The St. Lawrence University men's basketball team, who graduated just one senior last year, opens their season on Wednesday the 16^th at 7:30 p.m. facing Plattsburgh on the road. Head coach Chris Downs, who enters his 26^th year at the helm of the Saints' program, spoke of the strength of schedule the team will face.

"Our non-conference schedule includes two teams, Oswego State and Williams, that will start the year in the top-25, and the Liberty League should be as competitive as any Division III conference in the country," Downs noted. Last season conference rivals Vassar and RPI made trips to the national tournament, as did Oswego and Williams.

Luke Hicks was the lone member of the Class of 2022, so the Scarlet and Brown return almost their whole roster. The senior class brings a lot of playing experience, and Coach Downs pointed out the sophomores as a group that will be taking on a bigger role this year.

"The key to the team this year is our senior class. Trent Adamson, Will Engelhardt, Miles Davis, and Liam McDonald will all be counted on for leadership and production. Our sophomore class made big strides in the off season. Aidan and Gavin Macaulay have both come back in great shape and Vermont-bigman Andrew Cowan has gotten much stronger, which will provide depth at the low post spot and anchor the defense with rim protection. Jack Wirtanen will also provide depth at the forward spot."

Adamson led the Saints in scoring, rebounds, minutes, and blocks last season, and earned Second-Team All-League. Engelhardt was second in points, rebounds, and minutes. Trey Syroka led the Saints with 78 assists and 38 steals last season.

Aidan Macaulay had the second most assists last season as a first-year and was fifth on the team in rebounds. His brother Gavin shot a team high 42.9-percent from deep.

Follow the links to check out the Saints' latest news, roster, and schedule for the upcoming season.

2022-23 LIBERTY LEAGUE MEN'S BASKETBALL PRESEASON POLL

1. Vassar, 73 (4)
2. Ithaca, 69 (3)
3. RPI, 68 (2)
4. Skidmore, 65 (1)
5. Hobart, 49
6. St. Lawrence, 39
7. Union, 36
8. RIT, 22
9. Clarkson, 16
10. Bard, 13

(First-place votes are in parentheses)