The Fordham University men?s basketball team is optimistic as players prep to open the season against Sacred Heart University.

Head Coach Dereck Whittenberg, who is in his third year with the Rams, will be joined by four of his five starters from last year. The team went 9-7 in the Atlantic 10 Conference last season and advanced to the tournament semifinals for the first time in school history. Fordham is expected to lean on junior forward Bryant Dunston, who was the leading scorer last year.

The A-10 preseason poll ranks Fordham seventh. Whittenberg says he doesn?t give much credence to the poll, saying the Rams' performance will determine how the team finishes. Fordham battles Sacred heart November 10.