Why UAlbany Will Be Back in 2016

The 2014-15 UAlbany men's basketball season may have ended on Friday night in Columbus, Ohio with the Danes 69-60 loss to No. 3 Oklahoma in the NCAA tournament, but there is no reason to doubt that the '15-'16 Danes can't earn a fourth straight trip to the "Big Dance" for UA.

While senior Sam Rowley is a huge piece to replace for Will Brown and Co., he is the only graduating senior on the roster. His size, scoring ability, and leadership will be missed but UAlbany will return 4/5 of its starting lineup -- all with another year of experience.

Key Returners:

1. Peter Hooley, Guard: Hooley, the Danes' best player will have a full season under his belt in 2015-16. After leaving the team for a month this season to deal with the death of his mother in Australia, Hooley will have the chance to contribute for a full season again next year. For a team that went 15-1 in the America East this year, that contribution should make life much easier.

2. Evan Singletary, Guard: All the junior college transfer did in his first season in Purple was earn First-Team all-conference honors. The explosive, sharp-shooting guard tore through the league in his first D-1 season. Why not again in year two?

3. Ray Sanders, Guard: Another transfer who entered the program this year,

Sanders showed flashes of pure greatness. He was always a positive contributor to the starting lineup, but his ability to get to the rim, play tenacious defense, and rebound should all shine through even more a year from now.

4. Dallas Ennema, Forward: The 6'6 wing player will continue to give UAlbany a consistent long-range threat. If he can use his size to defend the post and rebound -- UAlbany is in even better shape than I thought.

5. Mike Rowley, Forward: The returning junior may not be as crafty as his brother offensively, but he certainly plays as tough. He can rebound, he can defend, and he adds a good outside shot. With the ability to shine in '15-'16, the rest of the Capital Region should get familiar with another Rowley.

6. Wheeler Baker, Richard Peters, Greig Stire: Baker, another explosive guard, will help UAlbany's depth in the backcourt. He can really shoot it, and if he can handle ball pressure, he'll help take the load off Singletary. Peters and Stire are two guys that will continue to help UAlbany defend down-low. If they can add to their offensive productivity, they give Brown more and more options on a nightly basis.

The Newcomer: I don't pretend to know everything about all of UAlbany's recruits, but I do know that Joe Cremo of Scotia will help the Danes. He's 6'4, physical, athletic, can get to the rim, and can shoot it from the outside. Hours after winning his second straight Class A state title (and probably 2nd straight POY Award), he's the best player in the area. It's a steal for UA.

Outlook: With that returning roster off a 15-1 conference and a coach who has been to five NCAA tournaments, why can't UAlbany get back again? And why can't they win a first round game if given the right matchup? You tell me.