After capping its second 20-win season in a row for the first time in program history, the UNH men’s basketball team didn’t feel like dancing this season.
The Wildcats, who fell to eventual NCAA Tournament participant Vermont in the America East semifinals, were reportedly invited to the CBI and CIT but didn’t play in either tournament.
“Athletic Director Marty Scarano and I spoke at length after the season ended and agreed that this team is tired mentally and physically,” Coach Bill Herrion said. “Three or four of our primary players played enormous minutes this year and those guys had a lot of wear and tear this season. We felt it was in the best interest of the program to not play in a tournament this year.”
The Wildcats were led by seniors Jaleen Smith and Daniel Dion this season, while junior Tanner Leissner led the team in scoring with 17.1 points per game.
“I thought we had a very successful season even though we did not reach our ultimate goal of winning the America East Championship and playing in the NCAA Tournament, which is still the main focus of this program,” Herrion said. “We know we have work to do in this offseason to ultimately reach our goal next year.”