WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Catholic men's basketball team was ranked No. 22 in the d3hoops.com preseason poll after ending last season ranked 12th, it was announced last week. The Cardinals are coming off a 25-6 season that culminated in an epic run in the NCAA Tournament.

After falling in the Landmark Conference Championship against top-seeded Drew, the Cardinals ripped off three consecutive victories in the NCAA Tournament over Franklin and Marshall, Randolph-Macon and Roanoke to reach the Elite 8 for the first time since the 2000-01 national championship winning team. Catholic overcame a 19-point second half deficit to knock off Roanoke in overtime 95-91 to advance to the Elite 8.

The Cardinals return two consistent starters from last season in Brian Herbert and Jamie Ntiamoah. Herbert was a Second Team All-Landmark selection last season, averaging 13.7 points per game which was second on the team and 5.7 rebounds per game with 24 blocks and 22 steals. Ntiamoah played and started in all 31 games for Catholic, averaging nine points and 6.2 rebounds per game which was the most on the team. 

Catholic also returns several key role players from last year's squad including CJ Ruoff, Charley Hepting and Googie Seidman. Ruoff had a career-day against the Maroons in the Sweet 16, scoring 36 points with five rebounds and five assists. 

The program welcomes eight newcomers this season, seven freshman and one graduate transfer. Chris Rubayo comes to the program from Lafayette where he played in 71 games in his four years with the team and totaled 230 points, 156 rebounds and 58 blocks.

The Cardinals open the season on Friday November 7 when they take on Lynchburg at the Rotary Tip-Off hosted by Hood. Tip-off is set for 7:30 pm at the Woodsboro Bank Arena.