An Atlantic 10 team from New England hasn't competed since November 2019, a dry spell that was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic rendering the Fall 2020 season null and void.
That all could change soon, though, with UMass and URI both eyeing non-conference games in mid-February before conference play rolls around. In fact, they're scheduled to begin their A-10 slate on March 11 against each other.
The latter portion is part of the A-10's pod system for the Spring 2021 season, which has teams stay within certain geographic bounds. Four teams will qualify for the A-10 tournament, including each pod's top seed and the best remaining side. There's plenty on the line as UMass and URI vie for the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.
While the COVID-19 pandemic looms large, it's still worth prospecting how the A-10 could look from a New England perspective. Here's the rundown on UMass and URI, plus some local standouts who compete at A-10 programs beyond the region.
