In the preseason, talk centered around the University of Dayton, who returned four starters from a 27–8 team that advanced to the second round of the 2009 NCAA tournament.
Dayton forward Chris Wright was named to the John R. Wooden Award preseason top 50 candidate list on August 19,[1] the only Atlantic 10 player so honored.
Wright also was named to the Naismith Award watch list on October 29.
[2] In other preseason recognition, Jason Duty of Duquesne and Yves Mekongo of La Salle were named to the 30-man preseason candidate list for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award.
Atlantic 10 Players of the Week Throughout the conference season, the Atlantic 10 offices name a player and rookie of the week.