Aug. 20, 2009

PHILADELPHIA - ESPN.com released its Atlantic 10 men's basketball summer preview and featured La Salle prominently. Senior Rodney Green was listed as one of 10 players to watch, while rookie Aaric Murray was named as one of 10 freshman we can't wait to see. The Explorers were picked to finish fourth in the A-10 by writer Fran Fraschilla. Click here to view the article.

A-10 Predictions 4. La Salle: Dr. John Giannini has done a terrific job of infusing life into a program that has had great tradition in the past. Last season's 18-13 record was another step in a positive direction. The Explorers are awaiting word on an extra year of eligibility for Vernon Goodridge, but even without him, they return their top four (and six of their top seven) scorers from last season. The team still has some issues with perimeter shooting and backcourt depth, but look for 6-foot-5 senior Rodney Green to emerge as one of the best players in the country you've never heard of. He put up 25 points against UConn last season.

Team Capsule: La Salle Highly touted freshman Aaric Murray is the unproven commodity. Rodney Green is the sure thing. The slashing scorer is another reason the Explorers should expect to be even better than last season's 9-7 league finish. Murray and Green could end up being the toughest inside-outside duo in the conference.

10 things to know from the offseason 6. The other Philly school: It's been a long time since La Salle grabbed even small headlines in Philadelphia, run over and out by its Big 5 and in-league brethren, Saint Joseph's and Temple. Since joining the league, the Explorers have had just two winning campaigns. One was last season, and the next should be this season. Aaric Murray, ESPNU's No. 8 center in the Class of 2009, is the odds-on favorite for league newcomer of the year and is considered a huge recruiting coup for Dr. John Giannini.

10 key players • Rodney Green, La Salle: The senior scorer proved his worth last season, helping the Explorers accrue 18 wins. Now with more talent around him, Green could be a sleeper candidate for league player of the year honors should La Salle put together a breakout season.

10 freshman we can't wait to see • Aaric Murray, C, La Salle: Murray is a big-bodied, low-post player. He needs to give a constant, consistent effort, but he should be an immediate impact player for the Explorers.

10 non conference opportunities for the league • La Salle versus South Carolina, Nov. 19: The improving Gamecocks return Devan Downey from their NIT team and should provide a good early test for the Explorers when they meet in the opening round of the Charleston (S.C.) Classic.