The only time in the past five seasons that a team other than Albany, Stony Brook or Vermont has claimed either the America East's regular-season or tournament crown was in 2011 when Boston University won the tourney and got an NCAA bid. Stony Book has won two regular-season titles in that span, Vermont also claimed two and Albany went 15-1 in the conference a year ago and also made its third consecutive NCAA tourney appearance.
This season, however, coach Will Brown's Great Danes won't automatically host the quarterfinals and semifinals -- as has been the case the past two years. Now the higher seed will host throughout the league tournament, but don't expect much to change with the top of the league as Stony Brook, Albany and Vermont will once again be expected to battle for supremacy.
Favorite
Coach Steve Pikiell returns all five starters from a team that won 23 games last season -- including the two-time defending league player of the year Jameel Warney. While Stony Brook has done it in the regular-season (titles in 2010, 2012, 2013), the Seawolves are still searching for that elusive NCAA tourney appearance, having lost each of the past two years to Albany in the conference championship contest. Not only does Stony Brook have its starting group back, but Pikiell also brings back former starter Ahmad Walker, who spent a year at Barton Community College and earned All-American honors last season. Longwood transfer Lucas Woodhouse, who ranked fifth nationally in assists two years ago, is also eligible.
Sleeper
Eleventh-year coach Bill Herrion brings back the core of a group that won 19 games a year ago and finished 11-5 in league play. America East Rookie of the Year Tanner Leissner and Jacoby Armstrong are back up front for UNH, and the Wildcats will also have a strong, veteran backcourt comprised of juniors Jaleen Smith and Daniel Dion. Herrion is also hoping 6-foot-9 sophomore Iba Camara, who played well down the stretch last season, picks up where he left off. Herrion's teams almost always defend well, and now UNH has balance and enough offensive weapons to compete.
Team that could fall on its face
I'm not sure any of the aforementioned favorites will "fall on their face." Stony Brook has Warney and Carson Puriefoy -- two proven seniors -- and Albany brings back a pair of seniors in Evan Singletary and Peter Hooley. The Great Danes should be able to replace Sam Rowley with his brother, Mike. Vermont will likely be picked third, and the Catamounts have four starters returning -- including all-league big man Ethan O'Day. The key concern with John Becker's team is health and depth. Zach McRoberts (Josh McRoberts' brother) transferred, and talented incoming freshman Josh Speidel is still recovering from a car accident.
Top pro prospect
Warney, Stony Brook
Warney is a monster in the America East at 6-foot-8 and 255 pounds, and he's a double-double machine with a nation-leading 24 last season. The big, strong senior averaged 16.4 points and 11.7 rebounds last season and is considered an NBA prospect -- although most scouts I've spoken to think he is likely to wind up overseas.
Projected all-conference team
G: Evan Singletary, Albany
G: Carson Puriefoy, Stony Brook
G: Peter Hooley, Albany
F: Jameel Warney, Stony Brook
F: Ethan O'Day, Vermont