As a result of the global pandemic, sports have changed drastically for the Siena men’s basketball team. When compared t the 2019/2020 season, there have been many restrictions put in place to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Although the team had a successful season in 2020 with a 20-10 record, things took a turn after that. At the beginning of the 2020 season attendance ratings for each game were between 14-6,228 people. Now kicking off the 2021 season, there are zero people in attendance at each game due to the COVID-19 restrictions.
During the 2021 season, there were only 16 regular-season games. The men’s team ended their regular season with a 12-4 record, putting them in first place in the MAAC division. For the 2020 season, the most familiar faces we saw on the court (and who accumulated the most minutes) were Manny Camper, Jalen Pickett, Donald Carey, Elijah Burns and Gary Harris Jr. However, as some of the players graduated or transferred schools, we started to see new players work their way into the rotation in the 2021 season: Jordan King, Jackson Stormo, Aidan Carpenter and Nick Hopkins.
In comparison to last year’s season, the Saints scoring margin increased from 4.5 to 5.1. Still, in 2020 the team’s free throw percentage was at .704 as opposed to this season’s percentage at .669. The rebounding margin from last year was at 4.5 and this season it dropped to 3.0. However, it is important to keep in mind that fewer games were played this season. Meaning, not all the team’s talent was reflected since there were fewer games. Just like many of the sports teams at Siena, the men’s basketball team overcame a lot and was able to prove that they are capable of having a great season despite the difficulties going on. The men’s basketball team will begin their journey in the MAAC tournament on March 10 at 5 p.m.
Great read, really enjoyed it. They still had a great season!! Looking forward to next season. Go Saints!