Xavier

Last season: 23-7, 13-3 A-10 (first place)

Against GW last season: Xavier 87, GW 58

This year vs. GW: Jan. 19 in Cincinnati, March 1 at GW

Head coach: Sean Miller, fourth year

Returning starters: Three

The Word: Last year, the Musketeers were seconds away from beating eventual national runner-up Ohio State in the second round of the NCAA tournament. They also gave GW one of the worst losses in the program’s history at Smith Center in February and is once again the favorite to win the A-10.

Rhode Island

Last season: 17-13, 10-6 A-10 (fifth place)

Against GW last place season: GW 82, Rhode Island 78; GW 78, Rhode Island 69 (A-10 championship game)

This year vs. GW: Jan. 23 in Kingston, R.I., Feb. 27 at GW

Head coach: Jim Baron, seventh year

Returning starters: Four

The Word: The Rams surprised some by leading the conference much of last year and by beating Xavier in the A-10 Tournament before losing to GW. Forward Will Daniels does just about everything well and guard Jimmy Baron may be the best pure shooter in the conference.

Saint Louis

Last season: 20-13, 8-8 A-10 (tied for seventh)

Against GW last place season: Saint Louis 63, GW 53; GW 60, Saint Louis 40 (A-10 tournament semifinals)

This year vs. GW: Jan. 10 at GW, Feb. 13 in St. Louis

Head coach: Rick Majerus, first year

Returning starters: Four

The Word: The Billikens are going to be talked about this year not necessarily because of their players (although they should be good) but because of their new coach. Majerus took Utah to the 1998 Final Four before becoming an analyst for ESPN.