The St. Lawrence University men's basketball team enters the 2026-27 season with a new head coach and a roster that blends 10 returning players with six newcomers.

Riley Naclerio takes over the program he once starred in. A 1,000-point scorer who graduated in 2018, Naclerio later served as a graduate assistant coach with the Saints before stepping into the top job.

He says there is a lot to be excited about entering the season.

"I think there's a lot to be excited about this season," said Naclerio. "Since our first practice in September, I've been pleased with how our guys have approached each day. We've challenged them to come in with the mindset of getting better, competing and doing things the right way."

"We're going to play a different style than St. Lawrence teams have played in the past, and our guys have embraced that opportunity," he continued. "We have sophomores who gained valuable experience last season and are ready for bigger roles, talented first-years who came in ready to contribute, and five upperclassmen with a chip on their shoulder and everything to prove. Put those groups together and there's a fun energy around our program right now."

Ten players return from last year's team. The backcourt features Brayden Shepardson, Connor Parkes, Caden Mirliani, Tommy McMahon, Aidan Phelan and Troy McPherson. Up front, Drew Baker, Patrick Mulholland, Grady Goodman and Colton Suriano give Naclerio a group of experienced forwards to build around.

The Saints finished 14-14 overall and 11-7 in Liberty League play last season. They were dominant at home, going 10-2 at Burkman Gymnasium. That edge carried into the postseason, where St. Lawrence knocked off Ithaca 72-64 in a home playoff game. The Saints then fell to top-ranked Rensselaer 62-58 in a contest they stayed in until the final moments.

Naclerio welcomes six first-year players to the roster. Guards Ty Wallace of Ottawa, Ontario, Patrick Ricca of Wilbraham, Mass., Sean Acunto of Nanuet, N.Y., Reid Danforth of Skaneateles, N.Y., and Finn O'Neill of New York City join forward Mitchell Masiello of Buffalo, N.Y., in the newcomer class.

The group also leaves a strong graduating class. Adam Dudzinski earned Liberty League All-League First Team honors and NABC All-Region recognition, while Dan Anderson was named to the All-League Third Team.

St. Lawrence opens the season at home on Tuesday, hosting Oswego State at Burkman Gymnasium.