Just an FYI, our paper edition will have our Siena preview in it tomorrow, so you'll want to stop and pick that up.

I stopped by Siena practice Thursday and was able to talk to some of the players for the preview and Coach Buonaguro.

Even though the team is dealing with some injuries right now, most notably Clarence Jackson's shoe saga and Ryan Rossiter's Achilles, everyone seems pretty excited for the start of the season, which is one week from today, when the Saints open up against Vermont in downtown Albany.

I spoke with Kyle Griffin, who has battled his way back from a major knee injury, and finds himself in the starting lineup for the first game.

Griffin says he's feeling great (he said 100 percent) and is ready to compete and show the Siena fans what he's capable of.

Griffin said he had already asked assistant coach Adam Chaskin for game film of Vermont, the 2010 America East championship game against Boston University, so he can study up for the first game.

“I try to get as much of an advantage as I can,” Griffin said. “College basketball is all about winning and any edge you can get is important.”

Griffin said that last year, when he was playing, was even more frustrating than when he couldn't, for reasons you'll have to see in tomorrow's paper.

While he hasn't been able to play up to what he thinks is his best, he has been encouraged by the Siena fans and faithful.

“A lot of the alumni and the fans have been supportive of me,” Griffin said. “It’s just been motivation to get back.”

The Saints scrimmage Rutgers today at the ARC, in a closed-door exhibition of sorts.

University at Albany catcher Ryan Gugel became the third Great Danes player in as many seasons to sign a professional contract when he signed with the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday, June 12. 

Gugel reported to Clearwater, Fla., to train with the organization's rookie league team, the Gulf Coast Phillies. 

Gugel recentley completed his second season with UAlbany, finished with a .303 batting average and a team-high nine home runs. 

"Ryan is an extremely hard working student-athlete," said UAlbany baseball coach Jon Mueller. "This is a great opportunity for Ryan and his family."

The Great Danes have had six players selected in the MLB Draft, while Gugel is the latest in a long line of UAlbany athletes who have signed free agent professional contracts.