Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament Preview and Predictions

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Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament
Photo Credit: Kevin Manguiob

March Madness is here! As some of the power 5 conference teams finish up their regular season, postseason play begins for some of the mid-majors. Today, a few of our writers will be giving their thoughts on the Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament.

Writers:

Aram Cannuscio

Pat McMahon

 

Who will win the Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament?

Aram – #1 Liberty (27-4, 13-3 in the Atlantic Sun)

There is a clear leader in this conference tournament and it is Liberty. They made some noise in the NCAA Tournament last year and I expect them to do the same this year once again.

Pat – #1 Liberty (27-4, 13-3 in the Atlantic Sun)

Going chalk for the A-Sun as I think Liberty will take advantage of home court throughout the tournament and come away with the title. The Flames are the most complete team in the league and in addition to home court advantage, they also have many players with the experience of winning the conference last year as well as a first round NCAA tournament win.

Which team is a Dark Horse Candidate to take home the title?

Aram – #3 Lipscomb (14-15, 9-7 in the Atlantic Sun)

As I’ve said, this is Liberty’s conference title to lose. But, if any team is going to take it from them, it’s going to be the team that was able to beat them just last week. That team is Lipscomb. Ahsan Asadullah is a beast in the paint and they have good shooters like Michael Buckland and Andrew Fleming surround him. Lipscomb will be a feared team in this tournament.

Pat – #3 Lipscomb (14-15, 9-7 in the Atlantic Sun)

There’s a big gap between the top two teams and the rest of the league, but the Lipscomb Bison are better than their 14-15 record indicates. They boast wins over both Liberty and UNF, and won’t shy away from either team if they meet again this week.

Who is one player that NBA teams should keep an eye on?

Aram – Caleb Homesley, Senior G/F – Liberty

Caleb Homesley should be playing pro ball somewhere after he graduates. Because of injuries, he has not been able to live up to his full potential. But, these last two years he has finally been able to take hold of some of it. He can shoot the rock and pass it better than almost anyone in this conference. He had a big NCAA Tournament performance last year and if he does so again this year, I can see a few teams taking a look at him if he is fortunate enough to get a look at PIT.

Pat – Ahsan Asadullah, Sophomore C – Lipscomb

Asadullah averages a near double double and is quite an absolute beast inside of the paint. He may not have ideal pro height, but he has great strength and post scoring ability and can cause a lot of matchup issues. He’s still young, but with a good tournament he could gain some NBA Draft attention down the line.

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