WASHINGTON – Miles Rubin was named an Atlantic 10 Preseason First Team and All-Defensive selection, the league announced Tuesday morning. The Ramblers were also tabbed fifth in the preseason poll.
 
The preseason accolades come after two consecutive All-Defensive nods for Rubin. He started all 37 games last season, averaging 9.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 2.3 blocks per game. His 71.4 field goal percentage set a single-season program record.
 
Rubin enters his junior season as one of the nation's top shot blockers. He finished his sophomore campaign ranked 12th in the country with an 11.4 shot blocking percentage. Rubin also set Loyola's single-season block record back-to-back seasons.
 
The sophomore center found his offensive rhythm last year, posting 19 double-figure scoring performances, which included a career-high 21 points vs. Oakland (Dec. 22).
 
In the poll, Loyola received two first place votes and 286 points to fall fifth.
 
VCU was tabbed the preseason favorite, racking up 11 votes and 342 points. Saint Louis trailed in second with 11 votes, while Dayton and George Washington placed third and fourth respectively. Dayton had the remaining three first-place votes.
 
George Mason and Saint Joseph's finished the top half of the ranks at sixth and seventh, while the remaining order went St. Bonaventure, Duquesne, Richmond, Davidson, Rhode Island, La Salle and Fordham.