Is this the year for the Men’s Basketball team?

Every time players break their huddle, they exclaim three words: “We are one!’’

With a heartbreaking loss in the conferences finals last year versus DeSales University, the team is out to turn many heads throughout the conference this year.

The Cougars are bringing back twelve returning players, five  seniors and three starters. Seniors include Pat Widdoss, Cael Evans, Anthony Sergio, Steve Ware and Joe Busacca.

Point Guard Joe Busacca said he’s ready to get the season started.

“Off-season lifting and players practices have started, and it’s just a good feeling to get back on the court,”  said Busacca.

I think we are going to have a really successful year. We have got to stay healthy and focused and take it one day at a time. We have all the pieces to compete at a stage never before seen by this program. We just have all got to be committed to each other and have one common goal.’’

Senior Cael Evans said players offer some special talents on the court.

“I’m very excited to start this season and get to work. The team this year has so much athleticism and talent, not too mention a good basketball IQ for on the court,” said Evans.

Evans said the bond between the team members will pave the way this year.

“There are a bunch of returning players and we have all played together and developed great chemistry. It’s wild stepping on the court knowing what your teammates next move is before he even does. I feel that this is our best team since 2011-2012 season. I’m optimistic and confident that we will get back to the championship game because we have unfinished business to take care of,” said Evans.

The Cougars take the court on Nov. 15 as they compete in the Widener Tournament. Conference play will start Dec. 3 at 8 p.m. as the Cougars host FDU-Florham.   

Pat Widdoss from Somerset, New Jersey is one of the five returning seniors on the team.

“We as a team are ready for this year. I strongly believe we are going to be one of the top teams in the conference’’ said Widdoss.

“ Time management is key for everything, what you do on the court. You have to be able really commit yourself off the court to get all your work done so you are able to give your full self on the court said Busacca, a Sport Management major.

He said academics really do come first for the team.

“It gets difficult when you get into the season especially with some of the hard majors that some kids have on the team, but they never use it as an excuse and I see first hand how hard the really do work. I always tell myself you put in what you get out, 24 hours in a day is more than enough time to get everything needed done, just got to find the time.”