After speculation on the status oftransfer Romero Collier, it was discovered he was arrested on Oswego State campus and charged with two felonies and one misdemeanor charge, according to Oswego County Today.

Collier allegedly entered an Oneida Hall resident’s room and forcibly stole a laptop on Nov. 17, the night before men’s basketball season opener in Elmira, New York.

Oswego State Athletics Department released a temporary statement on the matter.

“Due to the ongoing investigation, we cannot comment at this time,” the release read.

Collier was projected to be the team’s starting point guard and play a significant role for the team this season.

As the Lakers move on for now with their play on the court, Oswego State so far this season has not gotten off on the right foot.

Their 79-69 loss to Nazareth College Tuesday night dropped them to a 1-3 record. This marks the Lakers’ worst start in the first four games of the season since the year 2000.

“I just caution our guys and everybody that follows our team that right now, we’re not at a point where we can only focus on our record,” Leone said. “We’re at the point of the season where we’re fact finding and problem solving. And I think we’ll get there. I’m very confident in my team.”

On the road at Nazareth College Tuesday, the Lakers trailed 46-27 at halftime as the Golden Flyers took advantage of what has been a lackadaisical Laker defense. The Lakers indeed found a pulse in the second half after they cut the deficit to six points with over three minutes remaining, but the rally was too little too late.

A start like this is not what Leone envisioned, but he knew this season, after losing three all-conference seniors from last season, would still be a work in progress with this year’s group.

“The analogy I would give you is they’re used to sitting at the little kids’ table at Thanksgiving, and now, they’re sitting at the adult table, and there’s a lot more responsibility,” Leone said. “Our guys understand that. There’s acknowledgement there, and that’s the first step.”

With the sluggish start behind them, they shift their focus toward “a new season,” as SUNYAC play starts Saturday with another road game at SUNY Cortland. The Red Dragons are not going to make it easy for the Lakers, as they are expected to be a top team in the conference with returning star players from last season.

SUNY Cortland captains Justin Cooper, who was named First Team All-SUNYAC , and James Morales, named Third Team All-SUNYAC, headline their attack, with other returners such as Nicky Bonura benefitting the veteran group.

“The reality is we have to do something about this,” Leone said. “We have to display a little more grit, a little more toughness, which we have in us. It’s just a matter of bringing that out.”

Being victims of hot shooting performances from Elmira and Nazareth College, Leone emphasized and acknowledged their struggles on the defensive end. Opponents are shooting 48 percent from the field and 50 percent from the 3-point line against the Lakers.

The Lakers still have had some bright spots. Senior Jamir Ferebee is averaging 19.8 points per game, which has come as no surprise for the second-year player who reached the 1,000-point mark for his collegiate career a few weeks ago in their opening weekend.

“[Ferebee] is in a more prominent role. We modified some things offensively to fit his game,” Leone said. “He’s a very efficient player. It doesn’t take him a lot of shots to get his points.”

Freshman Liam Sanborn has stepped in the starting point guard position with the unknown status Collier. Given that role on short notice, Sanborn did not shy away from being aggressive in his first collegiate games, as he is currently second on the team in scoring.

“When I knew I was starting, coach told me I only play good when I’m aggressive,” Sanborn confessed. “I’m shaky when I try to do too much and pass up my shots and start playing bad.”

Center Tyler Pierre has also been reliable for the Lakers, but has not been getting too many touches down low. Leone believes his hot start in the opening weekend influenced teams to game plan taking away his touches.

“[Pierre] is a warrior. I’m so proud of the way he has improved,” Leone said. “Yes, we have to get him more touches, and hopefully, that will happen on Saturday.”

Since Leone has taken over, the Lakers and Red Dragons have had plenty back-and-forth clashes and familiarity. In that span since 2011, Oswego State is 9-7 against the Red Dragons, which includes four SUNYAC playoff matchups, two of those being in the title game.

“Our guys know that the two of us have probably been two of the most successful teams during my tenure here in the league,” Leone said. “I’m very confident my guys will choose the latter and we’re going to come out swinging.”