Siena’s Basketball Victory Over Bryant Exposes the Weakness of New Coaching Strategies and Sparks Controversy in the Sport’s Competitive Landscape
The Siena men’s basketball team’s season opener against Bryant not only showcased the talent of junior forward Tasman Goodrick but also raised questions about coaching strategies within the realm of college basketball. Siena’s emphatic 82-66 victory at MVP Arena highlighted the team’s strengths while simultaneously exposing vulnerabilities in Bryant’s approach under new head coach Jamion Christian.
Goodrick’s performance, scoring 22 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, set the tone for Siena’s first win of the season. The 6-foot-10 Australian, who had an impressive track record with 20 double-doubles last season at Gannon, found his footing early in the game. His aggressive play was a product of the confidence instilled in him by head coach Gerry McNamara, who emphasized the importance of both aggression and confidence to his players. Goodrick’s dunk, a highlight reel moment between two defenders, not only energized the crowd but also symbolized Siena’s dominance in the paint throughout the game.
The statistics tell a compelling story. Siena outscored Bryant 52-28 in the paint, demonstrating their physicality and ability to control the game inside. The Saints also dominated in second-chance opportunities, with a 23-12 advantage. This was further highlighted by their ability to capitalize on turnovers, racking up an astounding 27-0 points off turnovers. These figures reflect a well-coordinated team effort, where Siena showed both strategic planning and execution. This is particularly significant considering the challenges faced by teams with new rosters, a common scenario in college basketball where player turnover can be high.
Bryant, on the other hand, faced the repercussions of having five new starters under a new coaching regime. Coach Christian, who previously led Siena before a brief stint at George Washington, found himself in a tough position as he attempted to integrate a new group of players. His acknowledgment of the challenges that come with a fresh roster highlights the issues that many programs face: building chemistry and adapting to new systems. Christian’s comments about the slow start indicate a need for patience, yet the reality of competitive college basketball means that immediate results are often expected.
The absence of an emotional response from the crowd during Christian’s introduction indicates a disconnect that may hinder team morale. Success in sports often depends on the energy and support from fans, and a lack of enthusiasm can be detrimental to a team’s confidence. The Bulldogs’ performance, particularly in the early stages of the game, suggests that they may still be adjusting to the new dynamics of their roster and coaching staff.
As the game progressed, Siena’s veteran players like senior guard Justice Shoats demonstrated effective communication and teamwork, assisting on multiple baskets. Shoats, who was Siena’s leading scorer last season, showcased a strong rapport with his new big men, indicating the potential for a cohesive unit as the season unfolds. This ability to adapt and leverage the strengths of teammates is crucial in developing a successful season, especially for a team with high expectations.
The performance of Siena’s players, particularly the physicality displayed by Goodrick, freshman Francis Folefac, and Antonio Chandler, reflects McNamara’s strategic focus on not only building a physically imposing team but also ensuring mobility. This balance is essential in a game that increasingly values versatility and speed. The integration of experienced transfers like Riley Mulvey adds depth to an already promising roster, creating an environment where both new and returning players can thrive.
Looking ahead, Siena’s next matchup against Brown will serve as another test of their capabilities and a chance for Bryant to regroup and refine their approach. The implications of this game extend beyond just wins and losses; they reflect the broader challenges of coaching in college basketball, where strategy, player development, and adaptability are put to the test.
In this highly competitive landscape, the performance of Siena and the struggles of Bryant will stir debate among fans and analysts alike. The question remains: can new coaching strategies withstand the pressures of immediate expectations, or will they falter under scrutiny? The answer may shape the trajectory of these programs as the season progresses, setting the stage for a captivating narrative in college basketball.
ALBANY – With his unique first name, Siena men’s basketball junior forward Tasman Goodrick is a natural to be nicknamed after a certain ferocious Looney Tunes character.
But Goodrick said he didn’t hear "Tasmanian Devil" much during his first two college seasons at Division I Cal Baptist and Division II Gannon.
"I’ve definitely heard it a lot more here than other places, but yeah, it’s fine," he said. "It’s funny."
He’d better get used to it if he’s going to keep playing the way he did in his Saints debut on Monday night.
Goodrick had 22 points on 11-for-14 shooting and 11 rebounds and senior guard Justice Shoats added 17 points and nine assists in a season-opening 82-66 win over Bryant in front of 4,072 fans at MVP Arena.
"I’m fortunate enough to have coaches that put a lot of confidence in me, which is a big thing for me," Goodrick said. "Coming here, they’ve been telling me to be aggressive and play confident."
Goodrick, a 6-foot-10, 230-pound Australian, had 20 double-doubles at Gannon last season. On Monday, his dunk between two defenders off a screen-and-roll pass from Brendan Coyle in the second half was one of the night’s highlights.
Siena jumped out to a 14-2 lead and never trailed. The Saints built a 73-53 lead with 6:54 left before the Bulldogs attempted a late run.
"Obviously, it’s great to start the season on the right note," Siena coach Gerry McNamara said. "To get off to a good start, not just in the win column, but actually in the game."
Coyle, a senior forward from Niskayuna, had 13 points and four assists, and freshman forward Francis Folefac added 11 points.
Siena outscored Bryant 52-28 in the paint, 23-12 in second-chance points and 27-0 on points off turnovers. The Saints had 19 assists against seven turnovers.
The physical inside play of Goodrick, the 6-7, 245-pound Folefac and 6-6, 215-pound forward Antonio Chandler, who was a plus-29 in 22 minutes, in their Siena debuts was exactly what McNamara sought when he added them in the offseason. Iowa transfer Riley Mulvey, a graduate center from Rotterdam, contributed nine minutes.
"Tonight was exactly what I would have hoped for," McNamara said. "We knew what we had in Francis because he was committed to us out of high school. But then adding the pieces we did, Taz, Riley and ‘Tone, we got more physical but we didn’t sacrifice mobility in that."
Shoats, Siena’s leading scorer last season, immediately showed a good rapport with his new big men. He assisted on five Goodrick baskets and one by Folefac.
"It’s definitely a great feeling," Shoats said. "Even if we have to post him up and just throw it in there, we could. Most teams, they know our scouting report, they know me, so they’re probably going to blitz me and I’ve just got great big guys I can outlet to at any time. I’m looking forward to what we can do this year."
Siena plays at Brown on Friday.
Defending America East champion Bryant, with five new starters, was led for the first time by new head coach Jamion Christian, who coached Siena in 2018-19 before leaving for George Washington after just one season.
"’We’ve got a new group that we’re just bringing along," he said of Monday’s slow start. "And those things can happen when you’ve got a group of guys that haven’t played a lot of college basketball. … We’ve got a talented group of guys in there. Sometimes you’ve got to learn a lesson the hard way. (Siena’s) a good team, experienced team, lot of guys back with high expectations."
Christian’s introduction was met with little reaction from the MVP Arena crowd.
"Really, no emotion," Christian said. "I’m trying to do everything I can to help our team be the best we can. They deserve my full focus."
Timofei Rudovskii had 15 points for the Bulldogs.
This article originally published at Goodrick, Shoats power Siena men’s basketball past Bryant.