WASHINGTON, D.C. - It's not how you start. It's how you finish. That's how Benny Moss views the Colonial Athletic Association's Preseason Men's Basketball Poll that was announced during the league's annual Media Day Tuesday afternoon at the ESPN Zone in the nation's capital.

      The Seahawks, 7-25 overall and 3-16 in the CAA one year ago, have regrouped with seven new players and should escape the cellar in 2009-10.

      "I think it just shows we're kind of an unknown," said Moss. "We're blending seven new guys with eight returnees who had a tough year last year. It reiterates that people don't know a lot about these guys. They're unproven and until they prove something, nothing's going to be given.

      "The top of the poll is about what I figured. ODU has about everyone back from a good team. VCU lost a special player, but the makeup of their team is intact. Northeastern has a veteran group with a lot of guys back as well."

      Old Dominion was picked to finish atop the CAA standings followed by Northeastern, VCU, George Mason, James Madison, Hofstra, Drexel, Georgia State, Towson, William & Mary, Delaware and UNCW.

      Individually, junior guard Chad Tomko of UNCW was selected Second-Team Preseason All-CAA. The 5-11, 165-pound sparkplug from Charlotte started 31-of-32 games last year and led the team in scoring (15.6 ppg), minutes (1,021), 3-point field goals (77) and assists (142). He was a Third-Team All-CAA selection in 2008-09.

      "It's great for Chad, but we're more interested in doing better as a team this year," added Moss. "It's a great individual honor for him in the preseason."

2009-10 CAA Men's Basketball Preseason Poll

2009-10 CAA Preseason All-CAA First-Team

2009-10 CAA Preseason All-CAA Second-Team