Northeastern, Colonial Athletic at a glance

Northeastern
Last season: 14-17 (9-9 in CAA, tied for sixth place).
Coach: Bill Coen (27-36).
Starting five: Chaisson Allen (9.2 ppg), Matt Janning (16.1), Chris Alvarez (3.1), Manny Adako (10.6), Nkem Ojougboh (9.9).
Key reserves: Eugene Spates (6.8 ppg), Baptiste Bataille (2.8), Matt Smith (2.5).
Outlook: In just the third season since Coen took over, the Huskies are picked second in the CAA behind Virginia Commonwealth. Look for Janning to join some of the league's elite names after finishing third in the league in scoring and earning second-team all-CAA honors. Allen, a long, quick point guard, was among the league leaders in assists per game (3.48) and steals (2.03). Time at the small forward spot will be shared by Alvarez, Smith, and Spates.

Looking at the CAA:
1. Virginia Commonwealth will ride Player of the Year Eric Maynor (17.9 ppg) in his last season.
2. Northeastern is ahead of schedule in Coen's third year.
3. Old Dominion returns four starters, including junior center Gerald Lee (12.9 ppg, 5.8 rpg).
4. George Mason, the reigning champ, is looking for its fifth NCAA Tournament berth this decade.
5. Delaware will benefit from having junior college transfer Marc Egerson (13.4 ppg, 6.9 rpg) for a full season.
6. Georgia State is looking for its first winning season in five years.
7. Hofstra has all its starters back (including Rookie of the Year Charles Jenkins) except the one who set the all-time scoring record, Antoine Agudio (2,276).
8. William & Mary has to top its first winning season in a decade, its first CAA championship appearance, and Tony Shaver's Coach of the Year honor.
9. James Madison returns four starters from a team that finished at the bottom last year.
10. Towson has Josh Thornton, a Georgetown transfer who averaged 13.2 points.
11. UNC Wilmington losing four seniors caused its free fall down the early rankings.
12. Drexel's slim on firepower after a down year.