2024-2025 Atlantic 10 Men's Basketball Season Awards

Each season, the cream of the crop in the Atlantic 10 conference, rises above the competition, leaving their mark on the game with standout performances, leadership, and undeniable talent. As the season comes to a thrilling close, Finest Magazine proudly recognizes the elite players, coaches, and teams that have defined excellence on the court. From dominant scorers and defensive anchors to game-changing coaches, these awards celebrate the best of the best across the conference. Here are the top performers who have elevated their teams and thrilled fans all season long.

Player of the Year

Max Shulga/ VCU/ G: The 6-foot-5 guard from Kyiv, Ukraine, transferred to Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) from Utah State prior to the 2023–24 season. In his inaugural season in the A-10, Shulga made an immediate impact, on both ends, leading the team with an average of 15.0 points per game. His well-rounded performance included 4.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game, showcasing his versatility on the court. This season however, Shulga came back better and more efficient, averaging a team high 15.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.9 steals on 44.6 percent, as well as, 41.3 percent from three point range. Shulga’s high level play isn’t just limited to one side of the ball, he’s also a standout defender.  Shulga ranks first in the conference in defensive win shares (2.4), third in defensive box plus/minus (3.8), fifth in defensive rating (92.9), while, averaging a career high 1.9 steals per game, being an integral part of one of the top defenses in all of college basketball. 

Defensive Player of the Year

Jared Billups/ George Mason/ G: After being snubbed from the All Defensive team last season, Billups came back even better this season as the leader of one of the top defenses in all of college basketball. While being the heart and soul of a Patriot team that ranked 11th in points allowed (63.1), and 11th in defensive rating (94.5) in the country, Billups finished first in defensive Box Plus/Minus (4.7), second in defensive rating (92.3) in the A-10 while pulling down 6.1 rebounds per game….which is second on George Mason. Add in his ability to defend 1-4 and some 5’s at 6’4, and it’s a logical choice to have Billups as A-10 Defensive Player of the Year. 

Rookie of the Year

Christian Jones/ George Washington/ PG: Redshirt freshman took over as starting floor general early in the season and took off, establishing himself as one of the most promising point guards in the conference. Jones blend of playmaking and scoring, effective on ball defense and clutch play made him a standout all season long among first year players in the conference. The Connecticut native has been recognized multiple times as the A-10 Rookie of the Week, while averaging 8.7 points, 2.6 assists, 2.3 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game for the Revolutionaries. 

Most Improved Player: 

Sheldon Edwards/ Loyola- Chicago/ G: The 6’4 senior guard elevated his game in many ways to go from just being one of the A-10’s top snipers from three point range, to being one of the league’s best all around threats. Edwards posted improvements in points per game (23-24: 6 ppg - 24-25: 12.2 ppg), assists per game (23-24: 0.9 spg - 24-25: 2.0 spg), rebounds per game (23-24: 2.1 rpg - 24-25: 3.6 rpg), field goal percentage (23-24: 40% - 24-25: 41.8%), and minutes per game (23-24: 14.2 mpg - 24-25: 27.4 mpg), to help lead the Ramblers to a 21-10 overall record as well as a 12-6 conference record. 

Sixth Man of the Year:

Zeb Jackson/ VCU/ G: While most opponents focus on the Rams starting perimeter trio of Max Shulga, Joe Bamisile and Phillip Russell,  6’5 reserve Zeb Jackson couldn’t be ignored and provided VCU with extremely valuable versatility and impact on the perimeter. With the size of a shooting guard and small forward, Jackson is often times used to be a point guard, due to his shifty handle, excellent court vision, athleticism and crafty scoring. Not to mention, he’s a formidable defender in his own right. Jackson posted 10.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2 assists and 1.2 steals in 22 minutes per game to help the Rams secure the 1st place in the A-10. 

Coach of the Year: 

Tony Skinn/ George Mason: 20 wins is a bench mark for college coaches. It signifies a healthy, CONSISTENT, successful program. Many coaches fail to achieve that in their career…..Skinn achieved that in his first season after taking over the helm of the men’s basketball program at his alma mater…George Mason. How did he follow that up? Winning 24 games (as this is published), finishing top two in the conference, establishing one of the top defensive teams in the country, securing the programs first EVER Atlantic 10 regular season championship and having the Patriots in prime position to do something they haven’t done since joining the Atlantic 10 Conference, play in the NCAA Tournament. All of this early success is a product of the strong culture established from Skinn and his coaching staff. Not bad for a team that was picked to finish sixth in the preseason poll. 

All-Conference First Team

Robbie Avila/ St Louis/ C: Robbie Avila transitioned well from the Missouri Valley Conference to the Atlantic 10 conference, earning All-Conference First Team honors after an outstanding season in which he showcased his versatility and skill as one of the league's top players. The dynamic 6’10, 240 pound center played a crucial role for St Louis, excelling with his scoring ability, rebounding, and playmaking. Avila’s averaged 17.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4 assists and 1.2 steals per game, helping lead the Billikens to a respectable finish in conference play, solidifying his reputation as one of the premier players in the A-10. His recognition as a First Team selection is a testament to his hard work, leadership, and impact throughout the season.

