St. Mary's Gaels Face Summer of Questions

As the Saint Mary's Gaels enter the offseason following their NIT quarterfinal loss to San Diego State, there are many questions that must be answered before next season.

1. The Status of Patty Mills

The most pressing issue is whether or not Patty Mills will return to the Gaels for his junior season or jump to the NBA. Some ESPN pundits have him as high as the lottery, but many draft boards have him down in the late first round, if at all.

If he is to be a lottery pick, it will be "Adios, Moraga" and "Hello, NYC" for Patty. If not, he will be the key to a team that could possibly win 20 or more games again.

2. Replacing Diamon Simpson

Is there anything harder than replacing someone who holds six school records? Probably not.

Let's see...Simpson is tops in university history in rebounds, steals, blocks, free throws made, free throws attempted, and wins. He is also the only player in WCC history to win two Defensive Player of the Year awards (2007-2008, 2008-2009).

Freshman Tim Williams, who red-shirted this past season, will more than likely be the starting power forward next year, but how will the freshman adjust? He is incredibly athletic and is more explosive on the offensive end than Simpson, but there will probably be a rotational system, and possibly four guards in the lineup at times.

3. Will Randy Bennett Stay?

It is the question that comes up after every year for a successful mid-major. Will the coach stay? Virginia Commonwealth just lost their head coach to Alabama.

If the University of Arizona or Oregon come calling, who's to say Bennett wouldn't leave?

He might be a good fit for the Ducks, as they are looking to rebuild that program. Bennett has experience with such projects, as when he took over at Saint Mary's, the team was 2-27.

After eight years at the helm of the Gaels, you never know.

4. Progression of Role Players

I'm speaking of Wayne Hunter, Ben Allen, Clint Steindl, Mickey McConnell, Collin Chiverton, and Tim Williams.

The progression of these six players will be the key to the Gaels' success. Whether or not Mills returns, the production of center Omar Samhan will not be enough to carry a team; the good news is that McConnell and Hunter made great strides this season.

Many believed McConnell would be red-shirted, but he developed into a very serviceable point guard. His biggest problem was turnovers; they may have been due to first-year jitters or his lack of quickness. His ability to handle the ball and control the game could mean a difference of two or three wins over a campaign.

Hunter's shot improved drastically from his freshman and sophomore years. He became a reliable three-point shooter and ended the season at 37.8 percent. To boot, he'll be a candidate for 2010 WCC Defensive Player of the Year, and outside of Mills, was the best on the team at creating his own shot.

Steindl has the most fluid shot of anybody in a Gael uniform. His ability to consistently hit his shot could make the squad one of the best long-distance shooting teams on the West Coast.

Allen's toughness down low and the progression of freshmen Williams and Chiverton will also be crucial.

After consecutive seasons of 25 wins, this mid-major is looking to continue their success and prove something in the NCAA Tournament. To say the least, this will be a crucial summer for the Gaels' program.