America East's Projected Top 10 Players for 2026–27
2026-09-28
The league's returning stars make the top of this list fairly clear. Austin Green's reported return to UMass Lowell adds another proven frontcourt player to the top five. The harder calls involve players returning from limited seasons and newcomers whose production came at a different level. Multiple players from one team can make the list. This is an MMH editorial projection, not a 2026–27 statistical forecast or an output from the site's game model. For the team context, see our America East conference preview.
The projected top 10
1. Gus Yalden, Vermont — forward
Yalden is the strongest Player of the Year candidate entering the season. He averaged 16.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 2025–26, giving Vermont both an interior scorer and a passer through whom it can run the offense. Vermont season statistics
2. Jeremiah Quigley, Binghamton — guard
Quigley's 14.5 points and 6.4 assists per game make him the league's most established lead guard. Binghamton's rise depends heavily on how consistently he creates good shots for himself and the Bearcats' other scorers. Binghamton award release · Binghamton sleeper preview
3. Flash Burton, UMBC — guard
Burton arrives from Rider after averaging 15.1 points and 2.9 assists while starting all 29 games. His ability to shoulder a large scoring role gives UMBC a compelling answer to its backcourt turnover, though his fit with a new group still has to be established. UMBC player bio
4. Keegan Harvey, Bryant — wing
A 6-foot-11 wing who shot 40 percent from three last season, Harvey creates an unusual matchup. His 13.8 points per game in America East play suggest more offensive room than his 11.2 overall average shows. Bryant player bio
5. Austin Green, UMass Lowell — forward
Green's return gives Lowell a proven interior scorer and rebounder. He started 26 of 27 games, averaged 13.2 points and 8.0 rebounds, and was named to the 2025–26 America East All-Conference Third Team. The new guards still have to find their roles, but his production belongs in this top five. UMass Lowell player bio · America East preview
6. Demetrius Lilley, Binghamton — center
Lilley produced 14.6 points and 9.4 rebounds per game last season, but appeared in only 11 games. A healthy full season could put him much higher; availability is the reason for this more cautious placement. Binghamton player bio
7. David Bolden, NJIT — guard
The reigning America East Rookie of the Year averaged 11.8 points, 2.8 assists and 1.9 steals. Improving his shooting efficiency would turn an already valuable two-way season into a possible all-conference one. America East award release · NJIT statistics
8. Ollie Engen, UAlbany — guard
Engen averaged 19.5 points and 4.6 assists at Queen's University in Canada. That production and his playmaking merit attention, but this rank carries a clear question: how quickly will his game translate to Division I conference play? Queen's award release · UAlbany roster
9. Will Davies, Vermont — guard
Davies averaged 13.7 points and 7.1 assists in 33 games at Division II Saint Anselm last season. He could give Vermont another strong creator alongside Yalden. His role and production at this level remain projections. Saint Anselm statistics · Vermont roster
10. KiJan Robinson, Binghamton — guard
Robinson joins a backcourt led by Quigley after averaging 10.7 points at New Hampshire. He has the experience to help immediately, though sharing creation duties may change the shape of his numbers. New Hampshire statistics · Binghamton roster
The call
Yalden starts first because of his proven scoring and passing. Quigley and Burton are the strongest guard challengers. Green adds proven scoring and rebounding to Lowell's frontcourt; Lilley's health, and how Engen and Davies adjust to Division I, could change this order substantially.
Methodology: MMH editorial ranking updated September 28, 2026. Previous-season statistics are context, not 2026–27 forecasts. Roster status and availability should be checked again before opening night.