Scheduling 2009-10′ (Bonnies vs. Marquette; Off)

The Bonnies won't be playing this man's alma mater this season.

We have gotten several emails from readers asking about the Bonnies current non-conference schedule. Many of you wanted us to shed some light on what games are on and what are off; so here goes…

1. Cleveland State (And Former coach Jason Gee) is coming to the RC

2. SBU will take on St. John’s in Rochester at the Blue Cross Arena

3. SBU will travel to Niagara, host Canisius

4. The Bonnies owe a return game to Mississippi State

5. @ Illinois State for the Basketball Travelers Invitational (Norfolk State)

6. Bonnies travel to the Carrier Dome to play Syracuse…

7. The Marquette game is off according to my sources

That currently gives the Bonnies eight non-conference games, meaning that they will have to find at least four more games. The Bonnies could look to play teams such as Robert Morris and Saint Francis PA again, both provide winnable games vs. teams who would certainly travel to SBU and enjoy the chance to knock off an A10 team on the road.

What are my other ideas about who the Bonnies could potentially play? Well here are a few games I think would make sense…

1. Play Buffalo somewhere. Here, there, anywhere, there is no good reason these two teams don’t play each other every year. SBU is an A10 team, meaning UB would be playing up in conference by playing us, and we certainly are not above the Bulls who have been a respectable team over the last few years. A great rivalry game, would be well attended.

2. Binghamton. The Bearcats have emerged as a powerful team in the America East. They are about three hours away and are coming off an NCAA bid. Another game that makes too much sense.

3. Penn State. I would love to see the Bonnies play Penn State, even if it meant playing down in State College a few years to get a return game. PSU plays in the Big Ten and has developed into a real threat in that league, last year getting to N.I.T finals. State College is only some three hours from Olean.

4. Colgate. Another in state team who has had recent success in the NCAA tournament. Colgate is coming off a NCAA tournament bid and would be a nice team to have travel to the RC for a non-conference win over a team who, although is not in a great league, has some recent history in the postseason.

5. Pittsburgh or Providence. Both Big East teams would be willing to play the Bonnies at their place, and both would add a great second punch to the Syracuse game. Pittsburgh is obviously within driving distance from Olean, and they, like Providence would draw well in Rochester or Buffalo on a neutral court. Jamie Dixon’s team is as good as it gets right now in college basketball, and even playing them close would give the Bonnies some attention. Providence isn’t quite where Pitt is right now in the national rankings, but they are a program on the rise in the Big East, and they like Bonas, are a small catholic school in a league of giants.

We will see how things play out over the next few weeks leading into the fall, but as of right now work remains as far as the shcedule is concerned. As we get any new information we will put it out there for everyone to read, but the coaches and administration ususally do a good job of keeping the games and terms under wraps.