Bringing back a strong core group of players and adding a new, big-name coach is a surefire way to create buzz and gain attention. That is exactly what the Saint Louis University men’s basketball team is doing this year.
Nine Bills are returning, including four starters, from last year’s 20-13 squad that reached the semifinal round of the Atlantic 10 Conference Championships. They also add one of the biggest coaching names in college basketball: Rick Majerus.
“We can definitely see things are going to be different,” senior guard Luke Meyer said. “Coach Majerus has created a buzz around the city. He has a great knowledge and passion for the game, and we’re really looking forward to playing for him.”
Majerus, who previously coached at his alma mater Marquette University, Ball State University and Utah, brings his 422-147 career record to the Bills this season.
“Last year we ran a four out, one in, and Majerus is doing a few different things,” Meyer said. “We’ve got some new guys coming in who are catching on and working hard.”
Another addition to the coaching staff this year for the Billikens is Assistant Coach Paul Biancardi. Biancardi has worked as recruiting director for ESPN.com, college basketball color analyst on ESPN 360 and ESPNU high school recruiting analyst.
“Paul is an assistant coach who has had success at an elite level, such as Boston College and Ohio State,” Majerus said in an online press release. “As the top assistant of those programs, he was instrumental in winning championships, and his passion for the game and his ability to teach it are evident to everyone who has watched him recruit a student-athlete or conduct a practice.”
The feeling of the team heading into the season is promising as well. Meyer said that the more the team works with Majerus, the more comfortable they will become.
“Everyone is optimistic, and we have a really positive outlook this year,” he said. “As we get more comfortable with coach’s offense, I think we’ll see some good things this year.”
With the returners and Majerus leading the team this year, there are some high expectations for the team.
“We want to make the NCAA Tournament; that’s why coach is here,” senior center Bryce Husak said. “It won’t be easy, but we’re willing to put in the time and work to do that.”
On Sept. 6, the Billikens’ schedule was officially announced, and the A-10 slate this season features 16 games: eight at home and eight on the road.
The Bills will have several chances during non-conference play to prove that they deserve a spot in the field of 64 in the postseason.
In order for the the Bills to qualify for the NCAA Tournament, though, they will need a strong showing within the A-10 conference, which begins Jan. 10 at George Washington University.
“Xavier and Rhode Island have brought a lot of guys back,” Meyer said. “Both teams have become our rivals since they are the closest schools to us in the conference and are the big contenders to beat in the conference.”
With all the buzz and excitement heading into this season, the Billikens, will look to deliver to their fans this year with an NCAA Tournament bid. It would mark the second time Saint Louis University received an NCAA berth, the first being the 1999-2000 season.
“Playing for a coach like Rick Majerus is everything you ever wanted as a player,” Husak said. “We’re in the national spotlight and getting a lot of attention, and we can learn a lot from a great coach.”
