Stony Brook Hoops Preview: Striving for the Heights of Last Season

Men Look For Increased Team Contributions

The apex of Stony Brook men's basketball was the 2009-2010 season, during which the Seawolves won the America East Conference for the first time and also made their premiere in the NIT tournament. This season is about getting back to that level.

Duplicating last year's success is going to be a difficult task after losing top scorer and conference player of the year Muhammad El-Amin to graduation and defensive stopper Tommy Brenton to a knee injury. Replacing the production of those starters will be more of a team contribution rather than coming from a single source.

"[Tommy's] been the best rebounder in the league two years running," head coach Steve Pikiell said. "We're going to have to replace it with Bryan Dougher getting two more rebounds, and Dallis Joyner gets two more rebounds…it's going to have to be a team effort. Other guys are going to be getting opportunities."

Three of the starting core, last season's second leading scorer Bryan Dougher, Dallis Joyner, and Chris Martin, remain intact and will have to contribute heavily to make up for the missing players, including sophomore guard Marcus Rouse, who is expected to be out until conference play begins.

To solidify the team's depth, forwards Al Rapier and Anthony Mayo have signed on to the Seawolves. Mayo was ranked among the top 100 collegiate recruits by ESPN. 

"[He is] a terrific shot blocker," Pikiell said of Mayo. "He has great hands in the post. He's young in some areas too, but he's talented. He's going to have an opportunity to play early. Can he play himself into a starting position, that's still kind of up to him."

Stony Brook will be under the spotlight this season, with nine games being televised and matchups against marquee opponents such as UConn and Notre Dame.

"It's great exposure for the program," Pikiell said." It shows the growth we've had."

The growth they show in those tough matchups and their ability to remain healthy while playing what Pikiell called the "Stony Brook way" – with a focus on rebounding and defense – will determine the outcome of the season.

Men's season opener: Friday, Nov. 12 at UConn, 7 p.m. (televised on SNY)

Men's home opener: Sunday, Nov. 14 vs. Mount Ida, 2 p.m.

Women's Team Looks to Jeter for Leadership

The 2009-10 Stony Brook women's basketball team had its best year since the current seniors were being recruited, reaching the conference semifinals for the first time since 2006.

The big story to follow this year for the Seawolves is the final act of senior forward Kirsten Jeter. Jeter made the America East Conference second team last year, and has been named to the preseason conference first team. In her first three years, she has scored over 1,000 points and pulled down over 500 rebounds, only the sixth Seawolf to accomplish that combination.

"She can score from the perimeter, she can score in the post, she's an excellent rebounder," head coach Michele Cherry said of her star. "She has a lot of tools. She's going to be a better version than she was last year."

Returning this year after red shirting last season is sharp shooting guard Jodie Plikus. Plikus gives the team a deep threat that is able to spread the court and take some of the pressure off of Jeter and others in the front court. However, her durability could be tested during the season as she suffers from a recurring medical issue that could re-emerge at any time.

"Having Jodi at any percent is better than not having her at all," Cherry said. "She's still a very good shooter and when she's feeling good and gets [her shoulders] squared she doesn't miss shots."

Joining Plikus in the back court is senior Misha Horsey. The guard led the conference last season in assist-to-turnover ratio.

Defense is the name of the game when the Seawolves take the court. Cherry said Stony Brook will bring an intensity this year to limit quality shots to keep the game close. Last season's team was second in the conference in steals.

"Defense has always been good for us," Cherry said. "I think we have to shoot the ball a bit better. If we shoot the ball a little more consistently I'm pretty confident our defense will be there for us…We just have to put it all together now."

Women's season opener: Friday, Nov. 12 vs. Troy @ Elon College, 12:30 p.m.

Women's home opener: Thursday, Nov. 18 vs. Hofstra, 7 p.m.