RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- With more than twice as many first-place votes as any other team, the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Rams Men's Basketball team is at the top of the Atlantic 10 Conference's (A-10) preseason poll. The Rams, who ended last year just six points short of repeating after an A-10 title and NCAA Tournament appearance two years ago, were determined by A-10 head coaches and select media members as this year's most likely conference champions. The Rams received 14 first-place votes and 421 total points from voters. The Dayton University Flyers, who the Rams defeated in the 2023 A-10 Championship game, were ranked second in this year's preseason poll with six votes and 394 total points. In addition to the team's first-place ranking in the preseason poll, several Rams have been recognized with preseason All-Conference honors. Guard Max Shulga, who came to VCU from Utah State alongside Head Coach Ryan Odom in 2023, was named First-Team All-Conference and guards Joe Bamisile and Zeb Jackson were both named Second-Team All-Conference. Jackson was also named to the All-Defensive Team. VCU, Richmond Men’s Basketball teams release full schedules In addition to Shulga, Bamisile and Jackson, four other Rams are returning from last season -- Henrico County native Alphonzo "Fats" Billups, Michael Belle, Christian Fermin and Hampton native Obinnaya Okafor, who redshirted in 2023 and did not play last year due to a torn ACL. The Rams begin their 2024-2025 regular season playing against the Bellarmine Knights at home at 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 4. This year's A-10 Championship Tournament will take place at Capitol One Arena in Washington, D.C. from Wednesday, March 12, to Sunday, March 16.