2023-24 Sacred Heart & CCSU Preview: Does the NEC Title Run Through Connecticut?

 The Sacred Heart Pioneers and Central Connecticut State Blue Devils both proudly hang banners celebrating their past, but their respective gyms both pine for updated additions to their historic accolades. 

For the Pioneers, their success at the D2 level included thirteen NCAA tournament appearances in the 1970s and 1980s, highlighted by their 1986 National Championship under the leadership of Dave Bike. 

However, as Bike shepherded Sacred Heart’s ascension to Division 1, and now in the eleventh season of Anthony Latina’s tenure, the Pioneers have a fair share of solid seasons, but have yet to win the Northeast Conference tournament. 

Latina was also part of Howie Dickenman’s staff at CCSU during the first pair of their three tournament appearances, with their most recent NEC championship back in 2007. However, through the twilight of Dickenman’s final years and the entirety of Donyell Marshall’s tenure, the Blue Devils have yet to have a .500 conference record. 

Entering his third year at the helm, current head coach Patrick Sellers has brought hope back to the Blue Devils’ faithful, guiding the Blue Devils to their best conference record in nearly a decade.

Playing in a conference with different tournament champions in each of the last six years, with four departing and three incoming schools in that same interim, parity in the Northeast Conference is expected. 

That being said, with their combination of retention of talent and the addition of exciting new pieces, along with FDU, both Connecticut programs have a very strong shot to bring the NEC crown back to the Nutmeg State. 

The Senior Stars: CCSU’s Kellen Amos and SHU’s Nico Galette

With Demetre Roberts and Andrew Sims graduating and Jordan Minor (Virginia) and Josh Cohen (UMass) transferring, Sacred Heart’s senior forward Nico Galette remains the sole All-NEC First Team selection to return for the 2023-24 season. 

At 6’6 210, Galette was SHU’s starting power forward, but also stepped up and played all three frontcourt positions last season, displaying versatility that matched his stat-stuffing season, averaging 15.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.1 three point made, 1.6 steals and 1.0 blocks per game.

A literal, “do-anything” forward with a low center of gravity and athleticism, Galette is a dangerous offensive weapon who can score at three levels, post up down low and has enough handle and creativity to get buckets in isolation. On defense, Galette generates turnovers and is very switchable. 

In his first season at CCSU after transferring from Binghamton, Kellen Amos was an instant success in New Britain, scoring 24 points in his season debut against UMass. At 6’7 190, Amos played most of his minutes at the 3, and will look to reprise the same role this upcoming season.

Renowned for his offensive abilities, Amos’ greatest attribute is his shooting, finishing last year with a 53.9 2P% and 35.2 3P%, however Amos has the length and instincts to attack the rim, evident by his 63.2% conversion rate at the rim, which included 31 dunks this season and set alley-oop plays in the half-court set. 

Simply put, Amos’ offensive impact is clear as day: in conference play, when Amos was on the floor, CCSU scored 104.2 points/100 possessions compared to just 94.8 points when Amos was off the court. 

With increased strength, toughness and commitment to playing on defense, Amos can continue to grow into a pure five-tool contributor. 

Key Returners for Sacred Heart

In addition to Galette, the Pioneers return seven other rotation pieces and over 80% of last year’s scoring, providing Sacred Heart with a strong foundation to improve upon their 8-8 conference record.

Connecticut natives and fifth-year returnees Joey Reilly (Cromwell) and Raheem Solomon (Hartford) are expected to reprise their starting backcourt roles after averaging double-digits in scoring last year.

After a solid first season with SHU as an efficient guard off the bench, Reilly was arguably the Pioneers’ biggest surprise last season after stepping up and securing the starting point guard role. 

Even in an expanded role, Reilly maintained his efficient offensive play, finishing last season ninth in the NEC in Offensive Rating, according to KenPom.com, led by his efficient shooting (51.3 2P%, 42.2 3P%, 85.7 FT% during conference play) and low turnover rate. 

After spending the previous three seasons at Niagara, Raheem Solomon continued his reputation as a willing three-level scorer and underrated on-ball defender. As injury issues affected the backcourt throughout the season, the 6’3 185 Solomon played the 3-guard for wide stretches, but is expected to return back to his familiar off-ball spot this year.

