George Beamon is back. Ashton Pankey is eligible. And the Manhattan Jaspers are the favorites to win the MAAC.
Steve Masiello enters his third season as coach with his best shot to lead Manhattan to its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2004. That was recognized in the MAAC preseason poll, which was revealed on ESPN3.com on Wednesday.
Iona, which has made back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances, was picked to finish second. After losing Momo Jones, Iona has been slighted despite a second straight NCAA Tournament appearance.
Here is the poll:
1. Manhattan
2. Iona
3. Canisius
4. Rider
5. Marist
6. Fairfield
7. Quinnipiac
8. Niagara