Winter is coming over the horizon. While the bears are hibernating, the Seattle University men’s basketball team is emerging. The players are in high spirits, and fan excitement is even higher. 

The Seattle U men’s basketball team has been growing strong since the summer, but only behind the scenes. Fans got a glimpse at the team’s open practice Oct. 25. Their team ran drills for endurance and took shots to work on precision. The court was full of players cheering on the sidelines and the sound of squeaky shoes echoed as scrimmages began. 

The current players, mixed with first-years and transfers, were concentrated and hardworking, creating a vibrant and captivating practice.

Matthew Moncreiffe, a graduate business student, came to Seattle U because he felt it was the best fit for this stage in his career. His calm and collected demeanor allowed him to process each play. Since coming to Seattle and joining the team, Moncreiffe says they have been adjusting well. 

“We’re still a fairly new team. I feel the closer we get as a unit it’s gonna benefit us all individually,” Moncreiffe said.

It is early in the season and games haven’t fully started, but the anticipation is building. An expectation he has for the season is to get closer with his teammates and build the chemistry between them. That will help their team as the season moves forward.Maleek Arington, a third-year communication and media major, had a similar input. He is a transfer student from Idaho State, but a local to Washington. Born in Auburn, Wash., coming home was the best opportunity for him. 

Arington’s charming aura and energetic character was clear as he spoke highly of the team and coaches. When asked about practice, he was cheerful in his response, showing that he believes a lot in his team. 

“I feel like it went good. We started off slow but we picked it up,” Arington said. “But I think we played good and solid. It’s early in the season.”

Arington is putting more work in to improve his jump shot and setting goals for defense, like stopping the best players. He hopes these will help boost the team to win games through the season. 

Paris Dawson, a fourth-year communication and media major, believes that having a good foundation on the team will impact both how well they play and how well the season will go for Seattle U. 

As a group, they have been learning where each person plays well and figuring out what roles work as each player finds the right footing. The players make sure to connect with one another, hanging out on and off the court. 

Dawson believes the team will have a good season. His charismatic and encouraging character is visible in practice, in the game or on the sidelines calling for more communication or aggression from teammates.

“We went at each other. We have to clean up a few things. We’re not perfect by any means, and we will not be perfect by any means. But we are gonna be the best we can possibly be,” Dawson said.

An expectation Dawson has for himself is to be the best leader he can possibly be on court, especially for the freshmen on the team. He wants to do whatever he can for the team. 

“Since I’ve been here longer, this is my third year. I kinda know the ins and outs of this program,” Dawson said.

He also wants to be more aggressive on the court. Because the team lost scoring leaders from the previous season, he wants to expand his role on the offensive side as well as maintain the defensive intensity that he brought in previous years. 

Dawson and all the players are excited for the season. If you’re also anticipating the season, the first three home games for Seattle U Men’s Basketball are Nov. 9, Nov. 22 and Dec. 14.