Speaking of injury issues, much of the projectability of Sacred Heart’s ceiling lies in the pending health of last year’s MAAC transfers Brendan McGuire (Quinnipiac) and Aidan Carpenter (Siena). Both averaged over 26 minutes-per-game, but played a total of just 19 games.

At 6’7 190, McGuire is a unique weapon as a two-way point forward who is one of SHU’s most versatile defenders, but needs to cut down on his turnovers (2.6 per game) and improve his perimeter shot (15.4 3P%) to enhance his effectiveness and seize a starting role throughout the season. 

However, after shooting nearly 35% from three throughout his time at Quinnipiac and averaging just 1.0 turnovers per game in his last season at Quinnipiac, there’s hope McGuire’s decision making, ball security and shooting will improve with more consistent reps. 

Playing just five games last season, the 6’5 190 Carpenter, another Connecticut native (Hamden) who oozes potential with his slash-ability athleticism and versatile two-way game as he can defend all three backcourt positions and even smaller 4s. 

With Reilly and Galette firmly planted into their starting roles, expect Solomon, McGuire and Carpetent to compete for the other two starting backcourt positions throughout the season, fostering a healthy competition that speaks to the Pioneers’ impressive depth.

Off the bench, junior forward Tanner Thomas and Mike Sixsmith will continue to play prominent roles in the rotation.

Spending a few weeks this offseason in the portal, the 6’6 205 Thomas’ return to Sacred Heart cannot be understated. Despite his modest per-game statistics, Thomas is the consummate glue guy championship teams need. 

A hard-working, lunch pail forward, Thomas’ underlying efficiency stats during conference play are top notch: 

• 60.6 2P% (3rd in NEC)

• 3.4 Block % (6th)

• 115.2 Offensive Ratng (7th)

• 9.3% Offensive Rebound Rate (8th)

• 15.7% Defensive Rebound Rate (12th)

With last year’s starting center Bryce Johnson transferring to Northeastern, Thomas’ stability under the basket makes him a candidate to start the season as the team’s undersized de facto center, but more likely, Thomas will continue to play as a utility frontcourt piece, playing close to starter’s minutes off the bench. 

Starting 24 games last season, senior 6’0 180 guard Mike Sixsmith continued his steady, veteran guard play, but surprisingly had his least efficient season shooting from three (30.7%) after shooting 45.5% throughout his first two seasons. 

With a potentially healthier backcourt, Sixsmith is a just a dark horse candidate to start, but has enough shooting and distributing abilities to play valuable minutes at both guard spots. 

Redshirt sophomore Raymond Espinal-Guzman is the Pioneers’ returnee with the most upside to expand his role this season if he is able to find off competition from the team’s offseason additions. 

Spending his much needed redshirt season gaining twenty pounds to clock in last season at 6’8 210, Espinal-Guzman brings intrigue as he finished his high school career at Woodstock Academy where he was ranked by New England Recruiting Report as the 18th best recruit out of Connecticut. 

While he was physically outmatched last season, Espinal-Guzman showcased in high school his ability to play a faceup forward style, initiating the offense from the perimeter. As his game continues to expand, his versatility could allow Latina to play more five-out wrinkles to his offensive schemes. 

Redshirt sophomore guard Najee Coursey has projectible size (6’6 175), played limited minutes last season and is expected again to fight for playing time amongst the deep Pioneers rotation.

Key Returners for CCSU

Even with last year’s second leading scorer Nigel Scantlebury graduating and starting power forward Andre Snoddy transferring to Stony Brook, it is a good bet that next year’s starting lineup will feature four returnees, the obvious of which is Kellen Amos. 

Senior guard Jay Rodgers, my pick for CCSU's breakout performance last offseason, had a hot-and-cold first season at CCSU. Rodgers’ season featured five 15+ scoring games in an eighteen game span starting in mid-December, where he averaged 12.1 points, 2.9 assists, 1.7 made threes at 40%, but finished the season with just ten total points over the last three games. 

Part of Rodgers’ scoring inconsistencies lies in the fact that most of his scoring comes from the mid-range and beyond the arc, as Rodgers attempted just 38 shots last season at the rim. Also, Rodgers’ inconsistencies on the defensive end will mean that Sellers will continue to need to be careful of his guard rotations.

For example, junior guard Davonte Sweatman has the offensive ability to be a starter, but needs to round out his game on both sides of the court to warrant more playing time alongside Rodgers.

