America East

By Josh Herwitt
CSTV.com

Albany may not have had the most complete team last year, but the Great Danes certainly had the best player. That happened to be two-time America East Player of the Year Jamar Wilson, who has now departed New York's capital city after a sensational senior campaign a year ago. Now the Great Danes move in a slightly different direction as head coach Will Brown believes he has his deepest and most talented team since starting with the Great Danes six years ago. But he won't have his two top scorers from last year in Wilson, who was relied upon heavily to score in late-game situations, and Jason Siggers. Those scoring responsibilities will have to be delegated to a host of Great Danes, which could make it difficult for Brown's team to repeat as America East champions in the long run. Instead, it's Vermont coach Mike Lonergan who has the team that can win the conference and make some noise in the postseason. Despite the surprise that came with Joe Trapani's transfer to Boston College in the offseason, the Catamounts have experience and leadership at the point guard slot, a must for any team destined to make the postseason. Junior Mike Trimboli is that guy for Lonergan, and he'll be asked to score the ball and more importantly get the rest of his teammates involved, ones like backcourt mate Kyle Cieplicki. To Lonergan's credit, too, the Catamounts aren't taking it easy before beginning conference play in January. Vermont scheduled ambitiously with non-conference contests coming against George Mason, Florida and Virginia, and that can only mean the Burlington school will be better prepared to make a run at the NCAA Tournament come March. And if that happens, you never know what could happen. Remember Syracuse in 2005? I do.

Prediction: Vermont

Player of the Year: Mike Trimboli (Jr.), Vermont