FREDONIA, N.Y. -- When the Fredonia State men's basketball team travels to Canisius on Monday, the game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN3, giving the D3 Devils a rare opportunity to be seen across the country.

"An opportunity like this provides our student-athletes with a lot," said Fredonia State head coach Sean Smiley. "It's not every day a Division III program gets the chance to compete in a high-level, Division I environment. Canisius recently challenged a top-25 team on the road, so this is a very good program. Beyond that, we have several players from the region, so the simple fact that our athletes' family, friends, and loved ones are able to experience this along with us is special."

The game will occur due to the relationship between Smiley and Canisius head coach Reggie Witherspoon. Smiley was part of Witherspoon's University at Buffalo basketball team from 2005 to 2010. Smiley would go on to join Witherspoon's staff for two seasons during the 2011-12 and 2012-13 campaigns.

"He and his staff provided me an opportunity to live out what had been a dream of mine since I was a kid," said Smiley. "Coach Spoon always placed an emphasis on being a part of something bigger than yourself... He provided me with such incredible opportunities in my career. I hope I can make him proud."

A second-year head coach, this is Smiley's first season competing due to last year's cancelation. His team is currently 0-3, while the Griffins enter the contest at 0-4. 

"In terms of preparation," said Smiley "this game will challenge our guys in ways that I don't think could be matched without it. The size, speed, and skill of a Division I team forces us to be extremely focused and sharp, and will help us maximize our preparation for the rest of the season."

The game will be the first against a Division I opponent since Kevin Moore's squad matched up against Youngstown State on Dec. 11, 2011. The Devils fell 69-35, with Julius Bryant leading the Devils with 13 points.

This year's squad is led by senior Dydy Bryan scoring 17.3 ppg and first-year player My'Kell Kaigler with 11.0 ppg. Jacob Hougan adds balance with 7.7 ppg and 6.0 rebounds per contest. Canisius has four players averaging double-digit scoring, led by Malek Green with 14.5 ppg.


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