Playing last year at 5’8 145, Sweatman played with vision (7th best assist rate in the conference) and efficiency from the perimeter (41.0% from three), but his lack of size made it difficult for Sweatman to penetrate and convert near the bucket. 

That being said, Sweatman will face competition from returning junior guard Joe Ostrowski and incoming transfer Jordan Jones, more on him later, for the starting point guard role. 

The 6’0 170 Ostrowski is a bit of a throwback, pass-first two-way point guard. Taking just over three shots per game, Ostrowsky limits mistakes when facilitating and his gritty nature helped him finish the season with the team’s top defensive metrics, according to EvanMiya.com.

A valuable bench piece who gained more playing time as the season continued, the 6’4 190 fifth-year guard Tre Breland, a Hamden native, was CCSU’s glue guy. One of the team’s best defenders and easily their best rebounding guard, Breland’s energy and ability to finish inside the arc (54.4 2P%), will keep him as often the first guard off the bench. 

Another Connecticut native, TJ Holloway from Orange, earned limited minutes as a freshman but his 6’4 200 frame provides positional versatility and mismatch potential as he continues to develop his game.

In the frontcourt, returning junior Abdul Momoh and Jayden Brown will look to continue their one-two tandem in the low-post. While the 6’7 235 Momoh was the starter, both he and the 6’8 215 Brown played comparable minutes. 

With the 39th best block rate in the nation, the 367th best offensive rebounding rate in the nation and no three point attempts, Momoh is more of a classic back-to-the-basket rim protector while Brown’s 34 career three point attempts show a willingness to stretch the floor and open up space for the backcourt. 

Towards the end of the season, Momoh remained the starter, but started to concede minutes to Brown, who finished the season averaging 10 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.6 blocks and 25 minutes per game over the last five games.

For next year, expect Sellers to continue his rotation at center, taking advantage of the healthy competition between the two, with redshirt sophomore Brody Limric, a 6’9 200 sharpshooting forward from Glastonbury who transferred last season from Quinnipiac, to also compete for playing time at both frontcourt positions.

Sacred Heart’s Newcomers

• Anquan Hill, 6’9 200 JR from St. Bonaventure via FDU (waiver pending)

• 1.9p, 2.3r, 10.4 mpg, 

• NEC Rookie of the Year at FDU

• Kyle McGee, 6’4 165 GR from West Chester (D2)

• 14.5p, 6.6r, 4.0a, 32.5 3P%, 72.3 FT%

• Alex Sobel, 6’8 230 GR from Middlebury (D3)

• 19.4p, 11.8r, 3.2a, 3.9b, 66.4 FG%, 1.3s

• Lucius Gibson-Savadel, 6’11 235 FR from Millbrook School

Sacred Heart’s incoming transfer haul, should Anquan Hill receive a waiver to play this upcoming season, helps build the potential for the Pioneers to have their best frontcourt since the 2019-20 tandem of EJ Anosike and Jare’l Spellman. 

Hill’s 2021-22 NEC Rookie of the Year season based thanks to his incredible tail end to the season, averaging a stat-stuffing 12.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.8 blocks, 51.0 2P% and 0.6 threes made at 42.1% across the final thirteen games.

At St. Bonaventure, however, Hill was a part of a massive roster overhaul where Chad Venning, Yann Farell and Barry Evans stepped up as the breakout performers in the frontcourt, leaving Hill to a limited role for the Bonnies. 

However, as his freshman season showed, Hill has the versatility, size and athleticism to develop into an All-NEC performer as soon as next year, if he is able to secure a starting gig away from Espinal-Guzman and Middlebury grad transfer Alex Sobel.

A leader on the 20-6 Middlebury Panthers, a team that finished the season 21th in D3 rankings, Sobel earned the D3Hoops National Player of the Year award after dominating on the court both ends. 

Of course, the transition from D3 to D1, even in a smaller league like the NEC, is a massive jump, but Sobel’s two-way production is undeniable and it would come to no shock if his play warrants him a starting role next year.

Although the Pioneers return a deep backcourt, Kyle McGee could push his way into a rotation role from day one. At 6’4 165, McGee possesses impressive height for a point guard and a strong enough perimeter game (1.8 three points made, 32.5 3P%) to contribute to all three backcourt positions. 

