Oct. 14, 2004
The makeup of the Siena basketball team has changed so dramatically since the end of last season, that's it's difficult to know what to expect at the outset of the 2004-2005 season. For starters, six freshmen are listed on the 13-man opening day roster. The dynamics have also shifted, as a team that ranked nationally in rebounding the past two seasons now consists of nine guards.
Head Coach Rob Lanier is a far cry from raising the white flag.
"Our expectations around here start with winning championships," Lanier said. "Some years, that might be more realistic then others, but this season we are confident in our personnel, and believe we have addressed the major areas of concern."
Lanier's optimism stems from the return of junior Michael Haddix, a Second Team All-MAAC selection last season. Haddix has been the most consistent Saint since his arrival in 2002, and if he continues his development, he will rank among the region's premier post presences the next two years.
As a freshman, then-senior Prosper Karangwa complimented Haddix in the backcourt, and the Saints won 21 games advancing to the Second Round of the NIT. Last year, a combination of factors led to an inconsistent alternative on offense. As a result the team spent the majority of the season searching for answers beyond Haddix.
This year, renewed hope rests in the healthy return of several key components, and a highly touted recruiting class loaded with back court players.
"Since I arrived (in April of 2001), we have had a great need to improve our backcourt," Lanier said. "This year, we have brought in a group of players who each bring something different to the table, and collectively will bolster the guard positions. Our ball handling has improved, as has our on-the-ball defense."
While the freshmen carry their own imbedded variables, Lanier is also banking on the emergence of several returning members of the backcourt, each of whom has proven his merit at various times throughout his career. If all goes according to plan, last year's weakness figures to be one of this season's strengths.
Backcourt
Senior Tommy Mitchell was another player who, in retrospect, benefited greatly from Karangwa's presence in 2002-2003. The explosive guard enjoyed a breakthrough season as a sophomore, whetting the appetite of all close to the program. In all likelihood it was this reason that led to his 10.4 points (second on the team) and 2.5 assists per game being viewed as a disappointment last year by some. Regardless, Mitchell will be a go-to player this season creating off the dribble on offense, and in many cases defending the opposition's top threat.
Mitchell is joined on the wing by junior Antoine Jordan who ended last season third on the team in scoring despite being handicapped the majority of the year with a severe ankle injury. Jordan's healthy presence provides instant energy on both offense and defense. A fearless competitor with All-MAAC capability, Jordan is one of the toughest and most reliable options for Lanier.
Sophomore Mike Beers is one of the top long-range threats in the league, providing another weapon in the diverse backcourt. Last year, Beers was often keyed on and forced to help bring the ball up the court against pressure. It is expected that his strengths will be accented by the multi-faceted attack made possible by the addition of four freshman guards.
Jack McClinton was the first member of the Class of 2008 to commit to the program and could provide an instant answer to the point guard question. McClinton is a very driven individual who is physical with the ball and skilled enough to knock down the open jump shot. Classmate Al Fisher is an ultra-confident, offensive-minded threat who could evolve into an exceptional player as he improves his defense and becomes acclimated to the college game.
New York State's all-time leading three-point shooter Tay Fisher, and athletic newcomer Kojo Mensah join the pair. Fisher figures to develop into a prolific scorer if his high school accomplishments are any indication. A hard-nosed competitor with great ball skills, he will be another player the opposition will have to keep in their sights. Mensah is another resilient competitor with great floor vision. Unselfish in the open court and relentless in his defensive pursuit, Mensah is a player who can make those around him better and will likely see minutes running the offense as a rookie.
Marshall Taylor, the final member of the incoming quintet, has the athleticism of an off-guard and the physical potential to play inside. He comes from a competitive basketball background and his best basketball is by all accounts in front of him.
If youthful energy and potential define the Saints 2004-2005 backcourt at the outset, proven experience is the rule up front.
Frontcourt
Haddix is as skilled as any returning post presence in the MAAC, and any success the Saints achieve will likely be in large part due to his efforts. Those close to the program are just fine with that, as they have witnessed first hand what the junior is capable of the last two seasons.
Though undersized in the pivot, Haddix spent most of the 2003-2004 campaign manning the center position. His muscle and technique allow him to gain position, and his extraordinary finesse around the hoop make him a deadly finisher. On the glass, he always seems to be around the ball as evidenced by his 9.0 rebounds per game last season--the most by any Saint in over a decade. Couple that with the most productive freshman season in school history, and there is good reason to be hopeful of the future for Haddix and the Saints.
