The University of Scranton men's basketball team is set to begin the 2026-27 season with a mix of experienced returners and emerging talent as the Royals look to build on last year's 19-7 overall record and 12-6 mark in Landmark Conference play.  

Selected to finish third in the Landmark Conference Preseason Poll, Scranton appeared in the first round of the Landmark Conference playoffs last season and will look to make another push for a conference championship with several key contributors returning to the lineup. 

Junior Sammy Tornabene, an All-Conference selection last season, returns as one of the Royals' top offensive threats. Tornabene appeared in 24 games and averaged 17.8 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. He also contributed 48 assists, 13 blocks, and 16 steals while shooting 50% from the field and 44% from three. He scored in double figures in 22 of 24 games, highlighting his consistency and versatility on both ends of the floor. 

Reigning Landmark Conference Rookie of the Year Ben Robinson also returns following a breakout freshman season. Robinson played in all 26 games, making 25 starts for the Royals while averaging 6.9 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. He recorded 41 assists and 26 steals while shooting 53% from the field and 52% from three during his rookie campaign. Robinson will look to build on an impressive debut season and continue to play an important role for the Royals.  

Also back for Scranton is senior Brendan Carr, who started all 26 games last season and averaged 13.4 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. Carr added 40 assists, eight blocks, and 37 steals while shooting 44% from the field and 40% from three. He scored in double figures 21 times, including a streak of eight straight games from late January to mid-February.  

Returning to the backcourt for Scranton is junior Will Marion, who appeared in 24 games and made eight starts last season. Marion averaged 6.9 points and 3.0 assists per game while shooting 43% from the field and 45% from three. He also recorded 55 rebounds and 21 steals, while posting an impressive 2.4 assist-to-turnover ratio. Marion's playmaking ability and efficiency will be key assets as the Royals look to sustain a balanced attack.  

In his 26th season at the helm, head coach Carl Danzig will look to guide the Royals back to the postseason and contend for another Landmark Conference title. With a group of returning contributors and opportunities for players to take on expanded roles, Scranton enters the new season with their sights set on pursuing the program's ninth Landmark championship (2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2023). 

Danzig is joined on the coaching staff by Associate Head Coach Jeff Frank and Assistant Coach Chris Sload, who continue to play an important role in the team's growth and performance on both ends of the court.  

2026-27 Landmark Conference Men's Basketball Preseason Poll
        T-1. Drew - 72 points (5 first-place votes) 
        T-1. Catholic - 72 points (3 first-place votes) 
        3. Scranton - 71 points (2 first-place votes) 
        4. Susquehanna - 58 points 
        5. Juniata - 45 points 
        6. Wilkes - 42 points
        7. Elizabethtown - 33 points 
        8. Moravian - 24 points 
        9. Goucher - 17 points 
        10. Lycoming - 16 points 

The Royals open the season Friday, November 6 at 5:30 p.m. against Widener University in the opening game of the Hilton Scranton Invitational at the John Long Center.