Saint Mary’s Gaels men’s basketball

The Saint Mary’s Gaels men’s basketball team is the intercollegiate men’s basketball program that represents Saint Mary’s College of California. The school competes in the West Coast Conference (WCC) in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Since joining WCC, the Gaels have won eleven regular season championships and three tournament titles.

Saint Mary’s was founded by a group of missionaries from America who arrived to Northern California in 1868. Basketball became part of its athletics program when it began competing against local colleges such as University of San Francisco, Santa Clara University and St Ignatius High School during World War II years. In 1949, the college joined NCAA Divisions 2 and 3 which offered more competitive play than their previous informal opponents had done previously. While initially successful at this level with several conference championship wins over other small schools, success eventually plateaued for many decades until recently when they joined Division 1 competition through invitation from WCC in 1985-86 season .

During these early years under coach Ernie Kent’s leadership ,the saint mary gaels first achieved national recognition due to strong performances within its newly formed division one league; they made four consecutive post-season appearances between 1999–2002 including two NIT berths before finally making their first NCAA Tournament appearance since becoming membersof D1 during 2004–05 campaign.. Following this initial breakthrough into March Madness realm,, successive teams went on make additional five ncaa tournaments—most notably advancing all way Elite Eight round 2008 tourney after defeating favored Villanova Wildcats second round game en route there —with latest coming 2019 edition where they earned third place finish South Regional bracket led then headcoach Randy Bennett lead squad featuring Jock Landale standout center whose impressive senior year performance saw him earn All American honors among numerous other accolades .
As part 2021 outlook looks promising for stmarys entry into upcoming seasons ;as current rostered players include Jordan Ford guard who finished last year averaging 24ppg & 5apg while shooting 50% from field both combined make formidable backcourt presence expected carry them deep into postseason once again alongside fellow returners Malik Fitts Junior forward/center along with Tanner Krebs Sophomore swingman adding depth off bench respectively .. With new additions like Tommy Kuhse freshman point guard highly touted recruit out highschool ranks could be key contributor down stretch run if develop quickly enough contribute right away Recent Seasons successes have already been well documented but continued excellence rests upon ability sustain same type production seen recent past order remain perennial contender wcc standings further cementing name Program amongst best nation has offer moving forward …