Photo by: SMC Athletics / Emily Smith
MBB | Gaels Cap First Week of Practice Energized and Ready for 2023-24 Campaign
9/29/2023 3:00:00 PM | Men's Basketball
MORAGA, Calif. — Men's basketball practice is back in full swing at Saint Mary's, as the Gaels look to make it three straight trips to The Big Dance in 2024. The Gaels are just two weeks out from their annual Blue and White Scrimmage, set for October 14 at 5 PM, and will get their first look at intersquad competition with a charity exhibition on October 20 at the University of Hawaii to raise funds for Maui Wildfire Relief. The season will officially start on November 6 inside University Credit Union Pavilion, as Saint Mary's will welcome the Warriors of Stanislaus State to town for a 7 PM tip-off.
After earning a share of the WCC Regular-Season Title last season, there is a lot of positive buzz surrounding the 2023-24 Saint Mary's program. The team returns 12 players from last year's roster, including three starters: 2023 Freshman All-American Aidan Mahaney, 2023 first team All-WCC selectee Mitchell Saxen, and 2023 honorable mention All-WCC selectee Alex Ducas. Last year's squad finished the year with a 27-8 record, and were ranked as high as #15 in the AP Poll and #14 in USA Today. The Gaels earned a five seed at the NCAA Tournament, and defeated 12th seeded VCU before falling to eventual National Champ UConn in the second round.
The Gaels received a big boost heading into the 2023-24 campaign when Alex Ducas opted to use his fifth year of eligibility with the Gaels. "I'm super excited about returning for year five," stated Ducas, "we've got a really special group here and the chance to do something special this season!" Ducas became the 39th Gaels in program history to reach the 1000 point mark, doing so in last season's win against VCU, and is three triples shy of 200 three-point field goals made in his career.
The common phrase chosen by players to describe week one of practice was "high-level". "We improved every day, and we are really excited to see what comes next!" stated junior guard Augustus Marciulionis. "We've really been going at it," added sophomore guard Chris Howell, "we've been competing in every drill and we're all extremely hyped up for this season."
Head Coach Randy Bennett shared the sentiment with his players about the successful first week of practice. "The goal is always to get better every day. There's still work to be done as we continue to move closer to our opener, but I'm very excited to coach this terrific group of young men!"
Gaels fans can get their first look at the Saint Mary's Men's Basketball squad at the Blue & White Scrimmage, set to take place on October 14 inside UCU Pavilion with a 5 PM tip-off.
For the most up-to-date ticket info, please click here.
#GaelsRise
After earning a share of the WCC Regular-Season Title last season, there is a lot of positive buzz surrounding the 2023-24 Saint Mary's program. The team returns 12 players from last year's roster, including three starters: 2023 Freshman All-American Aidan Mahaney, 2023 first team All-WCC selectee Mitchell Saxen, and 2023 honorable mention All-WCC selectee Alex Ducas. Last year's squad finished the year with a 27-8 record, and were ranked as high as #15 in the AP Poll and #14 in USA Today. The Gaels earned a five seed at the NCAA Tournament, and defeated 12th seeded VCU before falling to eventual National Champ UConn in the second round.
The Gaels received a big boost heading into the 2023-24 campaign when Alex Ducas opted to use his fifth year of eligibility with the Gaels. "I'm super excited about returning for year five," stated Ducas, "we've got a really special group here and the chance to do something special this season!" Ducas became the 39th Gaels in program history to reach the 1000 point mark, doing so in last season's win against VCU, and is three triples shy of 200 three-point field goals made in his career.
The common phrase chosen by players to describe week one of practice was "high-level". "We improved every day, and we are really excited to see what comes next!" stated junior guard Augustus Marciulionis. "We've really been going at it," added sophomore guard Chris Howell, "we've been competing in every drill and we're all extremely hyped up for this season."
Head Coach Randy Bennett shared the sentiment with his players about the successful first week of practice. "The goal is always to get better every day. There's still work to be done as we continue to move closer to our opener, but I'm very excited to coach this terrific group of young men!"
Gaels fans can get their first look at the Saint Mary's Men's Basketball squad at the Blue & White Scrimmage, set to take place on October 14 inside UCU Pavilion with a 5 PM tip-off.
For the most up-to-date ticket info, please click here.
#GaelsRise
Players Mentioned
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