The Gaels under the microscope

So what's up with St. Mary's this season? Good, solid play has been witnessed but also periods of ineffective efforts.

What fans don't seem to remember is that Cullen Neal, the top recruit for the Gaels last year, decided to stay home and play for his father after Craig Neal was named the head coach at New Mexico. Would Neal the Younger been a force this season had he made it to Moraga? Not that much of one but he would have been a contributor, another option for Coach Randy Bennett on those nights when one of his other backcourters isn't performing well. But the answer is yes for the following years.

Plus, highly regarded 6-foot-7 forward Chris Reyes departed the program after his freshman season last year, one in which he redshirted.

This season at Citrus College, Reyes is averaging 18.8 points and 12.7 rebounds a contest overall, shooting 66% from the floor. Early in conference play, he is at 19.0 and 17.5 respectively. In one game versus Santa Monica College, he exploded for 23 points, 24 boards and six blocked shots.

These are two tough personnel losses and people need to remember that St. Mary's, while usually recruiting well, doesn't have any sort of pick of the litter a la the Dukes and Kentuckys of the rich and powerful set. Having two good prospects depart would set back most any squad, especially a mid-major.