The set-up: Towson and George Mason used to be CAA rivals but GMU left for the A-10 last year and struggled to an 11-21 season (5-13 in league play) under a new head coach in Dave Paulsen. Paulsen had led Bucknell to a pair of NCAA appearances in 2011 and 2013 but nothing went right for the Patriots last year. Towson was 20-13 overall last season, including 11-7 in CAA play.

Towson: Senior Arnaud William Adala Moto (a 6-6 forward) and junior guard Mike Morsell earned preseason recognition from the CAA last month. Adala Moto was selected to the preseason All-CAA first-team, while Morsell was named to the second team. Adala Moto (13.9 & 8.3) and Morsell (13.0 PPG) are two of three Towson players, along with 6-5 senior SF John Davis (10.3 & 5.5), who enter the season with over 600 career points each. They were all double digit scorers last season for the Tigers, as was guard Hawkins (13.2 PPG), who also returns.

George Mason: The Patriots are picked to finish 12th in the 14-team Atlantic-10 Conference. The 6-11 Shevon Thompson (9.9 & 10.6) and 6-8 forward Gujancic (9.2 & 6.5) are gone but a strong perimeter group returns, among 10 letter-winners. The Patriots are paced by A-10 All-Rookie guard Otis Livingston II (11.9 & 3.6 APG). Sophomore guar Grayer (9.50 and 6-6 sophomore Abram 96.6) are also back, along with senior guard Marquise Moore (11.4 & 6.1). Last year the team struggled to find consistency from game to game. This season with a new approach to better utilize their talent, they should look less sloppy and more efficient.