The Golden Knights men’s basketball team is making a trip out west to face off against Syracuse University in an exhibition game. This is not the first time we will be facing off against the Division I Orange; we have played SU a total of five times in previous years dating back to 2004. Syracuse University is not the only division one school that we have played in exhibition. Last season the Golden Knights hosted the Great Danes of UA and fell 73-66 after a tight back and forth match up. Two years ago, the Golden Knights also traveled just down the road to MVP arena to take on the Siena Saint Bernards. The Golden Knights had held their own once again but ultimately fell eight points short of a win, 70-77.
Coach Brian Beaury is looking to score big after returning to the Golden Knights family after leaving back in 2018 for health reasons, and he is back and ready to go into the new season with high hopes and a strong team backing him against the Division 1 Orange. Beaury has earned Coach of the Year a total of five times and became the ninth Division II head coach to reach a total of 600 wins. The College of Saint Rose and Coach Beaury are looking forward to bringing conference championships and NCAA appearances back to the Golden Knights.
Coach Beaury is not the only new addition to the Golden Knights Athletics; Elijah Burns has been named assistant coach of the men’s basketball program. Burns has played overseas with three different teams in Japan, Hungary and England. Before heading overseas, Burns was a captain during his time playing for both the Notre Dame Irish and Siena’s basketball team.
The Golden Knights men’s basketball team is almost completely flipped. The majority of the team from the 2022-2023 season has transferred out to different programs along the east coast, but with 11 new players between freshman and transfers, there are high hopes for the Golden Knights this year. Sophomore Alex Barnhill spoke about the preparation and excitement towards the upcoming exhibition game. “This will be our first real test as a new team. I look forward and view this as a great opportunity for us to come together as a team and go against one of the greatest collegiate programs to ever play. This is a chance for Saint Rose to show out and let everyone know that we are hungry and ready to play anyone!”
With our men’s basketball team heading to Syracuse University to take on their team in an exhibition game on Nov. 1, you can also make the trip to support the Golden Knights. The college is offering two ticket options for our Saint Rose community: The Bus Trip Package, where your registration includes bus transportation from Saint Rose at 2:15 p.m. on Nov. 1, a pre-game reception, $60 game ticket, or, if you want to roadtrip by yourself or with friends, the Reception and Game Package, including the pre-game reception and a $15 game ticket.
If you are interested in basketball, the men’s basketball squad is seeking a student manager. This position aids coaches in running the squad on a daily basis, including setting up the practice area and changing rooms, aiding with the clock, drills, and hydration. Additionally, the Student Manager will help with recording practices and games, tracking practice data, and other related tasks. For more details, send Coach Burns an email at burnse@strose.edu.