At 6’11 235, Lucius Gibson-Savadel, Sacred Heart’s sole incoming freshman recruit, brings an element of size unforeseen on the Pioneers since Cole Walton’s last season in the 2016-17 season. With the depth on their frontcourt, Gibson-Savadel is a prime redshirt candidate to continue to develop his body and game.

CCSU’s Newcomers

• Allan Jeanne-Rose, 6’7 200 GR from Fairfield

• 10p, 4.1r, 2.2a, 52.2 FG%, 0.6 3PA, 4.7 FTA, 72.9 FT%, 0.8b

• Jordan Jones, 6’0 180 SR from Coker (D2)

• 15p, 4.1r, 6.5a, 2.6s, 1.6 3PA, 21.3 3P%, 48.2 FG%

• Darin Smith, 6’7 FR from Vermont Academy

While Andre Snoddy was a consistent double-double threat for the Blue Devils’ last year, their addition of Fairfield grad transfer Allan Jeanne-Rose brings more versatility, athleticism and arguably more upside to the power forward position this season.

As part-time starter throughout his first three seasons, Jeanne-Rose broke out in his senior season starting every game, solidifying himself as one of the best two-way slashers in the MAAC. 

On defense, his best attributes are his switchability and off-ball rim protection while Jeanne-Rose's best offensive trait is breaking down the defense and getting to the bucket, evidenced by finishing last season with the 12th best free throw rate in the nation and a strong 55.5 2P% and 74 FT%.

Simply put, the forward combo of Jeanne-Rose and Amos will be the Blue Devils’ strength. Don’t be surprised if the duo average for a combined thirty points per game.

Similar to Jeanne-Rose, incoming combo Jordan Jones does most of his damage from inside the arc, using his athleticism, creativity and vision to penetrate, score close to the rim or find the open man. Jones’ steals totals signal his defensive peskiness, which will serve him well in the guard-heavy NEC.

At the very least, Jones will be a regular contributor off the bench, but it will not be surprising if he is able to fend off Sweatman or Ostrowsky for the starting point guard gig. 

Out of Vermont Academy, Darin Smith is CCSU’s only incoming freshman and he has a lot of upside after dealing with injuries earlier in his high school career. The 6’7 Smith finished his senior season shooting over 40% from three, earning him the ranking as the top recruit out of Vermont, according to New England Recruiting Report.

With his length and shooting ability, it’s hard not to see a bit of Kellen Amos in his game. Despite these lofty comparisons, Smith will be competing with Limric for backup forward minutes and is expected to develop at his own pace at least through his freshman season. 

Season Outlook

In summary, both of Connecticut’s NEC squads have similarities: coming off seasons to build on, both programs have their best player returning, in addition to multiple starters, but also are bringing in exciting recruiting classes that project upside and hope for the upcoming seasons.

As of late June, both Stonehill and FDU have strong squads, but expect both Sacred Heart and Central Connecticut State to not only sit near or atop the NEC preseason standings, but sustain their success throughout the season, with real possibility that one of these two Nutmeg State teams taking home conference tournament crown. 

FDU 2023-24 Season Preview: An Offseason of Transition and Stability

 It is not often that a small mid-major enters a new season with its third different head coach in three seasons while also generating positive momentum, but FDU is used to bucking the trends. 

According to KenPom.com, last season FDU was the shortest team in Division 1 basketball, measuring in at average height of just a hair under six-one-and-a-half, a solid 1.6 inches shorter than the second shortest team, Liberty. 

Much of the team’s diminutiveness also coincided with its excellence as their dynamite starting backcourt of Demetre Roberts and Grant Singleton transferred over to FDU for their extra year of eligibility along with their head coach from St. Thomas Aquinas College, Tobin Anderson, who is now the current head coach at Iona.

Simply put, FDU’s 2022-23 season was magical: after finishing the 2021-22 season with a 4-22 record, the Anderson-led Knights entered the NEC conference tournament with a 10-6 conference record. Losing in the finals to postseason ineligible Merrimack punched FDU’s ticket to March Madness, first dominating Texas Southern 84-61 in the First Four, and then shocking the world by beating Purdue where the Knights’ full court press stifled Purdue’s freshman backcourt, causing the Boilmakers to give up more turnovers (16) than assists (15) en route to just the second time a sixteen-seed victory over a one-seed.

