By: Sophia Sharos
The Barry men’s basketball team is out for revenge this 2019-2020 season.
After losing in the semifinals during the conference tournament against Nova Southeastern University and getting bumped out of the 8th regional spot, they are out for revenge.
Last year was the first time since 2013 that the Buccaneers didn’t make an appearance in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) tournament.
Yet, they have high expectations.
In 2019-2020 preseason coaches' poll, the team ranked 3rd overall in the Sunshine State conference. The poll was based on the opinions of coaches across the conference and accounted for numerous important factors that guaranteed success.
The season opener for the team was Nov. 9 against Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia.
Having to travel on the road is always difficult but senior Evan Walshe is ready for the challenge and the season.
“This year is going to be special. We have a great connection as a team and know what we have to do this season,” said Walshe. “Last year, the other schools in the conference had all of their seniors lined up ready to play and now we have five seniors returning ready to start and make a difference.”
Five seniors are returning for the Barry Buccaneers and they plan to leave a lasting impression. Emerging broadcast and media major, Tylan Birts, is excited to watch this team grow with each practice during his senior year.
“I think the overall challenge for us will be making sure we stay consistent in all the phases of the game. We do have five returning seniors that should play a significant amount,” said Birts. We all know this is our last season playing together and playing college basketball with each other, so we want to take full advantage of this opportunity.”
From the early morning weight sessions to the late-night practices, players always have the goal to win a national championship.
Birts will end his senior year at Barry University with three years on the basketball team.
“I plan on ending my senior year as a national champion, nothing more, nothing less. I think we have a great job group of guys who can get the job done. Now it’s all about going out there and playing at the level we know we can,” said Birts.
New assistant coach for the basketball team, Dante Calabria will help the Bucs return to having a winning season alongside head coach Butch Estes who will be entering his seventh year as head coach.
The first regular home game was November 14 against Staten Island. And, the first conference home game against reigning champions Florida Southern University is Nov. 23.
The grind of the 2019-2020 season is about to start. Make sure to come out and support the Barry basketball team!