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Dayton's men's basketball program under head coach Anthony Grant has experienced its share of highs and lows, but the team's performance in the first two weeks of the 2025-26 season has raised concerns among fans and analysts alike. The Flyers, picked to finish third in the Atlantic 10 preseason poll, dropped back-to-back home games to Northern Illinois (81-76 in overtime) and Siena (99-89), marking one of the worst non-conference stretches of Grant's tenure.
According to KenPom metrics, the loss to Northern Illinois ranks as the program's worst since the 2021-22 season, when Dayton fell to Austin Peay. The subsequent defeat to Siena is also among the top-five worst non-conference home losses of the Grant era. These early setbacks have exposed a defense that is allowing 79.3 points per game (123rd nationally) despite an offense that is putting up 89.7 points per contest.
Defensive Lapses and Inexperience
The Flyers' defensive struggles were on full display against Northern Illinois, which utilized a chaotic screening offense and off-ball movement to create open shots. Siena, meanwhile, pushed the pace and forced turnovers to generate extra possessions, keeping Dayton off balance. Grant acknowledged the challenge: "It was a lesson today. What becomes evident is you have to have an understanding of what it takes to win at this level. We have a lot of guys who are kind of new to college basketball or Dayton."
Indeed, the team ranks 209th nationally in Division I experience, and the absence of key players has exacerbated the issue. Marquette transfer Zaide Lowery suffered an ankle injury after the first game, and four-star freshman guard Aiden Derkack has been thrust into a larger role than anticipated. Derkack has responded admirably, averaging 22 points per game, but his inexperience at the college level is evident. Additionally, questions have arisen about Amal L'E Tang's ability to provide a physical interior presence.
Historical Precedent and Optimism
Despite the early struggles, Grant remains confident in his team's potential. He points to the 2021-22 squad, which also started slowly but rebounded to win 24 games, upset Miami-FL, No. 4 Kansas, and Virginia Tech, and earn an NIT bid. That team was even younger (358th in experience) than the current group. "I believe this team is going to be a good team," Grant said. "As a team, we have to be able to bring that in and get better. That's my challenge to the group: the standard has to go up and our understanding of the winning habits that we've preached and talked about, we have to do better."
While some had at-large NCAA tournament expectations for Dayton, the back-to-back losses likely mean the Flyers will need to win the Atlantic 10 tournament to secure a bid. There is still plenty of time for development, but the early growing pains are evident for a team with high aspirations.
Around the Atlantic 10
- Duquesne 72, Washington State 71: Creighton transfer Kerem Konan converted an and-one with 12 seconds left to lift the Dukes. The 6-foot-9 junior finished with 13 points, nine assists, and five rebounds, but Duquesne is clearly missing Tarence Guinyard, who is fighting for a fifth year.
- Fordham 78, Iona 72: In the first meeting at Rose Hill Gymnasium since 2006, Amir Lindsey scored the Rams' final five points and finished with a game-high 17 points and nine assists. The game marked a friendly rivalry between coaches Mike Magpayo and Dan Geriot.
- Shane Pendergrass, George Mason: The freshman guard is leading the Patriots at 13.3 points per game and has been a spark off the bench for Tony Skinn. Despite not being the most heralded recruit, Pendergrass looks like a legitimate Rookie of the Year contender.
- Villanova 80, La Salle 59: The Explorers kept it close for 33 minutes and out-rebounded the Wildcats, getting 13 points from freshman RJ Smith. Coach Darris Nichols addressed recent comments from Villanova's Kevin Willard about La Salle's arena, saying, "I would just love to get back [to Finneran Pavilion] and play opening night [next season]. That would be a good experience for our guys."
- Air Force 107, Loyola Chicago 93: The Ramblers' offense showed improvement with Donald Hand Jr. scoring 25 points (5-of-11 from 3) and Guillaume Grotzinger adding 14 points and seven assists, but the defense allowed 107 points in regulation to a team ranked 222nd in KenPom's adjusted offensive efficiency.
- Southern Illinois 80, Richmond 70: The Spiders, coming off an almost perfect performance against Temple, led for only 12 seconds as Southern Illinois controlled the game. Richmond's new rotation is still learning the intricacies of Chris Mooney's offense.
- St. Bonaventure 88, Cornell 64: Despite shooting 1-of-12 from 3-point range, the Bonnies dominated behind Ben Bill's 28 points on 13-of-15 shooting, six rebounds, and four blocks. It may be the first marquee win of Mike MacDonald's tenure.
- Saint Joseph's 83, South Florida 80: After trailing by 12 early and losing Jaiden Glover-Toscano to injury, the Hawks rallied behind 21 points and six 3-pointers from freshman BJ Ranson. The win is currently a Quad One upset on a neutral court and the highest-ranked win of the Steve Donahue era by KenPom.
Originally reported by yahoo.