Following Anderson’s exit to Iona, FDU promoted assistant coach Jack Castleberry, who has held various coaching positions in both mens’ and womens’ basketball at the Division 1 level since graduating from VMI in 2007. 

Stylistically, the transition from Anderson to Castleberry keeps FDU’s winning formula intact: great guard play and a defense predicated on a full court press. 

The aftermath of promoting Castleberry has already paid dividends. As a leader of recruiting efforts under Anderson, the relationships he has made under that role has been essential to the retention of three starters and five other rotation pieces from last year’s Cinderella squad.

Honored by the Northeast Conference coaches as the Most Improved Player of the Year, Ansley Almonor is FDU’s most essential returnee thanks to his production and his positional rarity. The 6’6 219 junior from nearby Spring Valley, NY was the Knights’ de facto center whose 37.8 3P% will allow Castleberry to continue to roll out five-out offensive sets. 

Despite his lack of size, Almonor’s quickness, will and motor makes Almonor a versatile defender and capable rebounder, ranking within the top-20 in rebounding and block rates during conference play.

As he enters his fourth season with FDU, Joe Munden is not only the Knights’ longest tenured returnee, but arguably the team’s most efficient weapon. The 6’3 188 guard out of Harlem ranked within the top-20 in offensive rating, rebounding, turnover and fouls drawn rates while also ranking within the top-13 in 2P%, 3P% and FT% all while playing as an undersized four-guard. 

Alongside fellow small ball “forward” and former STAC standout Sean Moore, both Munden and the 6’4 175 Moore provide the frontcourt with a gritty defensive tenacity, bothering opposing forwards and rebounding very well for their size. The last remaining player who joined last season from St. Thomas Aquinas College, Moore is a quintessential glue guy guard who plays with infectious effort, strong rebounding and also has the athleticism to break down the defense and get to the bucket. 

Even with Anderson in New Rochelle, the STAC to FDU pipeline will continue this offseason with incoming grad transfer DeVante Jamison. 

Current STAC head coach and Matthew Capell was kind enough to speak to me over the phone at length about Jamison, his impact at STAC and his immediate potential at FDU: “Jamison is a perfect fit with Jack Castleberry still pressing. We call him “Bullet”: he’s really shifty, a great first step, very good off ball screens, excellent at getting the ball to the paint, keeping the ball high and finding the open guy. As a junior, he was our leader in assists while playing only nineteen minutes-per-game alongside Meech [Roberts] and Grant [Singleton].”

For how much Capell raved about Jamison’s on court excellence, he was even more commendatory to Jamison’s leadership abilities, both on and off the court. “[Jamison] was a huge reason for me taking the head coaching position at STAC. What he did with our locker room and our culture will be hard to replace. At FDU, I could see him averaging double-digits and getting seven or eight assists per game.”

With Singleton and Roberts both graduating, Jamison is an easy pick to start next season as the starting point guard. Like his former STAC comrades the year before, it is also safe to consider Jamison as an All-NEC candidate. 

Rounding out FDU’s projected starting lineup is fifth-year returnee Heru Bligen, whose father, Samuel, happened to also play basketball at STAC. Finishing the season with modest numbers, Bligen’s start to last season was exceptional, averaging 14.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.1 free throw attempts and 1.1 steals per game before sitting out five weeks with a mid-season injury.

At 6’2 183, Bligen is a rare guard with a reluctance to shoot from the perimeter, totaling just one three point attempt last season and thirty total attempts in his three seasons of Division 1 basketball. However, when surrounded by FDU’s capable shooters, Bligen will be provided the space to do what he does best: penetrate and attack the interior. 

In summary, like last year, FDU’s starting lineup will be short in stature, but rich with tenacious guard play and anchored by the shooting and hustle of Almonor. 

Off the bench, 6’6 196 sophomore Jo’el Emanuel will reprise his role as a hard-working, athletic forward who plays bigger than his listed size and is comfortable at contributing without the ball in his hands.  

6’4 222 junior Cam Tweedy returns as FDU’s arguably strongest and most physical rotation piece who had his best game of the season against Purdue, finishing with ten points, six rebounds, a season high eighteen minutes, spending most of those minutes guarding the National Player of the Year Zach Edey. 

6’1 198 senior guard Sebastian Lamaute and 6’1 194 sophomore guard Brayden Reynolds are both physical guards who both had experience last year at the 3-guard. Lamaute is the stronger rebounder while Reynolds is the better on-ball defender and distributor. 

