Siena College is preparing to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the exceptional 1993-94 men’s basketball team, a team that secured the third-place position in the National Invitation Tournament. The commemoration is scheduled for Sunday, 18th February, coinciding with the Saints’ game against Canisius at 2 p.m.
The celebration will feature a special halftime ceremony during which Doremus Bennerman will be formally inducted into the Siena Athletics Hall of Fame, in addition to an unexpected recognition. Bennerman, one of only two players in the history of the program to surpass 2,000 career points, was elected into the Hall of Fame just last month.
Throughout the 1993-94 season, the Siena Men’s Basketball team achieved an impressive 25 wins. Their NIT journey began with notable victories over Georgia Tech and Tulane at what is now MVP Arena, drawing crowds of over 28,000 fans. Notably, a record-breaking crowd of 15,727 spectators gathered to witness the triumph against the Green Wave.
After a victory over Bradley in Glens Falls, Siena progressed to Madison Square Garden. Despite a disappointing loss to Villanova in the semi-finals, the team rallied for a remarkable performance in the third-place game against Kansas State, driven by the extraordinary display of Bennerman. The 1994 MAAC Player of the Year set a Siena single-season record with 858 points and an average scoring rate of 26.0 points per game. Notably, Bennerman achieved a school-record of 51 points in the 92-79 victory over the Wildcats, solidifying his status as the 1994 NIT MVP. His exceptional talent was evident with an NIT record of 174 points across five games, a record that still stands to this day.
The celebration of the unforgettable 1993-94 team promises to be a significant occasion, honoring exceptional talent and remarkable achievements. The event will not only commemorate the outstanding performance of the team but also serve as a symbol of the enduring spirit of sportsmanship and dedication. It presents an opportunity to recognize the legacy of a team that brought pride and joy to the Siena College community.
As Siena College pays tribute to the 1993-94 Men’s Basketball team, it stands as a proud reminder of the rich sporting history and the indomitable spirit that continues to inspire generations.