Like many kids, I grew up habitually watching March Madness every year. I would stay up late watching game after game, upset after upset. There is a magic to college basketball that is wholly unique. Nothing compares to the anxieties and joys of the conference and NCAA tournaments in the spring.
Once again, it is time for us fans to feel those same emotions on Hawk Hill. It is a thrilling time to be a basketball fan here. Both our men’s and women’s programs are set up to have fantastic years and have real shots at making March Madness. It is rare to see both teams at the same school play so competitively at the same time. It is even rarer for this success to come from roster continuity and internal development. Yet, both teams are among the Atlantic 10 (A-10) preseason favorites, thanks to key players returning.
The two squads are each coming off incredible seasons. Both won over Villanova, both won a Big 5 title, and both made unforgettable postseason runs last year. This year is set up to be even better.
The women’s team is ranked second in the A-10 preseason rankings, and it is easy to see why. Senior forward Talya Brugler and junior forward Laura Ziegler are one of the deadliest post duos in the conference. Senior guard Mackenzie Smith is a lights-out three-point shooter and relentless defender. This team plays cohesive, intelligent basketball. The attention to detail on both ends is astounding, from their flawless execution of defensive coverages to their high-octane offense. What makes them even more fun to watch is their energy. You feel the intensity from every player and coach for all 60 minutes of every game. It never wavers.
The men’s team is just as talented. Senior Erik Reynolds II is one of the most electric guards in college basketball. He has stretches where he goes unconscious, nailing three after three. Sophomore guard Xzayvier Brown had a stellar rookie year and will be a problem for opposing defenses. Junior Rasheer Fleming is a do-it-all power forward who will dunk on anyone in sight. Add in transfers junior guard Derek Simpson and fifth-year center Justice Ajogbor, and you have one of the strongest starting lineups in the conference. The bench is loaded with young talent, too.
What makes these teams so easy to root for is their continuity. Give credit to women’s basketball head coach Cindy Griffin, men’s basketball head coach Billy Lange and their coaching staffs: the lack of turnover on these rosters over the last few seasons has resulted in steady progress. It is not easy to keep elite talent in one place thanks to the transfer portal and Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, which often drive players to leave mid-major programs for bigger schools in search of better sporting and financial opportunities.
Yet, both programs managed to maintain large portions of their rosters. The same faces we saw succeed last year are set to lead us to victory again. We cannot take that for granted. The love that the players feel for us and that we feel for them makes this a special place for basketball.
It is a phenomenal time to be a basketball fan on Hawk Hill. The excitement for this season is palpable. I feel it. I am sure that you do too. Both the teams are stacked. Both will be among the best in the A-10. Both have a real chance to make it to March Madness. The bar is set high but is well within reach. These teams thrive off our energy — they deserve and need our support. Let’s show up for them, Hawk Hill.
