Coming off a championship run in their most recent season, the expectations are changing for the St. Lawrence University men's basketball team.

As 2022-23 Liberty League champions, expectations will remain high. This comes after not only a banner, but a strong overall regular season record of 19-8, and a 13-5 record in conference play. Both those records were the Saints' best since 2016-17.

After a season of great results, the challenge for the upcoming season will be handling the best from each opponent, says coach Downs.

"We are ahead of where we were a year ago at this time in terms of systems and schemes," he continued. "But we will have to adjust to handling a target on our backs every game as the defending champions. We will get everyone's best game, and we'll have to be ready for that."

Downs also referenced his new group of veterans, and he says these key players will have to step into significant leadership roles in 2023-24. Team captains Trey Syroka and Carter Storey will be at the forefront of that group, which also will include Aidan Macaulay and Gavin Macaulay.

The Macaulay brothers were among the team's statistical leaders for returning players, finishing third and fourth in points per game respectively, with Aidan checking in at 9.3 and Gavin at 9.0 on the dot.

They were only bested offensively by their captain Syroka, who returns as the team's best offensive player statistically.

2023-24 LIBERTY LEAGUE MEN'S BASKETBALL PRESEASON POLL

1. St. Lawrence, 78 (7)
2. RPI, 68 (1)
3. Hobart, 66 (1)
4. Ithaca, 62 (1)
5t. Clarkson, 40
5t. Skidmore, 40
7. Union, 36
8. Vassar, 27
9. RIT, 24
10. Bard, 9