Early October measure of optimism

[SaintsFan]

With plenty of new faces and players coming back from injury/NCAA restrictions, how optimistic are you about the upcoming season?

[MTS]

Saintsfan - hopefully we'll have the contest again for number of Siena wins? It will be interesting to see people's predictions this season!

I voted for "Optimistic" ... extremely optimisitic would be when you have Ubiles, Franklin, Moore, Rossiter and Hasbrouck before the 2008-2009 or 2009-2010 season. We have question marks but a lot of answers. We have talent (it is young) and we should be deep. We have good fast athletic guards (albeit small) and probably the best player in the league.

Last year I was pessimistic especially after all of the injuries etc.. but we managed to have a representative season winning 14 games.

Coaching was somewhat addressed from the previous year but there are still concerns that need to be answered. With the schedule we have... I expect this team to win at least 18 regular season games and maybe as many as 22 if everything clicks early. MAAC games will be competitive so we could go very well to win 12 MAAC games.

First practice on Friday ... 31 days until Vermont at the TUC!

GO SAINTS!!!

[IndianSaint]

I have to admit. I'm one of the idiots that is Extremely Optomistic. I can't help it. Seeing what we ackomplished last year, with what we had, I can't help thinking what we'll possibly accomplish this year. Besides, I'm usually overly Optomistic when it comes to Siena BBall.

[glen]

I am cautiously optimistic but IMO anything less than 20 wins with this schedule is a poor showing. There are no KU or UT on this schedule and every game is winnable (on paper). Yes we have lots of new faces but we have lots of experienced faces. True many are coming off injury but other have practiced for a year already.

I'm really totally done with excuses. I want to see Siena back to leading the league. We have the talent. We should win.

[Deleted]

I'm neutral and I can't wait for the season to begin, all wins are good wins. I do agree with glen no excuses.........

[jong10]

I count myself in the Optimistic category as there are too many unknowns with players we haven't seen play in a year for an Extremely Optimistic vote. That said, with the depth this team possesses, the expected talent level and the schedule, 20 wins should be the low bar. 22 or 23 wins is closer to what I'm anticipating. Less than 20 would be disappointing and under .500 would be an epic fail.

[bigfan]

I too am optimistic, and am expecting a 20+ win season based on the combination of returning talents and new potential. I anticipate that there will be some ugliness here and there as the coaches work out the best substitution strategies and the players get comfortable playing together, and within their new roles (where applicable).

I am excited, though. No doubt. I do believe this is the most promising incoming freshman class since the big three (plus Magee).

[maisaints]

I guess my optimism is at its highest since the last season of the big three, but in that I do think that c. 21 wins is where I think it is at. Post season is harder to predict, but if healthy a MAAC championship isn't out of the equation. Neither is a round of 32 in the NCAA. Both seem quite possible, but it will be up to Mitch and the coaching staff. Letting the hot hand ride will be key.

[gorvy]

I'm not nearly as optimistic, mostly because I don't follow high school ball and haven't seen the freshman play. I'm basically waiting to see the first game.

[SaintsFan]

I agree with many out here. There is some reason for optimism and the schedule lends itself to success. There is zero reason for a sub .500 year as depth exists at each position. 20 wins as an expectation is not unreasonable given this schedule.

My vote was Neutral as being one of the more pessimistic fans over the last two years. Every year its tough not to have some sort of optimism as a fan. 20 plus this year and a considerably tougher schedule next year are my current expectations.

[mrsiena]

I forsee 21 or 22 wins; 13-5 or 12-6 in league and 9-3 OOC. League looks to be very competitive. I see losses at Iona, Manhattan, Loyola, and Niagara and another one or two at home to two of these teams. Also, Canisius and Marist will not be easy games on the road. I think we can beat Bona now that Nicholson has graduated.

[Deleted]

I’m cautiously because of three points:
1) I would like to observe the new players.
2) the game coach had it easy last year, yes I said easy, because he only had 6 players, you didn’t see if he corrected one of his flaws…..substitutions. This year he has a full team. It will be interesting to see how he utilizes his players.
3) Will the team have an up-tempo offence

[Big papi]

Funny how some predicted single digit wins last year are now looking for 20 plus wins this year. I think a over. 500 record would be a step in the right direction with all the inexperience on the roster. I'll take some 62 - 58 wins with a 7 or 8 man rotation rather than some 88- 82 loses with a 10 man rotation and uptempo pace.

[sienajay]

Optimistic.

I've set my own personal over/under at 18 wins, and I think the Saints will get the over.

A lot depends not on Imoh's 'experience' and how he's going to produce in his first year, but how much he's learned in the past year in practice and watching games to contribute as a possible starter. OD and Imoh in the front court could be really compelling.

Another factor is the 'jump' that Rob and Evan make in their Sophomore seasons.

I'm not as worried about the coaches - Mitch made strides last year, but he also had better support around him and it looks like the staff is working well together and managing the players productively.

Finally, it will be great to watch how the freshman respond. If they step up and provide quality minutes the depth should prove to be valuable as the season goes on.

It should be an entertaining year, and the boys should compete both in conference and out. Hoping that they continue to grow to be ready for a run in March.

[glen]

Ira - I agree and disagree.

slow paced wins are better than losses ... at this stage. We need W's desperately. I'll take any that come. That said I do think the fans in general like a faster pace. At some point that'll be in issue but I look forward to the days when the huge quantity of 62-60 wins is a problem

I'll argue the "anything over .500". At what point do you put expectations on the team/coach? Next year we lose OD and Martens - we'll be "young" in the frontcourt. Every year will have some question marks. .500 can't be the target.