Bulldogs picked to finish third in the NEC Preseason Coaches Poll

BROOKLYN, N.Y. – The Bryant University men's basketball team has been picked to finish third in the Northeast Conference Preseason Coaches Poll, as announced Wednesday morning at the annual NEC Social Media Day at the Barclays Center.

Defending tournament champion Fairleigh Dickinson was tabbed to finish first, followed by defending regular-season champ Wagner, as the two received six and four first-place votes, respectively. LIU Brooklyn and Mount St. Mary's were tied for fourth, Robert Morris and St. Francis Brooklyn roll in at six and seven, while Sacred Heart, Saint Francis U. and Central Connecticut round out the poll, respectively.

Bryant returns its top four scorers from a season ago in senior forward Dan Garvin (Bethel, Conn.), junior guard Hunter Ware (Powder Springs, Ga.), reigning NEC Rookie of the Year Marcel Pettway (North Providence, R.I.) and all-rookie team selection Nisre Zouzoua (Brockton, Mass.). This year's freshman class consists of six players eager to step in and contribute to the team's success.   

The Bulldogs, who were also picked to finish third in last year's poll, posted a 5-13 league record in 2015-16 and will look to live up to their preseason rankings this year with the goal of making a fourth trip to the postseason in five years.

The Black and Gold open their season at Notre Dame on Saturday, November 12 and tip things off at the Chace Athletic Center against Salve Regina on Tuesday, November 15.