FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- While there is always excitement at this time of year for Fairfield University basketball fans, this season has even more anticipation as Jay Young will take the court for the first as the head coach of the Stags basketball program. Fairfield will host Bucknell University at Webster Bank Arena on Tuesday night with the opening tip scheduled for 7 p.m.

Young has spent the last six months molding his roster for the 2019-20 season, taking his mixture of returning veterans and talented newcomers and turning them into a team that will be ready to compete with some of the finest basketball teams in the nation. And that run starts with Bucknell University on Tuesday night, a program which has won more Patriot League regular season championships than any other team in the league including last year's co-championship. 

Young has the good fortune of returning three student-athletes who spent a good part of the 2018-19 campaign as starters, namely Landon Taliaferro, Jesus Cruz, and Taj Benning. The trio of guards combined for nearly 40 percent of the team's offense last year and look to make that number even larger this season. Taliaferro led all Fairfield scorers with a 12.3 scoring average, most of which came from his 90 three-point field goals. Cruz is next among top returning scorers as he just missed double figures with 9.4 points per contest. Benning turned into one of the team's top playmakers a year ago, dishing off 48 assists in 28 appearances to compliment his 4.7 scoring average. 

"Landon worked hard in the off season to do more off the dribble and diversify his game," Young said. "I think you will see more than just a guy who can catch and shoot this year. Jesus is a jack of all trades with a unique offensive game. He is also a grinder on defense who makes the opponents work for everything. Taj did a great job for us throughout the preseason. He worked really hard on his jump shot and has become more of a reliable weapon on the perimeter."

Senior Aidas Kavaliauskas will also look to make contributions after serving as a reserve for all 28 of his appearances last season. The guard dished off 72 assists in those games which stands as the top total among returning players. His ability to handle the ball and find open shooters will make him a valuable resource when he is on the court.

The Stags also have a formidable outside shooter in sophomore Calvin Whipple, who earned 24 appearances in his rookie season. Whipple became one of the team's go-to-guys when it came to long range shooting as illustrated by his 24 three pointers. He finished his season with a 3.3 scoring average along with 10 assists and five steals.

"I really love Calvin's toughness and he's a guy who will work hard to stay in the lineup," Young said. "He will shot the ball really well during the preseason which will make it tough to keep him off the court this season."

The front court also has a strong set of returning players in Wassef Methnani and Kevin Senghore-Peterson, both of whom made strides over the last few months. Methnani represented one of the team's more accurate shooters (42 percent) and was able to nearly average a three pointer per game (20 made). He also showed his defensive prowess at times, placing second on the team with 18 blocks and third on the team with 70 defensive rebounds. Senghore-Peterson impressed the coaching staff with his play during the preseason and may have done enough to earn minutes early in the season.

"Kevin is the guy who has made the biggest jump since I arrived," Young said. "If I had to say which player has really progressed, I would have to say Kevin. He has the ability to post up and shot a three as well. When that motor starting running, he really puts in a great effort. Wassef has done well since coming back from FIBA. We will be trying to use his skill set offensively in addition to taking advantage of his defensive ability."

Young also has a strong group of newcomers who will make an impact early in the season, namely Allan Jeanne-Rose in the backcourt as well as Chris Maidoh and Vince Eze in the front court. All three student-athletes have caught the attention of the coaching staff and look to challenge for minutes.

"Chris is so intriguing because of his length and his athleticism," Young said. "He has the potential to be a special player once he gets more reps and more time on the court this year. Vince has been a warrior who is a mature player with a great leadership qualities. He knows what it takes to compete at this level so he has been a great addition to our program. Allan is another intriguing player who has great length. He is certainly athletic and can make a three point shot plus he also is a good offensive rebounder."

The Stags play their first two games of the 2019-20 campaign at home, also hosting the University of Massachusetts on Saturday, November 9 beginning at 1 p.m. After that game, Fairfield will go on a month-long road trip that sends the team to Massachusetts, Maryland, Florida, Michigan, and New York before returning home on December 8 for a match up with William & Mary at Alumni Hall.