The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference coaches’ poll predicts another second-place finish for the Niagara men’s basketball team, and has two Purple Eagles on the preseason all-conference team.
“That means nothing to us,” senior guard Bilal Benn said.
Niagara knew that Benn and Tyrone Lewis were likely to be recognized at Tuesday’s MAAC media day, but didn’t want to pull either play out of classes to attend the event in New York City’s Times Square.
“Our guys don’t even know it’s MAAC media day,” Niagara coach Joe Mihalich said after Monday’s practice.
Mihalich said he has never talked to his team about the preseason coaches poll, even in years when it could’ve been used as motivation.
“It really doesn’t mean anything,” he said. “It’s guesses and prognostication and all of those things.
You’ll hear it all year along from me, after a bad loss or a good win: The only thing that matters is we want to be the best team in the league for three games in March.”
The message has gotten through to at least one player.
“We’re not worried about stats, rankings, or anything like that. We just want to cut down the nets,” Benn said. “My focus is on my team right now, and whether the freshman are getting better and whether all of the seniors are on the same page.”
Benn and Lewis were joined on the preseason all-conference team by Siena’s Edwin Ubiles and Ronald Moore, and Rider’s Ryan Thompson, who was picked as the preseason player of the year.
Siena finished atop the coaches poll for the third straight year, garnering nine of 10 votes. Rider coach Tommy Dempsey voted for his own team.
“As a leader of the program, I talk to my kids about believing we’re the best team,” Dempsey said. “I have to back that up. I have to show confidence in those guys and say, ‘Hey, I believe we’re the best team, now let’s go prove it.’ I can’t just preach it and not back it up.”
Mihalich and Monday said that he still regards Siena as the clear favorite in the MAAC.
“I think it’s probably more true this year,” he said. “It’s still Siena’s league. They haven’t just won our league, they’ve won a game in the NCAA tournament the past two years. They’ve done what all of us want to do.”
• The Niagara women’s team was picked to finish last in the coaches poll. Junior forward Liz Flooks was voted to third-team all-conference.
Niagara U.
Related Photos
-
DAN CAPPELLAZZO/STAFF PHOTOGRAPH
BASKETBALL: Purple Eagles pay no mind to predictions
- Niagara U.
-
-
Niagara shuts out Canisius
Paul Zanette had a goal and assist while goaltender Chris Noonan made 29 saves to propel the Niagara University men’s hockey team to a critical 3-0 victory over Canisius at the Buffalo State College Sports Complex.
-
Situation getting worse for Niagara basketball team
Niagara sank into last place in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference with a 51-49 loss at Manhattan, which came into the game on a 15-game losing streak Monday. And that was hardly the most ominous news to come out of the lost weekend, which also included Saturday’s setback at Saint Peter’s.
-
Niagara falls hard in big game
With Calvin Murphy being honored at halftime and ESPNU showing the game nationwide, the Purple Eagles missed more than twice as many shots as they made and lost 82-65 to visiting Metro Atlantic Athletic foe Rider before a crowd of 1,275.
-
A legend holds court at NU
Calvin Murphy adds to his legend in return
-
Calvin Murphy excited to come back to Niagara
Murphy is passionate about showing his loyalty to Niagara because the university has done the same for him over the years.
-
Niagara loses by 45 at Drexel
The Niagara men’s basketball team suffered through its most lopsided loss in over a decade on its worst offensive night in almost a century.
-
Niagara making impression in Atlantic Hockey
As second semester approaches, Purple Eagles have rebounded after down year
-
Purple Eagles encouraged to follow the leader
Having lost seven of eight games for just the second time in his 12 years at Niagara, coach Joe Mihalich is concerned that his roster of mostly freshmen and sophomores is not responding to the leadership being provided by his lone senior.
-
Dobrich pursues his passion coaching the Purple Eagles
Luke Dobrich, 32, is in his eighth season as a men’s basketball assistant coach at Niagara, and his first as the senior member of head coach Joe Mihalich’s staff.
-
Nelson’s basket lifts NU past Bowling Green
Anthony Nelson’s basket with just a second left on the shot clock proved the game’s winning play as the Purple Eagles evened their record at 2-2 with a 65-61 victory over Bowling Green on Friday.
- More Niagara U. Headlines
-
Niagara shuts out Canisius
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Video of Ga. Man Who Killed Girl Released
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