Senior Brent Sniezyk will accompany Haddix in the middle. At 6-10, 270 pounds, Sniezyk possesses as much brute strength as any player in the conference, and through the years has evolved into one of the top leaders on the team. This season, the Saints will need more consistency and productivity from their tallest player, to compensate for a lack of depth in the post.
Another player who will be asked for increased contributions is the ever-improving Gary Holle, who enters the season in the best physical shape of his career. Holle will have the opportunity to finish his career on a high note his development continues as expected. An athletic forward, he creates mismatches at the four, as he has proven he can knock down the jumper from the baseline or the top of the key with ease.
Red-Shirt sophomore David Ryan finished last season on a tear developing into a reliable option on offense. Last year he was the team's top three-point shooter by percentage while seeing action at both forward positions. Another difficult match up for opposing forwards, Ryan gives Lanier the flexibility to mix his lineups instantaneously to take advantage of varying situations. Ryan has also matured physically thanks to a determined commitment to the team's strength and conditioning program.
Rounding out the front-line is red-shirt freshman Joel Green. Green has improved on a seemingly daily basis according to the staff. He brings a great confidence and unique athleticism to the table, each of which has contributed to his speedy development on the practice floor.
The Saints will need all their components to click from the start if they hope to pile up wins against another draconian non-league schedule.
Schedule
"Our goal is always to be playing our best basketball at the end of the season, when it matters most," Lanier stated. "This year's schedule provides a lot of challenges early in the season that will help us learn more about our team. With the number of young players we have, it will be key to see how we respond, and how well we hold up through the long season."
Lanier references a trait his teams have become known for in his three years at the helm. During that time, Siena has posted a 22-14 record in February and March and a stellar 10-4 mark in postseason play.
This year, the Saints figure to be well equipped to handle the challenges that late season play brings, as the team could potentially play six games against 2004 NCAA Tournament participants.
The season begins with a trip to Raleigh, N.C. where the Saints will partake in the eight-team Black Coaches Association Classic in the state-of-the-art RBC Center, home of North Carolina State. The Saints draw includes a first round game against Pac-10 member Oregon State. The rest of the field includes East Carolina, Pepperdine, Elon, Fairleigh Dickinson, New Orleans and the host Wolfpack.
The Saints should be well received when they return home to the friendly confines of Pepsi Arena, as the home season begins with what will likely be the two biggest draws of the year. Clashes with cross-town rival UAlbany and 2003 National Champion Syracuse bracket the Thanksgiving holiday, and each contest figures to test the capacity of Siena's 15,500-seat downtown Albany home.
A return trip to the Carolinas for an early December date with Big South power Winthrop precedes the MAAC opener at two-time defending champion Manhattan December 9.
The calendar year concludes with a trio of non-conference affairs. The Saints begin a home-and-home series with Youngstown State of the Horizon League in Ohio on December 14 following the MAAC home opener against Iona.
A pre-Christmas visit to the Bronx for a date with Atlantic 10 foe Fordham precedes a home game against 2004 America East Champion Vermont. The New Year brings a chance for revenge, as the team will again head south for a date with 2004 Northeast Conference Champion Monmouth. The Hawks handed the Saints their first loss of the season last year, sending the Green and Gold reeling into a 10-game losing streak that spanned more than 40 days.
A Friday night MSG Network televised game at archrival Marist marks the return to conference competition on January 7. Traditional Ivy League power Pennsylvania completes the non-conference slate at Pepsi Arena on Saturday, January 15.
The remainder of the schedule brings the day-in and day-out challenges associated with the MAAC--one of the most balanced and unpredictable Mid Major Conferences in America.
The MAAC Championships will be contested at Buffalo's HSBC Arena the first weekend of March. Siena cut down the nets at HSBC Arena in 1999, marking their first return to the NCAA Tournament in a decade.
"We will have a different look this year, and obviously will try our best to play to our strengths," Lanier said. "Our roster gives us the opportunity to play several different lineups. The challenge will be to find a rotation we are comfortable with, while keeping with our foundation of solid defensive pressure and team rebounding."
