We’ll start with Brendan O’Hallarn at ODU, and I apologize to all for being tardy with the link. O’Hallarn is “embedded” with the Monarchs team this year and is doing a very good job. The reports are lengthy and chock full of detail but I’m wagering that’s exactly what you want. Have at it. You get a blue/white scrimmage update and O’Hallarn doing the dreaded 20/20s.

Preseason polls are hysterical and all over the place, and that is precisely why Jerry Beach’s compilation is interesting, and includes great data points. What stands out to me: Georgia State is all over the place, depending upon whether or not the mystery of Rashanti Harris was included in the thinking.

Injury notes: VCUs Terrance Saintil hurt his thumb and will be out for about three months. Saintil was being counted on to provide beef in the paint for the Rams, taking the pressure off Larry Sanders while Saintil improved his own game. It will be interesting to see what Shaka Smart decides to do regarding redshirting Saintil. Methinks that will come down to VCUs needs when Saintil is healthy.

Fonzie Dawson sprained his ankle. Dawson was spotted at a Delaware practice in a boot, but I’m told that was a precautionary measure. Personally I’d hire an armed guard to surround Dawson if I were Monte Ross. With the injury that ended Brian Johnson’s season, Dawson has creeped into the top five on the list of most important players to his team.

Speaking of the Hens, a Rhode Islander who coaches basketball told me this summer that Hakim McCullar would really help the Hens this year. Kevin Tresolini gives you a profile, because when Delaware comes to your gym you’re going to need to know about him.

Not really speaking of injuries, but Andrey Semenov, the sixth man on my All CAA Favorite Player Team, says he’s healthy and ready to roll. Check out this video from Harrisonburg teevee. My comment: anyone who has had a bad back knows that he may be 100 percent today and unable to get out of bed tomorrow. This one is not over.