Photo: Dom Williams/La Salle Athletics
2.) Corey McKeithan – La Salle
Selected to finish dead last in the Atlantic 10’s Preseason Poll, the Explorers have absolutely smashed any early season expectations with a 6-4 record and its largely due to the addition of McKeithan. At Rider, he was a 3-and-D specialist averaging no more than 8.0 PPG but since his arrival in Philadelphia, McKeithan has taken to leading Fran Dunphy’s offense with 18.8 PPG and 3.1 APG. The Windsor, CT native has already put together multiple 25+ point performances this season including a recent 28 point effort in a win over Temple that booked La Salle a spot in the Big 5 Championship.
1.) Sebastian Thomas – Rhode Island
After leading the America East Conference in scoring with Albany last season, a return to the program where Thomas started his career has allowed him to carry over that scoring prowess. Since his return, the Providence, RI native is averaging 17.3 PPG, 4.0 RPG, and currently leads the Atlantic 10 in both assists and steals with 6.7 APG and 2.6 STLPG. To help the Rams along an undefeated 9-0 start to the season, Thomas has scored double-digits in every game including a double-double over Charleston and 19 points to upset Providence. However, that unbeaten run came to an end Tuesday night as Rhode Island fell 84-80 in double-OT at Brown despite 22 points, five boards, two assists and three steals from Thomas.
