Siena College men's basketball team opens its season against Bryant University in a matchup that pits longtime coaching friends against each other. Siena head coach Nevada Smith, shown during the first official practice on September 22, 2026, in Colonie, New York, will face a familiar opponent on the opposing bench.
The season opener marks a reunion between Smith and Bryant's coaching staff, turning a personal friendship into a competitive rivalry for 40 minutes. Both programs enter the new campaign with aspirations for conference success.
Smith, who guided Siena through its preseason preparations, emphasized the importance of starting strong against a quality opponent. The game represents the first test for a Saints roster looking to build momentum early in the non-conference schedule.
