The Saints frontcourt has been the model of consistency thus far this season. Alex Franklin leads all players with 14.5 ppg and is pulling down nearly 8 boards a game as well. Franklin has the amazing ability to be both a down low presence and a fast break finisher. He always works hard to put himself in the best position to score. While not being a particularly tall power forward (6’5”), Franklin uses his strength and technique to gain an advantage. He is a quiet leader who seems to enjoy banging around the basket, and is the main source of physical aggressiveness on this Siena team. Freshman O.D. Anosike has been a pretty surprising success story as he appears to have claimed the first power forward substitute role. He needs to develop a mid-range shot, but he is a strong rebounder. As he gains more experience, O.D. has the height and build to be a defensive force in the paint.

As an underclassman, Ryan Rossiter had a tendency to get pushed around by opposing players, but those days are over. A real coach’s dream, this hustle machine has really come into his own since the later half of last season. He is averaging close to a double-double (11.8 ppg + 9.0 rpg) and is getting over a block a game. The Saints’ offense is definitely not centered around him, but Rossiter appears content to clean up misses on the glass and free up teammates away from the ball. In basketball terms he is a well-rounded player, but he also brings a lot of passion and maturity to every practice and game. Rossiter has improved his outside shot and provides a post option that Siena hasn’t had since the days of Justin Miller.

Position Grade: A -