BUFFALO, N.Y. -  After finishing as national runners-up, the Villa Maria College Men's Basketball team returns to the hardwood ready to continue their reign of national dominance. 
 
While first-year Head Coach Jonathan Smith is beginning his inaugural campaign with the Vikings, he'll have senior captain Bryan Adams to help lead Villa.
 
"Winning is not an accidental occurrence," Smith said. "It's earned, every single day, in every single moment."
 
Smith explained that winning takes place both on and off the court through challenging each other, holding each other accountable, building camaraderie, excelling academically, taking care of the body by getting treatment with the medical staff, and fueling the body properly.
 
"Winning is the sum of all these pieces. Every habit, every choice, every ounce of effort adds up," said Smith. "If one piece is missing, we're leaving ourselves vulnerable. To return to the national tournament, we have to be perfect in our preparation, relentless in our work, and uncompromising in our standard. That's what it takes. That's what I demand."
 
Last season, Adams played more than 26 minutes per-game and was second on the team averaging 12.6 points per game. Jeremiah Clarke, who is also a senior, logged more than 18 minutes per-game and 6.1 points per-game. They'll be joined by fellow Viking returners Aiden Banks, Ruben Noris, and Jaylin Gadley.

"We're a player-led program, and their voice, presence, and example set the tone for everyone else," Smith explained.  "They've been through the battles, they understand the standard, and now it's on them to help carry that forward and elevate the group around them."

They'll be joined by junior transfer Spencer Utomi, and freshmen Tyeon Sanford, Maurice Woods, Leonte Jones.

"We are coming. With toughness, togetherness, and a relentless will to compete every game," Smith said. "It's absolutely essential to begin the year strong. It starts with our mindset, character, and the daily deposits we make both on and off the court."