With the nine aforementioned players all expected to play meaningful minutes next season, it will be an uphill challenge for FDU’s five-man freshman class to earn playing time. The class features guards Jameel Morris, Terrence Brown, wing Tyler Jamison and forwards Davin Francis and Jake Warren. If any of these freshmen were to earn regular roles, the best chance might be to Jamison, Francis and Warren, as all three bring an element of size that is rare on this roster. 

Overall, the NEC looks to be wide open this season and FDU has as good of a chance as any team to finish the season at the top.

Iona 2023-24 Season Preview

In his third year leading Iona, Rick Pitino guided the Gaels to its second tournament appearance in his tenure, continuing the program’s tradition as the gold (and maroon) standard in the MAAC for the last dozen years, earning eight tournament selections in that time. 

However, immediately following their first round tournament loss to UConn in the familiar confines of MVP Arena, the whispers and rumors became reality with Rick Pitino replacing Mike Anderson as St. John’s next head coach. 

The allure of returning back to the Big East was too enticing for the seventy-year-old Pitino, a decision that ripped at the heartstrings of Gael Nation, but hope for the program’s fanbase was quickly found just across the George Washington Bridge when Pitino’s successor, FDU’s Tobin Anderson, a unknown coach to the national masse who became one of last year’s March Madness heroes following their first-round upset over Purdue.

It might have been Anderson’s first season coaching Division 1 basketball, but Anderson has been a winner at both the D3 and D2 levels, most recently turning St. Thomas Aquinas into an East Coast Conference juggernaut, including five regular season and six tournament titles during his time. 

Based on that resume alone, even without the Cinderella story, Anderson has been on the radar as one of the rising young coaches in the nation.

In terms of philosophy, there is a natural transition from Pitino to Anderson: both coaches love to press, push the tempo and prioritize guard play. In fact, last year, FDU fielded the shortest team in D1, but judging by Anderson’s first offseason in New Rochelle, he will be working with size unforeseen in his coaching tenure. 

And that size first and foremost starts with fifth-year forward Osborn Shema, the only returning Gael from last year’s squad. Watching the 7’0 220 Rwandan live on Pitino’s full-court match-up press was a revelation as Shema is blessed with seemingly limitless length while his quick-twitch footwork nods to his soccer playing days back in his home country.

With his two-way ability and threat to shoot from deep (35.9 3P% in nearly two attempts per game), Shema is the clear leader in next season’s squad, easily projected to start every game with increased usage, especially with All-MAAC First Team forward Nelly Junior Joseph transferring to New Mexico, a team that is building a renaissance under the leadership of Richard Pitino. 

With Shema as the bedrock, Anderson and his staff did the meracious in just seven weeks: build a twelve-man recruiting class without bringing over any of the starters or rotation pieces from FDU, which in turn helped the transition of his previous school under the new leadership of Anderson’s former assistant head coach, and first time head coach, Jack Castleberry.

A makeover of this scale makes it impossible to predict starting lineups or position rotations, but Iona’s six transfer additions are the most likely candidates to earn immediate playing time alongside Shema.

At first glance of Iona’s transfer haul, three-point shooting is a clear strength as four transfers averaged 36% or better from beyond the arc. 

Anderson’s first transfer signee was Harvard graduate and Brooklyn native Idan Tretout, a 6’4 200 guard whose 36.7 3P% ranked for second best on last year’s Crimson squad. After a slow start to last year, Tretout finished the year strongly by averaging 13.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.3 three pointers made (40%) and 3.9 free-throw attempts per game (76%), showcasing his versatile offensive profile that easily pencils him into a starting role next season.

Later in the month of April, former SWAC conference Rookie of the Year Terrell Williams Jr. signed on with Iona after three seasons as a starter at Southern University. With the Jaguars, Williams’ best attribute was his efficiency, as the 6’6 215 wing was ranked fourteenth or better in Offensive Rating during SWAC conference play, according to Ken Pomeroy. 

Case in point, Williams’ career shooting splits echo his three-level efficiency: 53.5 2P%, 36.0 3P%, 71.6 FT% and just 1.2 turnovers per game. If he can fight off competition from the other additions, Williams is my bet to start next season as the 3-guard. 

