Big Games: 11/11 vs. Fairfield (Conn. 6 Classic), 2/11 @ CCSU, 2/18 @ LIU, 2/25 vs. Robert Morris
The Bobcats' only real shot at making a big impression during non-conference play is against a good Fairfield team in the neutral-site Connecticut 6 Classic. Other than that, they really won't play any games that winning will make a real statement until they reach NEC time. If they can play strongly in those 3 late season games against the other conference contenders, Tom Moore's squad might find themselves in contention for the conference's autobid come March.
Freshmen: Tom Moore should have some fresh contributors to draw from this year. Former Vermont G Garvey Young ought to compete right away and perhaps start for the Bobcats. G Austin Alexcih comes to Hamden after a year at UNC-Asheville and projects as a bench contributor in the long term. Terrance Bobb-Jones, a G from DE should eventually bring explosive scoring and defending to the team. SF/SG Evan Conti was a talented scorer and rebounder who took care of the effort plays in high school. JuCo SF Alex Jackson could be useful in the frontcourt, along with Boston PF Ousmane Drame and his soft touch. MD PF Marquis Barnett also will grab boards and be a physical presence down low. SG Zaid Hearst is a fast perimeter player who can drive to score, as is other SG Nate Gause.
Central Conn. St.: Schedule
Big Games: 12/17 @ Northwestern, 2/4 @ LIU, 2/8 @ Quinnipiac, 2/16 @ Robert Morris
Amidst an easy non-con schedule the only real chance for CCSU to draw attention will be against fringe NCAA contender Northwestern on the road. Once they get to NEC play the team that can beat other contenders on the road will probably win the title, so the stretch mentioned above will be critical to CCSU.
Freshmen: Florida SG Adonis Burbage will be able to drive to the basket and represents a pretty good get for the Blue Devils. PG Kyle Vinales ought to eventually serve as a playmaker and scorer once he becomes more consistent. He may have a head up on other PG Malcolm McMillan who may have a longer way to go in developing into a strong contributor. SG Shelton Mickell also will look to develop into a solid contributor in the backcourt but may be a bit away from doing so. Erik Raleigh from Philadelphia rounds out the class.
Bryant: Schedule
Big Games: 12/1 vs. CCSU, 12/10 @ Providence, 12/18 @ BC, 12/22 @ Arizona, 1
Taking on a more challenging non-conference schedule than many of the rest of their fellow members in the NEC could pay dividends if they can impress against rebuilding regional big-shots Providence and BC, while they get their best shot at national exposure at Arizona, albeit in a game they likely have no chance in. If they can get off to a fast start against top-of-the-pack Central in December, it could bode well for their improvement in the NEC standings.
Freshmen: Israeli big Ben Altit could be the best frosh in the conference this year, coming from his nation's U18 team and club Maccabi Tel Aviv. Redshirt PF Troy Robinson has had opportunity to develop and could now become a contributor in the post as well.
Sacred Heart: Schedule
Big Games: 11/17 @ Rutgers, 1/7 vs. SF-NY, 1/26 vs. Wagner, 2/11 vs. Bryant
Rutgers is a rebuilding team, so Sacred Heart may have a chance more so than they might otherwise against a Power 6 team, while getting a bit more exposure than usual. To move up the standings, the Pios will need to distinguish themselves against other mid-pack NEC teams, and winning those 3 above home games will help to push them upward in the standings.
Freshmen: PG Phil Gaetano is they type of floor leader who will distribute rather than taking shots for himself, and his attention from Ivy League schools speaks to the smarts he will bring on the court. G Steve Glowiak redshirted last year but brings a good 3-point shot to the Pioneers, and F Justin Swidowski is a DII transfer from Holy Family who will contribute in the post both offensively and defensively.
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