Reed Bailey/ Davidson/ F: Reed Bailey, a 6’11 junior forward for the Davidson Wildcats, has been a standout performer throughout the season and a bright spot in an otherwise subpar year for the Wildcats. Averaging 18.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, he leads Davidson in all three categories and his points per game average, is tops in the conference. His shooting efficiency with his 6’11 frame, separates him from the rest of conferences top players, with a 48% field goal percentage and an off the charts 42.9% from three-point range. Bailey's consistent excellence has earned him multiple accolades, including being named the Atlantic 10 Player of the Week in late January. 

Rasheer Fleming/ St Joseph’s/ G-F: Arguably the most talented player in the A-10, Fleming is a stat sheet stuffer, capable of making an impact in numerous ways for St Joseph’s. After averaging 10.7 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game in his sophomore year, Fleming improved his performance even more this season, posting  15.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game. His defensive versatility has caught the eyes of pro decision makers, underscoring his impact on both ends of the court. Notably, Fleming was honored as the A-10 Player of the Week in November 2024 after averaging 15.0 points and 13.5 rebounds per game during the Legends Classic, where he earned All-Tournament Team recognition. These accomplishments have solidified his reputation as one of the premier players in the conference.

Jalen Haynes/ George Mason/ F:  The senior forward for George Mason University, has been a pivotal force in the Patriots' impressive 2024-25 season. After transferring from East Tennessee State, where he averaged 14.6 points and earned third-team All-Southern Conference honors in 2022-23, Haynes adjusted quickly from a redshirt 23-24 season, and seamlessly transitioned into the Atlantic 10 Conference, quickly establishing himself as a dominant presence (13.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 56.9% FG) in the low and mid post. If that’s not enough to make him a handful for opponents, Haynes is also a stout defender, using his agile 6’8, 250 pound frame to get stops on opposing bigs inside, while being able to switch and stay in front of guards on the perimeter. His consistent high-level performances on both ends of the floor, have been instrumental in George Mason having the most win’s, in a season, since joining the A-10, while also, securing the program’s first A-10 regular season championship.

Max Shulga/ VCU/ G: ( See Player of the Year)

Sebastian Thomas/ Rhode Island/ PG: Thomas, in his second stint with Rhode Island, established himself as one of the most electrifying point guards in the Atlantic 10, averaging 17.5 points, an A-10 leading 6.1 assists, 4 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game….which is also tops in the A-10. A dynamic playmaker, Thomas combines elite ball-handling, court vision, and scoring ability to lead his Rhode Island with confidence. His quick first step and ability to break down defenses make him a constant threat, whether he's setting up teammates or creating his own shot. Beyond his offensive prowess, Thomas is a savvy defender, using his lateral quickness, quick hands and instincts to disrupt opposing backcourts. His leadership and clutch performances have been pivotal for the Rams this season.

All-Conference Second Team

Joseph Bamisile/ VCU/ G: High flying guard was 1/3 of the A-10’s most potent perimeter attack.

24-25 - 15.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.1 steals per game.

Xzayvier Brown/ St Joseph’s/ PG: Dangerous floor general. While scoring from all three levels is his specialty, Brown gets it done in every way.

24-25 - 17 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.4 steals per game.

Rafael Castro/ George Washington/ C: A force inside for the Revolutionaries and the A-10’s leading rebounder, Castro posted 13 double double’s this season, leading George Washington in points, rebounds and blocks.

24-25 - 13.9 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.2 blocks per game.

Gibson Jimerson/ Saint Louis/ G: One of the top snipers (36.8% 3FG) in the A-10. Led the Billikens in scoring.

24-25 - 18.3 points, 4.7 rebounds  per game.

Erik Reynolds/ St Joseph’s/ G: One of the most dynamic scorers in the conference. Reynold’s has had a story book career for the Hawks, culminating in him passing St Joseph’s legend Jameer Nelson, as the all time leading scorer in program history with 2,114 points as this article is published.

24-25 - 16.8 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game.

Isaiah Swope/ Saint Louis/ PG: Tough minded, clutch, floor general established himself as one of the best in the A-10. 2

4-25 - 16.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.1 steals per game.

All-Conference Third Team

Jack Clark/ VCU/ F: 24-25 - 9.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 steals per game.

Melvin Council Jr/ St Bonaventure/ G: 24-25 - 14.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 2.1 steals per game.

Rahsool Diggins/ Massachusetts/ PG: 24-25 - 16.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.2 steals per game.

Tre Dinkins/ Duquesne/ PG: 24-25 - 13.0 points, 2.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists per game.

Darius Maddox/ George Mason/ G: 24-25 - 13.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.0 steals per game.

Nate Santos/ Dayton / F: 24-25 - 14.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists steals per game.

All-Defensive Team

Luke Bamgboye/ VCU/ C

Jared Billups/ George Mason/ G

Jack Clark/ VCU/ F

Rasheer Fleming/ St Joseph’s/ F

Max Shulga/ VCU/ G

All-Rookie Team

Luke Bamgboye/ VCU/ C

Christian Jones/ George Washington/ PG

Deuce Jones/ La Salle/ G

Lamar Jones/ St Bonaventure/ G

Amael L’Etang/ Dayton/ F-C