Iona's tallest transfer addition happens to also be their best perimeter scoring threat. Wheza Panzo, a 6’7 210 forward from Stetson has the length and stretch ability will likely earn him consistent playing time as a spacing combo forward. At Stetson, Panzo was the team's starting power forward and finished the season with the eleventh highest efficiency rating, per KenPom.com, anchored by a ultra low turnover rate and an exceptional 46.0 3P%.

Even though he is listed as a 6’5 210 wing, Greg Gordon brings toughness and intangibles that makes him another threat to earn an immediate starting role. In both seasons at Dyersburg State Community College, Gordon was a NJCAA Division I All-American where he averaged a career 23.1 points, 11.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. 

Watching Gordon’s highlight reel draws immediate parallels to FDU’s Sean Moore, a do-everything, two-way glue guy who played both forward positions and led the team in offensive rebounding rate despite his modestly listed measurements of 6’4 and 175 pounds. 

Like Moore, Gordon has the size, makeup and motor to fight for a starting role at both forward positions, and at the very least, develop into an energy piece off the bench. 

Along with Tretout, Joel Brown, a grad transfer from Cal, is a surefire immediate backcourt starter. While Tretout brings a versatile, three-level offensive palate, Joel Brown is a pass-first point guard who has ranked within the top-fifteen in Pac-12 assist rate in each of his four seasons with the Golden Bears. 

Simply put, in the four years Mark Fox was head coach, Cal was awful (overall .304 winning percentage) and with Fox’s tenure coinciding with Brown’s four undergraduate seasons, it is fair to assume there is even more untapped potential for the 6’3 192 point guard from Brampton, Ontario. 

Brown’s vision and passing abilities are undeniable and under a hopefully higher functioning offense at Iona, Brown is looking to return to his more efficient perimeter shooting abilities displayed as an undergrad (35.1%) compared to his paltry 23.9 3P% over the last two seasons.

There is also the challenge for Brown to improve his work on the charity stripe after finishing his career at Cal with a 49.2 FT%. However, should Brown continue to struggle at the line, there is risk he will be a bench candidate in close, late-game situations to prevent Hack-a-Brown strategies from opposing defenses. 

Despite his weaknesses, Brown will easily be one of the veteran minutes leaders next season thanks to his steady two-way point guard play, as he was ranked by EvanMiya.com as Cal’s most efficient defensive player in the 2021-22 season. 

While six players above are most likely to finish amongst the next season’s minutes played leaders, multiple commits from Iona’s six-man high school recruiting class will look to earn valuable rotation time right away. 

Brown and Tretout provide leadership to the backcourt, but Venezuela-born Jean Aranguern might be the freshman who will earn rotation minutes right away as a backup for both positions. 

One of the four former FDU targets now part of Iona’s new roster, the 6’3 190 Aranguren has been touted for his mature, heady and high-motor two-way ability that will help him transition to learn Anderson’s full court press. 

At the very least, Aranguern will be a valuable defensive weapon, but over time, or possibly sooner, he could parlay his strength and shooting to develop into a legit three-level scoring threat.

If Anderson is looking for consistency at the point guard position, Jeremiah Quigley, a 5’10 165 pass-first point guard out of Baltimore, has a chance to entering the season as Brown’s backup. Like Brown, Quigley is a strong on-ball defender and is at his best attacking the rim and distributing from inside the arc. 

At Harvard, Tretout was the starting 2-guard but soaked up backup point guard minutes whenever starting point guard Evan Nelson was on the bench. If Tretout continues with a similar role in New Rochelle, then incoming freshman Alex Bates IV could earn significant playing time at the 2- and 3-guard spots. 

Originally a Fordham commit who was offered by over a dozen D1 programs, one of which was FDU, the 6’5 190 Bates shares some semblance to new teammate Terrell Williams Jr: efficiency, skills, smarts and versatility. While he might be broken in slowly, his diverse profile makes it easy to project Bates as a future starter with All-MAAC potential.

Speaking of All-MAAC potential, Iona’s newest commit Sultan Adewale screams upside. Originally from England, Adewale is Iona’s most heavily recruited and highest ranked high school recruit of this offseason. 

