CBB Review hands out awards for each conference tournament in 2024. Up next: The Patriot League Tournament.
For the fifth straight March, Colgate will represent the Patriot League in the NCAA Tournament. It was my pick, but considering their streak of success in the Patriot League Tournament, it shouldn’t come as a huge shock.
The Raiders are used to these moments and have a coach in Matt Langel who understands what it takes to get to March. Guys like Keegan Records, Ryan Moffat, Brady Cummins, and Jeff Woodward have been here before and know what it takes to win in elimination games. Braeden Smith is turning into a star before our eyes.
Despite being challenged by Bucknell in the semifinals, Colgate breezed past Lehigh in the championship. Perhaps a scare like that woke them up and could mean bigger things in store for the Big Dance.
CBB Review Patriot League Tournament Most Outstanding Player
Braeden Smith, Colgate
When talking about Smith, I need to start with the fact that he’s a talented player in multiple parts of the game. Smith can certainly take over the game and score points, but his playmaking and ability to rebound the basketball set him apart. Of course, averaging almost two steals per game in Patriot League Tournament play shows his defensive capabilities too.
During the conference tourney, Smith had three great games and will be the reason Colgate is able to pull off a first-round upset over Baylor.
CBB Review All-Patriot League Tournament First Team
G: Austin Benigni, Navy – 2 GP (23.0 PPG, 4.0 APG, 3.0 RPG)
F: Anthony Morales, Boston U – 2 GP (22.0 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 1.0 APG, 2.5 BPG, 1.0 SPG, 52.9 3P%)
Colgate’s NCAA Tournament Prediction
Round of 64
The Raiders are due for a tournament win one of these days, but I’m afraid Baylor isn’t the best matchup. The Bears are a great three-point shooting team, so Colgate’s best offensive strength can be matched. Scott Drew is also a great tournament coach – we know that as the Bears won the national championship just a few years ago.
Of course, Matt Langel also has tournament experience. He’s surely learned a lot from four trips to the Big Dance, so this could be the year they put it all together and break through.
The key is having Jeff Woodward play well off the bench. He’s a great sixth man and played well in the Patriot League Tournament, where he hit over 70% of his shots. If that carries over against Baylor, Colgate has a shot.
