The Colonials were picked to finish 13th, of 16 programs, in the Atlantic 10 at the league’s media day this morning.

The rank is the result of a preseason poll of the league’s head coaches. It comes after GW finished tied for 11th of 14 last season, ending the 2011-12 season with a 10-21 overall record after falling in the first round of the A-10 tournament at Dayton. In the 2012 preseason poll, the Colonials are predicted to edge Fordham, Rhode Island and Duquesne in final conference standings.

Saint Joseph’s was picked to finish at the top of the league, followed by, in order, Saint Louis, VCU, Temple, Massachusetts, Butler, La Salle, Dayton, Xavier, Richmond, defending champion St. Bonaventure and Charlotte. This season will be the league’s last with Temple and Charlotte, both of which will depart starting in the 2013-14 season, but the first with conference newcomers Butler and VCU.

The Colonials will suit up six new players this year, including incoming Villanova transfer Isaiah Armwood and new recruits Kethan Savage, Joe McDonald, Paris Maragkos, Patricio Garino and Kevin Larsen.

“I like the team we have. We have a group of guys working hard each day to get better individually and as a team. It is exciting to see their growth,” head coach Mike Lonergan said in a release. “We have a lot of unknowns coming into this season with five freshmen and one of our leading returners – David Pellom – sidelined for our offseason workouts, tour of Italy and preseason training. Our freshmen are going to have an immediate impact, and Isaiah Armwood is a big addition to our frontcourt. We’re looking forward to competing for an A-10 Championship at the beautiful new Barclays Center in March in what will prove to be one of the nation’s toughest conferences this season.”