Head coach Randy Bennett and his Saint Mary’s Gaels head into the 2019-20 season full of optimism. Often known as the thorn in Gonzaga’s side in the WCC, the Gaels have a real chance to get over the hump and claim the conference for themselves this season.
Saint Mary’s returns just about everybody from last year’s squad that finished 22-12 and ended 2nd in the WCC. Bennett turned to modernize his offense last season in the wake of losing dominant big man Jock Landale. This, in turn, helped them make it back to the NCAA Tournament. A squad with this foundation and experience finds itself in prime shape to make some noise not just amongst the mid-major field, but every team in the country will know their name.
Key Returners
- Jordan Ford
- Malik Fitts
- Tanner Krebs
- Tommy Kuhse
The strength of this Saint Mary’s team will be their talented veterans. Bennett’s team returns four players who averaged over 26 MPG last season, and two players who scored over 15 PPG. Jordan Ford is a favorite for WCC Player of the Year and will be a top guy nationally. Ford is as good as any senior in the country, as he is the do-it-all guy for this squad. Fitts and Krebs provide an all-around contribution on top of upperclassmen experience. Junior Tanner Kuhse looks to take the next step, as he completes the backcourt alongside Ford.
Key Losses
- Jordan Hunter
Luckily for the Gaels, they only lose one major piece from last year. Jordan Hunter was the team’s fourth-leading scorer and second-leading rebounder while leading the team in blocks. Hunter was an important last year, but should not be irreplaceable for Saint Mary’s.
Key Newcomers
- Aaron Menzies
- Kristers Zoriks
The Saint Mary’s Gaels, being a mid-major team, typically do not see the higher level recruiting classes of some other west coast programs. However, they have two new additions that should contribute immediately and help propel the team. Aaron Menzies is a 7-foot-3 transfer from Seattle who averaged 11 PPG & 9 RPG while blocking 2 shots per game. Kristers Zoriks isn’t new to the team but will be new to the court. Zoriks redshirted his freshmen year, and then suffered a season-ending injury prior to last season. Thus, it is his third year on campus but just his first year on the court. Coach Bennett considers Zoriks the best defensive guard on the team.
Projected Starting Five
- Tommy Kuhse
- Jordan Ford
- Tanner Krebs
- Malik Fitts
- Aaron Menzies
Saint Mary’s is poised to roll out a starting five featuring exclusively upperclassmen. This lineup provides all-around dominance. Kuhse will serve as a steady hand while Ford and Fitts take on scoring responsibilities. Menzies will be the defensive anchor and paint presence with Krebs complimenting with a versatile contribution.
Season Outlook
Jordan Ford and crew are primed for a major year. With the core of the team returning, and conference rivals Gonzaga looking vulnerable, this is the year for the Gaels to make the WCC their own.
Ford’s 21.2 PPG could see an increase as he stakes his claim for conference player of the year. However, the X-factor may be forward Malik Fitts. The strong big man was the team’s rebounding leader last year and has walking double-double potential. Fitts paired with Menzies could form the best frontcourt in the conference, despite the Zags having frontcourt dominance in recent years.
A major boost for the Gaels will be the increased depth on the team. The large majority of the team is returning and gaining experience as well as skill. Their bench is poised to take a step up, behind a strong starting unit. Saint Mary’s will be expecting to seriously compete for a conference title and make some noise in March.
Record Prediction: 25-5 (13-3)
The Saint Mary’s Gaels finished 22-12 (11-5) last season. Set to improve on last season. the Gaels have a schedule that offers rigor both in and out of conference play.
Saint Mary’s starts the season with a neutral site game against Wisconsin, which is a great early litmus test for both squads. Towards the end of November, they host fellow mid-major power Utah State for a big-time matchup. The end of their non-conference schedule is especially challenging. They close out that half of their campaign by traveling to Berkely to take on Cal and match up with Arizona State and Nevada at neutral venues.
Their conference slate should offer challenges, especially with two matchups against Gonzaga. The rigors of every conference schedule will subject even the strongest teams to upsets. Look for Saint Mary’s to split with the Zags and teams such as BYU to spring up some issues on the Gaels.
