TCNJ to tip off season at home against Goucher
When it came to the preseason, TCNJ men’s basketball coach Matt Goldsmith thought a road trip would be nice.
So, the Lions went south to Miami had an exhibition game with the Hurricanes.
A little sunshine and some time together never hurt any team.
“Miami was incredible,’’ said Goldsmith. “The experience of playing in an ACC arena, the chance to get to some warm weather and the opportunity to bond as a team made the trip a no-brainer.’’
The Lions tip-it off for real on Wednesday when Goucher comes to Packer Hall for a 7 p.m. start.
TCNJ, which was picked sixth in the New Jersey Athletic Conference poll, had some losses to graduation that will take some time to fill.
But, there are several key returning players they will rely on early.
Jason Larranaga, Matt Solomon, James Beckwith and Nick Koch bring the most experience and will be counted on heavily.
“The most impressive guys throughout the preseason have been Matt Solomon, Jason Larranaga, James Beckwith and Nick Koch,” said Goldsmith. “They have been engaged, hardworking and competitive.’’
The Lions have some depth with a 17-man roster that includes just two grad students and one senior.
Goldsmith welcomed six freshmen: David Alexandre, Connor Howard, Jordan Robinson, Khalid Bakare, Jaydis McFadden and Chris Santner.
“I love the freshmen,’’ said Goldsmith. “They are great additions to the team and a couple of them will contribute immediately this year.’’
The Lions have been selected sixth in the past and have always proven to exceed expectations. Goldsmith expects the same competitive spirit this year.
“I expect to be back where we should be on a yearly basis,’’ Goldsmith said. “Competing at the top of the league, winning non-conference games and giving ourselves a chance at the NCAA tournament.’’
Goldsmith is now beginning his ninth season at the helm of the Lions and has a 113-81 record.
He won the conference in 2019-20 to end a long drought, and in each of his previous eight years he has taken the Lions to the playoffs.
A lot of things have to come together for that to happen.
“The key to our success this season will be how much better will we get from now until March,’’ said Goldsmith. “We have the ability to compete with anyone but only if we get a little better every day. If we can focus on that, we are going to put ourselves in a very good spot come February.’’