Reasons for optimism

Although it's only two games into the season, the aura surrounding this year's Marist men's basketball team is not the same as years past. The idea has been floated out there that the women's basketball team could theoretically outdraw the men's team at the McCann Center. It is a distinct possibility. That's not to say that the women don't deserve the attendance, because based on their perennial NCAA tournament runs, the house should be packed every night. The men, however, always boast a stellar attendance and atmosphere. That changed Monday against Saint Bonaventure's though. The men only drew 2,143 fans out of a possible 3,200 capacity.
The outlook is not as bleak as most might think, however. Although the team struggled against Saint Bonaventure, the Red Foxes almost upset Rutgers, a team many believe could be a dark horse in the Big East. With an inexperienced team and a new offensive philosophy, Marist is destined for highs and lows. Early in the season, there will probably be more highs than lows. As notable college basketball analyst George Rodecker pointed out, Marist has assembled a much more difficult preseason schedule than in years past under Matt Brady. Despite the difficult schedule, there are a number of reasons for optimism once the MAAC schedule starts in December.
David Devezin, the Red Foxes' lone returning starter, is the best thing going for this team right now. The MAAC named Devezin to the preseason All-MAAC third team. The one time Texas A&M product transferred to Marist prior to last season and fit right into the offense. Devezin is a prototypical point guard in Chuck Martin's dribble-drive motion offense. In Martin's first press conference as head coach, he likened Devezin to Derrick Rose in terms of his ability to penetrate the lane.
Ryan Schneider and Kaylen Gregory represent two hungry seniors that do not want their college careers to end on a sour note. Schneider is playing for his fourth Div. I head coach in five seasons while Kaylen Gregory is a fifth year senior brought to the school by Matt Brady. Both players played sparingly last season. Schneider became more of a factor after Louie McCroskey's ankle injury, but Kaylen Gregory rarely saw the floor. Gregory will start for Chuck Martin and his athleticism could be an asset to the Red Foxes. Gregory showcased his speed and strength against saint Bonaventure in the home opener. After a Ryan Schneider steal 8:01 into the first half, Gregory took the pass and streaked to the basket for a soaring dunk to cut the Bonnies' lead to one. Gregory also played for the Virgin Islands in the 2007 FIBA Americas Championship. In a 123-59 loss to Team USA, Gregory played 10 minutes against a team that consisted of Lebron James, Jason Kidd, Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard, and countless others. In Schneider, the Marist coaching staff knows they have a proven veteran. The fifth year senior led the Red Foxes in the MAAC semifinals against Rider with 19 points. Schneider also led Marist in scoring in the team's loss to Saint Bonaventure. Schneider poured in 16 points to go along with eight rebounds.
The MAAC is also the weakest its been in several years. Although Siena is the consensus favorite to go back to the NCAA tournament and look to build upon its upset of Vanderbilt in the first round, there is little certain after that. Rider will undoubtedly be weaker than last season after losing Jason Thompson to the Sacramento Kings. Thompson was a lottery pick in last year's NBA Draft. Fairfield and Niagara will most likely be the most competitive teams following Siena.
Finally, the Marist coaching staff is one of the most accomplished in the MAAC. Although Jimmy Patsos won an NCAA championship with Maryland in 2002, Marist head coach Chuck Martin was an assistant with John Calipari on last year's Memphis Tigers' squad that fell in overtime to Kansas in the national championship game. Martin brings with him Paul Lee, formerly an assistant coach with Northwestern and regarded by most scouts as one of the top assistants in all of college basketball. Tyrone Weeks, a member of the Memphis coaching staff last season, also joins Chuck Martin. Weeks will primarily work with big men Alex Vouyoukas, Lawrence Williams, and Korey Bauer.