Dayton Flyers 22nd in ESPN power rankings

Jeff Goodman ranks UD instead of Rhode Island

The Dayton Flyers rank 22nd in ESPN's preseason power rankings, compiled by Jeff Goodman and released Tuesday.

Of Dayton, Goodman writes, “Most people are picking Rhode Island to win the A-10, but don’t count out the Flyers. Why? Archie Miller’s program is 27-9 in the league the past two seasons and made an Elite Eight appearance three years ago. Miller still has Scoochie Smith, Kendall Pollard, Charles Cooke and Kyle Davis. And remember: All four are seniors.”

ESPN’s Jay Bilas writes in a best-case scenario, the Flyers will make the second round of the NCAA tournament and in a worst-case scenario they would lose in the first round.

A-Z SERIES: Pollard lives up to promise

In the Associated press preseason poll released Monday, Dayton fell just short of the top 25, coming in 27th. In the coaches poll, Dayton also received votes, ranking 30th.

There has been some disagreement as to whether Dayton or Rhode Island has the most promise going into this season. Rhode Island ranked 23rd in the AP poll and 24th in the coaches poll but didn't rank in the ESPN power rankings. The Flyers were the favorite in the Atlantic 10 preseason poll, and Rhode Island finished second.

Rhode Island and Dayton split two games last season, and they play twice this season as well.

Dayton plays Findlay in an exhibition game at 7 p.m. Friday at UD Arena and opens the season a week later at 7 p.m. Nov. 11 against Austin Peay at UD Arena.

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