5 Burning Questions: Can The Dayton Flyers Men's Basketball Team Take Back The A-10 In The 2024-2025 Season?

The University of Dayton Flyers Men's Basketball program is once again poised for a major run in the Atlantic 10 (A-10) conference, heading into the 2024-2025 season with high expectations and a mix of veteran talent and impactful new additions. As of December 15, 2025, the buzz around UD Arena centers on whether Head Coach Anthony Grant's squad can overcome significant offseason departures—most notably sharpshooter Koby Brea—to secure an A-10 title and make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. The transition of power and the successful integration of key transfers will define this year's narrative. The Flyers are coming off a strong 2023-2024 campaign, finishing with a 23-11 record, which earned them a 3rd place finish in the A-10 regular season standings. The foundation remains strong with returning stars, but the transfer portal has reshaped the landscape, creating both opportunity and uncertainty. This in-depth look explores the crucial questions that will determine Dayton's success.

Dayton Flyers Men's Basketball: Coach and Key Player Profile

The core of the Dayton Flyers' competitive success rests on the shoulders of its experienced coach and the leadership of its returning players.

Anthony Grant: Head Coach Biography

• Full Name: Anthony Grant
• Current Role: Head Coach, University of Dayton Men's Basketball (8th season)
• Alma Mater: University of Dayton (1987)
• Coaching History: VCU (Head Coach), Alabama (Head Coach), Florida (Assistant Coach under Billy Donovan), Oklahoma City Thunder (Assistant Coach).
• Dayton Tenure Highlights: Led the 2019-2020 team to a 29-2 record and a consensus No. 3 national ranking before the NCAA Tournament was canceled. Consistently guides the Flyers to the top tier of the Atlantic 10.
• Awards: Two-time Naismith Coach of the Year finalist.

Key Players for the 2024-2025 Season

The following players are expected to be the statistical and emotional leaders for the Flyers:

• Nate Santos (Senior Forward): A crucial returner and a Preseason First Team All-Atlantic 10 selection, Santos's versatile scoring and rebounding will be vital to the team's offense.
• Zed Key (Graduate Forward/Center): A major transfer addition from Ohio State, Key brings immediate size, physicality, and Big Ten experience to the frontcourt. His role will be to anchor the defense and provide reliable scoring in the paint.
• Javon Bennett (Junior Guard): Known for his quickness and defensive intensity, Bennett will be key to running the offense and maintaining the team's defensive prowess.
• Enoch Cheeks (Senior Guard): A strong defensive presence and reliable scorer, Cheeks is expected to take on a larger leadership role in the backcourt.
• Malachi Smith (Senior Guard): A veteran presence who provides depth and playmaking ability, essential for navigating the demanding A-10 schedule.

The Transfer Portal Effect: Can Dayton Replace Koby Brea's Production?

The biggest storyline of the offseason was the movement within the transfer portal. While the Flyers successfully added talent, they also suffered significant losses that create a void that must be filled.

The Departure of the Sharpshooter

The most impactful departure was Koby Brea, who transferred to Kentucky. Brea was one of the nation's elite three-point shooters, and his ability to stretch the floor and hit clutch shots was a cornerstone of the Flyers' offense.

Other key players who departed include Kobe Elvis (Oklahoma), Zimi Nwokeji (Jacksonville), and Petras Padegimas (Mercer).

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The Arrival of Frontcourt Reinforcement

The addition of Zed Key from the Ohio State Buckeyes is a massive coup for Coach Grant. Key is a proven, high-major big man who immediately addresses the need for size and interior defense. His presence at UD Arena provides a formidable anchor that has been missing in recent seasons. His experience in the rigorous Big Ten conference will be invaluable in A-10 play.

The Flyers have historically relied on strong guard play, but Key's arrival signals a potential shift toward a more balanced, interior-focused attack, complementing the perimeter scoring of Nate Santos and the guard rotation. The team is expected to return to its "Defensive Prowess," with Key being a major catalyst for that improvement.

5 Burning Questions That Define the 2024-2025 Season

The path to the NCAA Tournament and an A-10 Championship is never easy. Here are the five most critical questions the Dayton Flyers must answer this season:

1. Who Steps Up as the Primary Perimeter Scorer?

With Koby Brea's elite shooting gone, the team needs a new go-to threat from beyond the arc. Nate Santos is a proven scorer, but can he elevate his three-point volume and efficiency? Enoch Cheeks and Javon Bennett must also increase their offensive output to prevent opposing defenses from collapsing too heavily on the paint. The collective effort to replace Brea's production is the biggest X-factor.

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2. How Quickly Does Zed Key Integrate into the System?

While Key is a high-impact player, his transition from the Big Ten style of play to the A-10's nuances under Anthony Grant is crucial. If he can quickly establish chemistry with the guards (Bennett and Cheeks) in the pick-and-roll and become the dominant defensive rebounder the team needs, the Flyers' ceiling rises dramatically. His health and consistent performance will be key to an NCAA Tournament berth.

3. Can the Flyers Sustain Their Defensive Identity?

Coach Grant’s best teams are known for their lockdown defense. The addition of Zed Key and the defensive talents of Cheeks and Bennett suggest a strong defensive foundation. The goal is to return to the elite defensive metrics that define the top teams in the A-10. Maintaining focus and intensity on the defensive end, particularly on the road, will be essential for winning the close conference matchups.

4. Will the 2025 Recruiting Class Maintain Momentum?

Looking ahead, the program's long-term health is strong. Coach Grant secured commitments from two notable prospects for the 2025-2026 season: Jaron McKie and Damon Friery. This recruiting class is currently ranked 57th nationally. While they won't play this year, their commitment demonstrates the program's sustained ability to attract top talent, which is vital for building a perennial contender and maintaining topical authority in college basketball discussions.

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5. Are the Flyers the A-10 Favorites?

Preseason buzz suggests the A-10 race will be tight, with teams like Virginia Commonwealth (VCU) and Saint Louis also cleaning up in the transfer portal. However, with a Preseason All-A-10 First Team selection in Nate Santos and a game-changing transfer in Zed Key, many see Dayton as a top contender, if not the favorite. Their ability to handle the pressure of being a marked team and perform consistently at home in the historic UD Arena will ultimately determine if they can secure the regular-season title and make noise in March Madness.