games on Monday and title game on Tuesday.

CAA Basketball Tournament 

Betting Odds

  • #1 Hofstra (+190)
  • #6 Northeastern (+375)
  • #3 Towson (+400)
  • #4 Charleston (+475)
  • #2 William & Mary (+500)
  • #5 Delaware (+750)
  • #8 Drexel (+3400)
  • #7 Elon (+4000)
  • #10 James Madison (+7000)
  • #9 UNC-Wilmington (+7500)

(odds courtesy of SBD)

Bracket

KenPom Rankings

  • #119 Hofstra
  • #143 Northeastern
  • #148 Towson
  • #161 Charleston
  • #182 Delaware
  • #192 William & Mary
  • #238 Drexel
  • #283 Elon
  • #305 UNC-Wilmington
  • #306 James Madison

Team Breakdown

#1 Hofstra (23-8, 14-4)

Offensive Efficiency: #1 in CAA
Defense Efficiency: #3 in CAA
Top 150 Wins: #79 UCLA, #143 Northeastern (x2), #147 Princeton, #148 Towson,

#2 William & Mary (21-10, 13-5)

Offensive Efficiency: #6 in CAA
Defense Efficiency: #6 in CAA
Top 150 Wins: #119 Hofstra, #143 Northeastern (x2), #148 Towson

#3 Towson (19-12, 12-6)

Offensive Efficiency: #2 in CAA
Defense Efficiency: #4 in CAA
Top 150 Wins: #119 Hofstra, #143 Northeastern

#4 Charleston (17-13, 11-7)

Offensive Efficiency: #5 in CAA
Defense Efficiency: #2 in CAA
Top 150 Wins: #46 Providence, #119 Hofstra, #148 Towson (x2)

#5 Delaware (21-10, 11-7)

Offensive Efficiency: #3 in CAA
Defense Efficiency: #7 in CAA
Top 150 Wins: #119 Hofstra, #143 Northeastern (x2), #148 Towson

#6 Northeastern (15-15, 9-9)

Offensive Efficiency: #4 in CAA
Defense Efficiency: #1 in CAA
Top 150 Wins: #110 Harvard

#7 Elon (11-20, 7-11)

Offensive Efficiency: #8 in CAA
Defense Efficiency: #9 in CAA
Top 150 Wins: #143 Northeastern

#8 Drexel (13-18, 6-12)

Offensive Efficiency: #7 in CAA
Defense Efficiency: #8 in CAA
Top 150 Wins: #147 Princeton

#9 UNC-Wilmington (10-21, 5-13)

Offensive Efficiency: #10 in CAA
Defense Efficiency: #5 in CAA
Top 150 Wins: #143 Northeastern

#10 James Madison (9-20, 2-16)

Offensive Efficiency: #9 in CAA
Defense Efficiency: #10 in CAA
Top 150 Wins: N/A

5 Dudes You Should Know

Jordan Roland (Sr.), Northeastern

The senior leads the CAA in scoring with 22.7 ppg. Transferred to NE after two seasons in the Atlantic 10 with George Washington. High-volume shooter ranks second in the CAA in three-balls per game (2.9) and #10 in three-point percentage (39.9 percent).

Nathan Knight (Sr.), William & Mary

At 6-foot-10, Knight is a beast. He’s making 58.7 percent of his two-point shots and one of four players in the CAA putting up more than 20 points per game. Can also shoot the three (29-for-92), leads the league in blocks (1.5 bpg) and is the CAA’s second-leading rebounder (10.5 rpg).

Desure Buie (Sr.), Hofstra

Definitely one of the most exciting guys to watch in the CAA. Plays really fast and makes sure he gets his teammates involved, but also isn’t afraid to let it fly. He leads the CAA in assists (5.9 apg), ranks #4 in three-point percentage (41.7 percent) and #6 in three-pointers made (68). Buie also hounds on defense and ranks #2 in steals per game (2.1 spg).

Nate Darling (Jr.), Delaware

A transfer from UAB, Darling leads the conference in three-pointers made (99). He’s not just chucking, though, he’s hitting at a 39.8 percent clip. Had four games this season with 34 or more points, as well as 29 against Big East juggernaut Villanova.

Andy Van Vliet (Sr.), William & Mary

A former starter at Wisconsin, Van Vliet brought his talents to Williamsburg and he hasn’t disappointed. He’s seven-foot, so it’s no surprise he ranks in the Top 5 in rebounds and blocks per game, but he also bombs from downtown. The Belgian is averaging 13.3 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 1.3 bpg, and leads the Tribe in made three-pointers (50).

READ:  CAA Basketball Tournament Bracket & TV Schedule

Best Bets

William & Mary (+500) or Charleston (+475)

The Tribe has a legit shot to win the whole thing. They’re not playing on Day 1, so three wins and they’re dancing. To end the season, they ripped off five straight wins and they have the best pair of big guys in the league (Knight, Van Vliet). And, despite being the two seed, they’re at +500. That’s value, folks. As for Charleston, they have the best win of any CAA team this year, beating Providence earlier this year, and they do the little things. The Cougs have the lowest turnover percentage of any team in the CAA, and they ended the season on a tear to boot.