Outside of Hilltop Circle, expectations are not particularly high for either UMBC men's or women's basketball this season. But the coaching staffs and players on both Tom Sullivan's men's team and Phil Stern's women's team are both thinking about playing a prominent role in the Northeast Conference races this year.

Sullivan: "Our goal is to win a championship"

The UMBC men's basketball program has won 38 games over the past two seasons. In four years of NEC play, UMBC is 52-26 and has been a step away from the league title game in three of those four years. But, the marquee players from those seasons are gone, leaving a few battle-tested veterans and many more bright-eyed underclassmen to carry on the new-found Retriever pride. Coach Sullivan is supremely confident that they will.

"What we have now is a group of youngsters who would challenge the first group for dominance last year," says Coach Sullivan. "The group that is here now has a very clear mission and a very clear motive, to prove that they are 'players,' and it was as much their team last year as anybody's."

UMBC's backcourt should be able to match any team in the NEC. Senior Justin Wilson was the top guard in the league in field goal percentage (57 percent) last season, and junior Kareem Washington (10 points per game) was the de-facto Most Improved Player in the NEC. Sophomore Rob Gogerty was named to the NEC All Rookie Team last season, as he averaged less than one turnover per game in 29 starting assignments. Up front, senior Andre Williams, junior Eugene Young and sophomore Andrew Feeley give UMBC its best combination of true post players in Sullivan's eight years at UMBC. Some talented newcomers, led by forward John Zito, should give the Retrievers some immediate help.

"The youngsters here feel they were major contributors," says Sullivan. "They are trying to prove that they are good. They have a great opportunity that doesn't always come along. Now they have the stage to show everyone. Now we'll see how they write the script.

"Our goal is to win a championship. The gauntlet has been thrown down by others who feel we can't," he adds.

Stern: "There is enough talent here to win games"

The future of UMBC women's basketball is truly bright. An injection of enthusiasm by new head coach Phil Stern seems to have rubbed off on his new players, and they are beginning to buy into his "We are Family" philosophy.

"I am extremely pleased with the way things have gone so far," Stern says. "I can sense that the team just wants to win and everybody seems to be on the same page. I am looking forward to working with them in practice everyday."

Several strong seniors should help Stern get off to a good start. Guard Jessie Brown is a two-time All NEC selection and wing player Shalayna Johnson is primed to make her final season her best in the black and gold. Post players Millette Green and Tiffany Coll should provide additional scoring punch and add toughness to the interior.

"I like how our schedule sets up," says Stern. "If we can do well against our non-league opponents, I see no reason why we can't be successful against the Northeast Conference. I believe that there is enough talent here to win games. Our first goal is to qualify for the Northeast Conference Tournament. If we can get in, anything can happen."

"UMBC fans should expect to see student athletes that they can be proud of on and off the court," adds Stern. "Our home games will become a happening for UMBC students and a great place to bring the whole family. They should also expect to see us challenging for championships each and every season."