Oct. 5, 2012

BROOKLYN, N.Y.--If the Atlantic 10 Conference regular season turns out anything like the league's preseason media day, it's going to be a historic year.

With over 200 invited guests, including a large media contingent, the all-day event was buzzing with high expectations. Not only was there an excitement about being inside Barclays Center, then home of the Atlantic 10 Championship for the next five years, but there was also talk of newly announced television package and the first appearance of Butler and VCU at an Atlantic 10 basketball event.

The event drew national basketball writers like CBSSports.com's Jeff Goodman, Andy Katz from ESPN, Jim O'Connell of the Associated Press and Sports Illlustrated's Luke Winn.

And despite the obvious aforementioned storylines, there was also the usual excitement regarding the upcoming season and the storylines that go with it:

Saint Joseph's being chosen to finish first with all five starters returning

How will league newcomers Butler and VCU fare?

Three new A-10 head coaches: Jim Ferry (DUQ), Dan Hurley (URI) and Jim Crews (SLU).

Balance of the league with six different teams earning first-place votes.

Fordham's Chris Gaston's double-double potential.

Saint Louis returning four of five starters. The return of Scootie Randall to Temple after being injured all of last year.

St. Bonaventure's potential after winning last season.

No matter how the regular season turns out, there's no question the Atlantic 10 is making waves in the basketball world. The palpable buzz on media day was enough to warrant excitement for Nov. 9 (season start) and March 14 (A-10 Championship first round).