65 Teams in 65 Days: #54 Holy Cross

Location: Worcester, MA
Nickname: Crusaders
Conference: Patriot League
Last Year’s Record: 18-14

 

Why they’ll make it: Returning four starters to a team that finished second in the Patriot League, it appears as if the Crusaders have another NCAA tournament team on their hands. The stars of that group was the league’s newcomer of the year, R.J. Evans, and first-team all conference selection, Andrew Keister. Together they lead a group that is far and away the most talented in the Patriot League. After going to the tournament four times this decade, this is one of the best mid-major programs in the country. Holy Cross will most likely add to its reputation this season.

Why they won’t make it: Change. The one thing that’s been consistent in Holy Cross’ program was former head coach Ralph Willard. He’s moved on to greener pastures and left the program to new coach Sean Kearney. Kearney has plenty to work with, but he also has big shoes to fill. The Crusaders have had winning records in eight out of the past nine seasons and keeping that kind of success may be difficult to maintain during this transition.