It’s been a few weeks since we’ve had action in The Den, but all of that is about to change. Basketball season has arrived, and from the looks of the men and women’s schedule, it’s going to be a jam-packed season.

Men’s basketball begins their season on Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. in The Den, and with practically an entire team returning, I’m pretty anxious to see what happens.

The men had their team scrimmage on Oct. 24 and showed much improvement. However, I was most impressed with Darrinton Moncrieffe, who seemed to play much more aggressively. I hope that he can pocket that aggression and use it during the season.

Ryan Brock and Sean Bennett also showed up to play, both being rather consistent in their field goal attempts.

Bottom line, I’m pretty sure that this is going to be the “Year of the ‘Pack.” I mean the chemistry is there, the experience is there, there’s pretty much no excuse for this team not to do big things. Please note, there’s no pressure, I’m just stating my personal opinion.

Last season, men’s basketball had a record of 19-11 overall and 12-6 in conference, that’s not a bad record. The team has been improving since the 2007-2008 season and with there only being a few new faces added to the team, practice can be spent perfecting plays  instead of teaching plays.

Also, it will be interesting to see how our men’s team has grown defensively. With Cameron Cates and Moncrieffe both a little wiser, not to mention the addition of 6-9 freshmen Marc Luettecke, the ‘Pack will have plenty weapons at their fingertips. 

Speaking of interesting, not to overshadow the home opener, but it’s important to save the date for the battle of Freret Street. Once again, for the freshmen and upperclassman that just don’t have a clue, this is the annual exhibition basketball game between Loyola and Tulane’s men’s basketball team.

Last year we lost 74-61. It was definitely a game we could have won, and it was definitely a hard pill to swallow but we’re over it. I’m ready to move pass it and I’m sure the team is as well.

So mark your calendars for Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. at the Fogelman arena (Tulane’s basketball facility.)

Our women’s team doesn’t march into The Den until Nov. 22 so I’m going to hold off on them until it gets closer to that time. However, I’m going to make my prediction now that the women will also be apart of the whole “Year of the ‘Pack” movement, hopefully granting them a spot in the elite eight. It wouldn’t be right for senior playmakers Trenell and Trenese Smith not to have one more shot at the big game.

So BOLO BOLO folks, the men’s basketball home opener is Oct. 30 at 7p.m. See you there.

Dominique Webb can be reached at [email protected]