Siena opens preseason with new coach's guard-heavy approach
Siena's men's basketball team held its first official practice under new head coach Nevada Smith on Tuesday. Smith has labeled every player on the roster as a guard, a strategic shift that applies to everyone from 6-foot-2 junior Pace Prosser to 7-foot-1 freshman Andres Amon. The approach signals a focus on versatility and ball-handling across all positions.
Tuesday's session marked the formal start of Siena's preseason under Nevada Smith, who was hired to lead the program. The practice took place in Loudonville, New York, with coverage by Times Union reporter Mark Singelais and photography by Jim Franco.
Smith's decision to designate every player as a guard, from junior Pace Prosser at 6-foot-2 to freshman Andres Amon at 7-foot-1, reflects a deliberate emphasis on versatility and ball-handling across all positions. The approach suggests the team will prioritize perimeter skills and adaptability over traditional position-based roles, a notable strategic shift for the program's opening practices.
This positionless approach could influence how other mid-major programs evaluate and develop players, particularly those competing for talent against larger schools. If Siena's strategy proves effective, it may encourage similar philosophies elsewhere, potentially reshaping recruiting priorities and player development models across college basketball. Fans and analysts may also see more fluid, fast-paced offensive play as a result, which could alter expectations for how smaller programs compete against more traditionally structured rosters.