Quick Facts: 2009-10 Record: 22-10 (13-3 America East)
Letterwinners Returning: 8
Starters Returning: 4
Newcomers: 4
Head Coach: Steve Pikiell (6th season)/ 58-91 career record
While under the guidance of men's basketball coach Steve
Pikiell, the Stony Brook program has gradually developed into one of the elite
in the America East conference. Although the program had steadily grown in his
first four years as head coach, it was the 2009-10 season that truly showed how
far this team has come. Last season, the Seawolves set program records for
overall wins (22) and conference wins (13). The tremendous season resulted in
Stony Brook winning its first America East regular-season title, making its
first appearance in the postseason since moving to Division I and also helped
Pikiell earn America East Coach of the Year.
Despite the loss of 2009-10 America East Player of the Year
Muhammad El-Amin to graduation, it seemed as though Stony Brook returned enough
experience and talent to be one of the favorites for an America East
championship. However, the recent injury to junior forward Tommy Brenton will
test the depth and toughness of this team. While there is no questioning the significant
impact Brenton makes, Pikiell believes this team is capable of dealing with his
absence.
"Tommy being injured is certainly a setback," admitted
Pikiell. "He has been the leading rebounder in the conference for the last two
years. But, I also feel that we have a lot of depth up front. I'm excited about
the newcomers, Anthony Mayo and Al Rapier, who are really big and physical. I
also love Dallis Joyner. I think he will be one of the most improved players in
the conference this year. So, I'm real confident in the guys that can replace
Tommy. We have a lot of different guys who can blend in to make up for the loss
of Tommy."
One of the guys that will be responsible for keeping this
team together without El-Amin and Brenton is junior guard Bryan Dougher, who
averaged 13.8 points per game and shot 41.4% from three-point range during his
sophomore season. The sharp-shooting guard was named to the America East
All-Conference Second Team last season, and Pikiell is expecting even more
heading into 2010-11.
"We expect a lot from Bryan Dougher," the sixth-year coach
emphasized. "He has been one of the better guards in the conference the last
couple of years. He is as tough and hard-nosed of a player as we have in this
program. He's improved a great deal. I think his strength has improved and his
stamina. He has logged so many minutes since his freshman year, so he is truly
a veteran player. I expect Bryan to have a terrific year. He has been one of
our key foundation guys for the program and will continue to be for the next
two years."
After such a successful 2009-10 campaign, it's no surprise
that the goal throughout the program is to win an America East championship and
qualify for the NCAA Tournament. With so much exciting young talent throughout
the roster, Pikiell thinks this team is capable of achieving these goals if
things fall into place.
"In order to compete, first of all, you have to have some
luck," Pikiell explained. "You have to have some breaks go your way. We have
been over the past couple of years, one of the better defensive teams and
rebounding teams in the conference. We always play hard. I do think we are a
lot deeper then we have been in the past. It's a great conference with a lot of
good teams and a lot of good coaches. You have to stay healthy and stick to
what your beliefs are, and our belief has been we play hard and we play
defense."
While there has been a lot of speculation surrounding how
this team will respond without Brenton in the lineup, the Seawolves still have
the talent and experience to compete for an America East championship. With four
newcomers, Pikiell has brought in the most talented recruiting class since
taking over the program. If a couple of the newcomers can contribute at a high
level, Stony Brook could emerge as the favorite once conference play begins.