The college basketball season officially tips off tonight as the University at Albany opens its 2015-16 season on the road at Kentucky.

The Wildcats are ranked No. 1 in some polls and No. 2 in others. For the record, I think the Danes will stay close for a while and ultimately lose in the 15-20 range.

Peter Hooley is looking for his fourth straight trip to the NCAA tournament (Getty Images)
Peter Hooley is looking for his fourth straight trip to the NCAA tournament (Getty Images)
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Here's what you need to know about the Danes this season:

What's at Stake: UAlbany has been to three straight NCAA tournaments after winning the America East tournament. The Danes ran through the regular season before needing a buzzer-beater to beat Stony Brook in the A-East final.

The Team: UAlbany returns nearly everyone from the past year. The Danes are backcourt-heavy, relying on the play of PG Evan Singletary and SG Peter Hooley, along with Ray Sanders. Singletary is the best PG in the league, shooting nearly 40 percent from three a season ago to go along with 80 percent at the line. Sanders is the Danes' best athlete. He'll be able to guard the other teams best player and can score. Hooley is crafty getting to the hoop and can shoot from the outside.

Biggest Strengths: Guards. The Danes have the best backcourt in the league and it will show come conference time.

Biggest Weakness: Depth in the frontcourt. After losing Sam Rowley to graduation, the Danes have some unknowns in the big man department. Mike Rowley, Greig Stire and Richard Peters all need to show they can defend, rebound, and provide a little offense.

Projection: I think the Danes are really good. They'll have a target on their back so it won't be easy, but I think they get through the A-East again.

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