It was a day to talk hoops at UMBC. Seven Baltimore area colleges brought their men's and women's coaches and players to the Event Center for the second annual Baltimore Basketball Media Day.
For the host Retrievers, their men's team will remain in the spotlight this season after pulling off the greatest upset in NCAA Tournament history. They defeated top-seeded Virginia last March to become the first No. 16 seed to beat a No. 1 seed.
"We won that historic game. We had a great season. It was a historic season for UMBC but that doesn't guarantee us anything this year," said UMBC head coach Ryan Odom.
But there will be an extra bit of swag swirling around the Retrievers.
"We know that there is not any team we can't beat on any night," said UMBC guard Joe Sherburne. "So, I think that it will be good for our confidence going into big games."
Over at Coppin State it's year number two for Juan Dixon. The Maryland Terrapins legend went 5-27 last season in his first campaign as Eagles Head Coach.
He thinks this year will be different.
"I love our team. I truly do. The culture is different. Our guys truly, truly love each other. They care about each other. I look forward to watching it all shine through this season," he said.
One of the featured games early this season comes on Friday, November 9 when Navy hosts the Terps in the Veterans Classic.
"Maryland is a very talented team. I think they're a top-20 team in the country. It will be a big challenge for us. One that we look forward to," said Navy head men's basketball coach Ed DeChellis.
As for new faces on the men's side this year there are a couple new coaches. Dan Engelstad takes over at Mount St. Mary's. Tavaras Hardy takes the reins at Loyola.
"We're going to play fast. We're going to play fun. Our guys are going to work hard. We'll just play a good brand of basketball for the city," said Hardy.
The college hoops season tips off on November 6.
Follow Shawn Stepner on Twitter @StepnerWMAR and Facebook
