This year's team is yet to lose in conference and has a big game against the 15th ranked Butler Bulldogs. A victory on the road against a team like Butler would be huge as the team approaches its tournament run. However, if the Saints are going to pull off the upset they will need huge performances out of their four main contributors. I am talking about Alex Franklin, Edwin Ubiles, Ronald Moore and Ryan Rossiter.
Alex Franklin, Sr. - The 6'5" senior plays like he is five inches taller. If he was he would be an absolute lock to play at the next level. He is averaging 16 pts, 8 reb., 58% FG and almost two steals a night. He has scored 20-plus points in six of his last ten games dominating in the paint. He plays above the rim, is a smart passer and the backbone for the saints.
Edwin Ubiles, Sr. - I was lucky enough to watch Ubiles play before Siena as a member of my high school's basketball team. Everyone knew he would have the opportunity to continue playing after watching his smooth jumper and quick first step back then. He has been a huge addition to the Saints over his four year career and has become one of the most entertaining players in the MAAC. His length allows him to play above the rim on offense and stop the ball against taller opponents on the other end. Ubiles is averaging 15 pts, 42% 3-pt and 50% FG providing a tremendous inside/outside attack. Earlier in the season he dealt with back spasms, but he appears to have worked out any kinks. My biggest issue with Ubiles has always been (since high school) that for a kid with so much natural ability, I wish he had more of a killer instinct. He should demand the ball when Siena needs a bucket, however he often seems okay with passing the ball off. He is approaching the end of his collegiate career and there are NBA eyes on him, finding some of that inner MJ would be a great way to finish things up.
Ronald Moore, Sr. - The perfect point guard. His priority is to get the ball into the hands of his scorers, mix things up and control the tempo. He does so with excellent court vision and lightning quick passing. Mr. Moore is currently leading the nation in assists with eight a game, nearly 1.5 more than John Wall. For real. He was recently named one of the eleven point guards in the country eligible for the 2010 Bob Cousy Award. For years he took a back seat to Kenny Hasbrouk, who was the team leader before graduating last year. Clearly he paid close attention to Hasbrouk and readied himself for his final season as Siena's court general. Moore won't fill up the score book, tallying double digits just six times this season (he averages more assists than points). However, when you see the Saints running on all cylinders, Moore is always right in the middle of everything.
Ryan Rossiter, Jr. - The 6'9" big man has developed into a consistent contributor and compliment to Franklin. The two of them can bang inside with anyone. Rossiter hustles like no one else on the team. For a big guy, it is amazing how often he is diving for lose balls and causing havoc around the rim. He is the Anderson Varejao of the Siena Saints. Rossiter is averaging 14 pts, 10 reb., 59% FG and over a block and steal per game. He has fifteen double doubles in twenty five games this season. Kentucky big man DeMarcus Cousins has the same total. When other guys on the team are struggling, you can expect the same out of Rossiter. He is the youngest of these four players and has another season left. However, he has become just as important as anyone else on this year's squad.
People have called the Saints the east coast Gonzaga. After headline performances in the previous two NCAA Tournaments and the current 34-game home winning streak (second longest behind Kansas) it has become a fair comparison. Finishing the season with an undefeated conference record and a complete effort against Butler would put Siena right where they want to be heading into March. Expectations are high in the Capitol region, but so is the level of talent on this team. It will be interesting to see how far this team can go.
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