Basketball Breakdown

Projected Starting Lineup:

PG John Boyer (Senior):
SG Rodney Pierce (Senior):

SF Calvin Betts (Senior): 9.1 points, 6.3 rebounds

PF Titus Robinson (Sophomore): 4.0 points, 1.9 rebounds

C Mitchell Watt (Sophomore): 3.6 points, 2.3 rebounds

Key Reserves:

PF Max Boudreau (Senior): 6.1 points, 3.3 rebounds

SG Zach Filzen (Sophomore): 6.6 points, 41.4 percent 3-point percentage (at Northern Arizona)

Key Games:

1) vs. Akron, Jan. 17: Buffalo's first chance to avenge last year's MAC Championship defeat.

2) vs. Vermont, Sunday: Bulls start campaign against a 23-game winner. Game will tell us a lot about the team.

3) at Niagara, Dec. 9: Big Four rival is destined for a big season. Game matches up two possible NCAA Tournament teams.

4) at Purdue, Dec. 5: The Boilermakers will be a Top 5 team this year. Game will tell whether Buffalo is ready for big-time.

5) at Kent State, Jan. 20: Buffalo plays third MAC game away against another MAC East power.

Prediction:

'Experience means a lot on the college basketball landscape, and the Bulls have plenty of that. Seven seniors highlight a core of 11 returnees that finally have their chance to show that last season's early success wasn't a fluke.

'Buffalo will have a tough time replacing floor leader Greg Gamble, but the team doesn't need the three point guards remaining on the roster to dominate. As long as John Boyer, Byron Mulkey and Tony Watson II limit their turnovers, the team will do fine.

'Overall, the defense is stellar, but the offense needs a scorer to emerge. If Zach Filzen, Titus Robinson or Mitchell Watt can become a consistent double-digit scorer, there is no doubt in my mind that Buffalo will reach the NCAA Tournament.

'But that's a big if. Overall, I think the team is due for another 20-plus win season and a postseason bid.'