The calendar year may be coming to an end, but basketball season is just tipping off. Both the NYU men’s and women’s teams are excited to finally put their new lineups to the test. This week, the women start their season on Tuesday, Nov. 15 against the Stevens Institute of Technology and the men are kicking theirs off with the Rose City Classic on Nov. 18 and 19.

Senior guard Joe Timmes, a four-year veteran of the team, has had the time to observe the ebb and flow a team can undergo. As the only senior this season, Timmes is ready to lead his team to victory.

“It’s my final year on the squad so I’m thrilled to lead these guys and get the season off to a positive note,” Timmes said. “We all are very excited to get out in a live game rather than just beating each other up in practice.”

Last season, the team graduated seven seniors who were all major contributors in the run to the NCAA Division III national tournament. Still, the absence of older players has made room for several qualified freshmen.

“We have a bunch of weapons on our team,” Timmes said. “The majority of us haven’t even played a single college game but that doesn’t mean these young guys aren’t talented. We each have our signature style and think we can exceed a lot of people’s expectations. The best part about being on the team is the camaraderie between all of us. We see each other every day and are always traveling together on the road, so it’s great to be with guys who care for you and got your back.”

But the men are not the only ones looking forward to a winning season. Women’s basketball is also prepared to start their season with a win on Tuesday night. And with three returning juniors and four seniors, the team is poised to make another run into the NCAA tournament.

Kaitlyn Read, who started in all 27 games last season along with the other seniors, should be able to start off their winning streak this week. Awarded First Team All-East Region three years in a row, Read is an important contributor to the team and is expected to finish strong in her senior year. Additionally, each of the six incoming freshmen are coming in with immense skill. Working hard both in the weight room and in the gym, the team is getting stronger and is prepared to come out with a victory on Tuesday.

If their offseason bonding is any indicator of how their season will go, both teams should have a string of wins in the next few months.

A version of this article appeared in the Monday, Nov. 14 print edition. Email Zel Fortson at [email protected].