Andrew Ribner/Photo Editor

Coming off the most celebrated year in program history, the men’s basketball team has its sights set on bigger and better things in 2012-13. The Cardinals graduated only one player from last season—small forward Jason Mendell ’12. A 1000-point scorer in his Wesleyan career, his departure will certainly be felt, but fortunately the team appears well-equipped to deal with the loss. The Cardinals return four starters and 13 letter-winners, all of whom will look to contribute in the upcoming season. Add a star-studded freshman class, and the Cardinals look like a force to be reckoned with heading into the season.

After arriving at Wesleyan four seasons ago, coach Joe Reilly has transformed the basketball program from mediocre to a powerhouse. The nation is finally taking notice, and the Cardinals head into the season ranked 23rd in the country. Coming off a season in which Wesleyan won the Little Three championship, hosted its third ever NESCAC tournament game, and made it to the NESCAC Final Four, the Cardinals have their sights set on a first ever NCAA national tournament berth.

Much of Wesleyan’s hopes will rest on the shoulders of Shasha Brown ’13. Brown has received NESCAC honors in each of his three previous seasons; he earned Rookie of the Year honors in 2009-10, second team all-NESCAC in 2010-11, and first team all-NESCAC in 2011-12. Also in 2011-12, Brown became the fastest Cardinal to reach 1000 points and earned NABC second-team All-Northeast honors. Brown will carry the heavy weight of expectation this year, but all signs point to a grand finale for Wesleyan’s dynamic point guard. Yet what makes this Wesleyan team so strong is that it does not rely solely on one great player.

“The depth of this year’s team is like no other,” Brown said. “The starters are pushed every day in practice where the competitive nature brings out the best in everyone. From the first to the last guy on the bench, everyone holds their teammates accountable for their actions. This group is a close knit, unbreakable bunch that is preparing for greatness.”

Fellow returning starter Mike Callaghan ’13 was also awarded all-NESCAC honors last season; he posted impressive scoring (12.6 PPG) and rebounding numbers (6.2 RPG).  Other returning starters are Derick Beresford ’13 and Glen Thomas ’14. Beresford was third in scoring (11.7 PPG), second in assists (47), and second in steals (33) last year. Thomas, already a giant and imposing figure last year, has bulked up in the offseason and should be able to improve upon his team-leading rebounding (7.2 RPG) stats.

Other players to watch out for are captains Greg St. Jean ’13, an inspirational leader and a powerful presence on the court when healthy, and Matt Hogan ’13, a mainstay off the bench last year. Also returning after seeing consistent playing time are Julian Harris ’14, Bryan Galvin ’15, and Chris Tugman ’15.

The team will kick off their season at the Wesleyan-hosted Herb Kenny Tip-Off Tournament that begins on Friday, Nov. 16. The wait is finally over. It is time for the Cardinals to deliver.