Local outlook

Fresh off a banner season, NYC-metro area schools are hoping to continue their success. St. John’s and LIU both qualified for the NCAA Tournament, while Stony Brook and Iona came close to dancing. Here’s a look into the 2011-2012 season.

HOFSTRA
The jury is still out on the Pride. But that’s only because head coach Mo Cassara has to replace all-time leading scorer Charles Jenkins and shot-blocking terror Greg Washington. Cassara will be counting on senior swingman Nathaniel Lester, hard working forward David Imes, senior guard Mike Moore and sophomore sharpshooter Shemiye McLendon to carry the team. Rhode Island transfer Stevie Mejia is also expected to play a big role. The Pride will be tested on Friday night when LIU comes to town for the season opener. The Blackbirds return six of their top eight players from last season and are the favorites to win the NEC title. It’s just what the Pride needs early to see where they are. There are also games against Rhode Island, Cleveland State, Boston University and Iona on the non-conference schedule.

Prognosis: There’s no reason to think Hofstra can’t come out of their non-conference schedule on a high note. There is more than enough experience on the roster for the Pride to be a handful for their opponents. But it’s going to take a concerted effort until that go-to guy steps up. Lester and Moore are likely to be counted on to be the offense stalwarts.

LIU
The Blackbirds have talent everywhere. Bruising power forward Julian Boyd is back with fellow returning starters Jamal Olasewere and C.J. Garner. Key reserves Jason Brickman, Michael Culpo and Kenny Onyechi are also back. All six of the aforementioned players have proven they can get it done offensively. LIU won’t have the depth it had last season, but is talented enough to go eight deep. The Blackbirds will need every bit of experience as 10 of their first 11 games are on the road. That road schedule includes games against Hofstra, Old Dominion, Penn State, Iona and Columbia.

Prognosis: LIU won 27 games last season. Its early schedule will make it tough to duplicate that, but with 18 conference games, there’s no reason to think the Blackbirds finish somewhere in the 20 to 22-win range. Barring a rash of injuries or just a lackluster effort, an NEC regular-season title is a certainty for LIU with another NCAA appearance a strong possibility.

ST. JOHN’S
The Red Storm won’t have an easy start to the season despite a five-star recruiting class. Hot shot freshmen Maurice Harkless, Sir’Dominic Pointer and JUCO transfers Nurideen Lindsey and God’sgift Achiuwa proved in Monday night’s 74-59 over William & Mary that they could be something special. It took a little while to get things going, however. The first-half shooting was sloppy as was the ball handling at times. But that happens when seven of your top eight players are first-year Division I athletes. Junior guard Malik Stith is the only player with experience. It shouldn’t take long for this group to start to feel each other out. But there is a question about the point guard position. There’s no Malik Boothe to run the show and someone will have to look to run the offense and not shoot.

Prognosis: There will be times, because of their inexperience, when the Red Storm will honestly look like an AAU team, especially with head coach Steve Lavin out recovering from prostate cancer surgery. But a relatively light early non-conference schedule, which features only two marquee matchups against Arizona and Kentucky, will make the road a little less bumpy. The Red Storm plays Duke and UCLA, but not until later in the season. Once this talented crew gets settled into their roles, the Red Storm will be on their way to another exciting season.

STONY BROOK
The pressure is on the Seawolves. With all but one player back from last season’s squad that advanced to the America East tournament final, and a primetime JUCO transfer in Ron Bracey, winning the AE regular season title is the first priority. The Seawolves have strength everywhere. Coach Steve Pikiell arguably has the most talented perimeter group in the conference led by Bryan Dougher, Dave Coley, Leonard Hayes, Anthony Jackson and Bracey. The frontcourt received a huge boost with the return of rebounding terror Tommy Brenton. He returns with Dallis Joyner and Al Rapier. There are also forwards Danny Carter and Anthony Mayo. Stony Brook opens its season on the road against Indiana on Friday night. There are also games at Boston College, at Northwestern and a local battle Rutgers in the MSG Holiday Festival. Sacred Hear, Columbia and Cornell are also on the non-conference schedule. The Seawolves will be test early and often.

Prognosis: Coaches like to avoid the “NCAA-or-bust” mentality because of the pressure it puts on the athletes. But you have to admit everything is lined up for Stony Brook to make a run to the NCAA Tournament. Winning 20 games won’t be a reach for this team. In fact, it should be a mandate. There’s just too much returning and experienced talent back for the Seawolves not to make run.

Check back tomorrow for the local women's outlook.