by Charlie Russo, Sports Information Student Assistant
 
Success is difficult to achieve, especially within the competitive group of basketball teams that is the Presidents' Athletic Conference. Coach DP Harris and the Bearcats' veteran roster, however, have attained consistent success and don't hold intentions to impede further prosperity. This upcoming season holds historic value as the Bearcats look to win four straight conference championships.

Last season was an immense triumph for SVC, achieving a 22-7 record and a third consecutive berth into the NCAA tournament. The Bearcats eventually fell in a hard-fought game to Bates College (Galloway, NJ) by a score of 92-80. Coach Harris, although greatly satisfied with last season's results, realizes they must take the next step towards preeminent attainment.

"We always have the same goals: win 20 games, we accomplished that, win the PAC, we accomplished that goal, and certainly make the NCAA tournament and advance," Harris said. "We need to hit the next step and advance in the NCAA Tournament."

Ultimately, Coach Harris expects to win a fourth PAC title this season. In doing so, the Bearcats would be given the opportunity to earn that NCAA Tournament victory that this program and their group of eight seniors have envisioned since their first day on campus. This enormous feat would be the first four-peat since Washington & Jefferson from 1991-1995. Coach Harris and his determined unit of individuals recognize how critical this would be for the program, as well as Saint Vincent.

"To win four straight, if it happens, that's great." Said Harris. "It would be great for the school, it would be good for the program, but each one is independent of the other."

SVC returns a strong core group of players as well as an NCAA Division II transfer to go along with an eager group of freshmen. Leading the way is a talented group of seniors who have previously been a part of a lengthy tradition of winning in bunches.

"We expect a lot out of Bobby Swartwout, certainly Pat Jones, Ben Klimchock, Dan Sinwell, Geoff FuQuay, JC Howard, Jaylon Bell, and Kyle Rivera," Harris said. "They know what the expectation is here at Saint Vincent. It's to win championships."

Governing the group are the 2015-2016 PAC players to watch, Bell, Jones, and Howard.  Bell, who transferred to SVC last fall, made an immediate impact averaging 9.3 points a game while starting 25 games. Jones, an All-PAC second team honoree last season, scored 13.3 points per game while grabbing 5.0 rebounds per game. Howard, a four-year starter for SVC, was named All-PAC honorable mention as he netted 11.9 points per game.

Veteran guard Ben Klimchock will remain a deep threat after playing 15.3 minutes a game last season while shooting 44% from deep range. Big men Swartwout and Austin Ford will remain a force to be reckoned with down low, and guards Rivera, Sinwell, and FuQuay will add great depth at the position.

Austin Dedert, the lone returning sophomore, played an important role on last season's championship team. Dedert started 15 games at forward for the Bearcats and contributed 17 blocks and a 62.1 field goal percentage. Harris has high aspirations for the young forward and believes his high level of play can make Dedert one of the greats at SVC.  "Dedert might end up being on the best players I've ever coached," said Harris.

SVC was fortuitous enough to gain a sophomore transfer from Clarion University, Matt D'Amico, who participated in 23 games for the Division II School. Harris expects D'Amico to find his way onto the court and be a productive player for the Bearcats this season. Freshmen Mike Simmons (Kiski), Will Sandherr (North Allegheny), and Alex Vanzant (Miami) should all see immediate playing time for SVC.

Assisting Coach Harris are Dan Szramowski, Terrance Smith, Phil McGivney and Sean Kett.  Szramowski is in the fourth season of his second stint on campus and was given the title of Associate Head Coach last year. Smith, a former All-American for the Bearcats returned to help on the sidelines last season. Following a career in which he scored 1,819 points, Smith enlisted in the United States Army where he served two tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan earning the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 2.  McGivney is also a former Bearcat and has returned as a volunteer this year, while Kett is serving his first season as a graduate assistant.

The Bearcats' home opener is November 24 when they host Marietta College (OH) at 7.30 PM. PAC play begins December 2 when they host Bethany College (WV) at 7:30 PM.