Oct. 30, 2008

The Siena men's basketball team received eight votes in the preseason USA Today/ESPN Coaches' Poll, released Thursday and 13 in the AP Poll released Friday. It marks the first time the program has received recognition in either national poll since December of 1999.

Additionally, five of Siena's potential 2008-09 opponents were ranked in the top-25. Michigan State (No. 7/6), Gonzaga (No. 11/10) and Georgetown (No. 18/22) will all compete in the Old Spice Classic with Siena and its first round opponent Tennessee, which was ranked 13th and 14th in the two polls. Pittsburgh (No. 6/5) and defending National Champion Kansas (No. 23/24) are also on the schedule this season.

Siena head coach Fran McCaffery is one of the 31 coaches on the USA Today/ESPN Coaches' Poll voting panel.

USA Today/ESPN Preseason Coaches Poll