Listed by 247 as a three-star prospect and the 63rd best power forward of the class, eight high-major programs including Rutgers, West Virginia, Oklahoma State and Arizona State once offered the 6’8 220 Adewale, a frontcourt weapon most touted for his physical gifts, athleticism, toughness and motor. It would be no surprise if Adewale immediately is the first forward off the bench or even asserts his way into a starting role alongside Shema. 

The fifth incoming freshman, and former FDU target, Dylan Saunders is a long-term project whose skill set and 6’7 225 frame is reminiscent of recently departed stretch forward Quinn Slazinski in both his ability to shoot, but also his underrated two-way versatility. 

The newest Gael commit, Rodrigo Farias, is a 6'2 shotmaker originally from the Dominican Republic who averaged 17 points-per-game in the U17 World Cup. Like Adewale, Farias received high-major interest out of The-Skill-Factor Prep who ultimately picked Iona following offers from Georgetown, Akron, Toledo and others.

One of the newest Gaels, Isaac Brice, is a 6'6 195 sophomore who committed in early August out of Southwest Mississippi State Community College after averaging 7.5 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game in 24 minutes-per-game. The defensive-first wing has the length and athleticism to start out as a high-impact athlete on the scout team, but Brice also has upside to develop as a multi-positional defender who can be a major asset on Anderson's press.

As Iona enters its first week of practices, three of the starting roles look set with Brown and Tretout in the backcourt and Shema as the starting center, however, the uncertainty and competition within the program is nothing but a testament to the breadth and quality of the incoming talent new to Gael Nation as Iona is poised to finish next season atop the MAAC standings, now this time under the new, and hopefully long-term, leadership of Tobin Anderson. 

See you all at Hynes in the late autumn.

CJ Noland's Commitment to North Texas Completes Backcourt Facelift

 Fresh off their NIT championship, North Texas is at a crossroads: new conference, new head coach, but plenty of continuity to keep the momentum going. 

Immediately following former head coach Grant McCasland departing for Texas Tech, the promotion of Ross Hodge, McCasland’s longtime associate head coach at Arkansas State and North Texas, should bring solace for the Mean Green faithful. 

Most importantly, much of North Texas’ defensive dominance has been thanks to Hodge: considered the architect of the Mean Green defense under McCasland, Hodge’s defense forces teams to grind out the shot clock, limit clean passing opportunities and eliminate easy shot attempts.   

This upcoming year, some of North Texas’ defensive stalwarts return: Rubin Jones, Matthew Stone and Aaron Scott are all tough, versatile defenders with high motors and an ability to play multiple positions. 

However, with Tylor Perry transferring to Kansas State and Kai Huntsberry declaring for the NBA draft, Hodge’s biggest challenge entering this offseason was finding immediate scoring and offensive stability in the backcourt, especially since the pair scored half of last year’s total points. 

In early May, the additions of USTA transfer John Buggs III and NJCAA All-American Jason Edwards injected the program with two smooth-shooting guards who last year combined to average 33 points and 5.2 made threes per game at a 40% clip. A highlight of the team’s offense was their nearly 36% shooting from three, so the duo will help the program’s shooting continuity.  

Like Kai Huntsberry last year, Buggs III will need to up his defensive game to stay on the floor at North Texas, however most of his defensive inefficiency could be brushed aside to UTSA’s overall defensive woes. With his athleticism, Buggs III should continue to develop his two-way ability, however it is clear that North Texas’ coaching staff was enticed by Buggs III’s six for nine shooting from three in their two tilts against UTSA last season.

Respectively listed at 6’0 170 and 6’3 190, Jason Edwards and John Buggs III provide the Mean Green with athletic lightning, but Monday’s commitment from the 6’2 230 CJ Noland provides North Texas with backcourt thunder.

The former four-star prospect out of Waxahachie was originally one of Porter Moser’s first recruits at Oklahoma, where Noland impressed in high school with his toughness and versatile offensive game that highlighted his physical frame to control possession play both on the dribble and under the boards.

Playing a solid rotational role across his two seasons in Norman, Noland has had the most success scoring efficiently inside the arc, converting 59.8% of his two-point attempts. With his size and versatility, Noland is poised to play in a similar role to Rubin Jones last season, contributing in all three backcourt positions. 

Considering that Buggs III and Edwards are more scoring guards than pure point guards, there is also the chance that Noland could earn the starting point guard spot out of camp. More likely, look for North Texas to continue to eschew playing a true traditional point guard in favor of a more balanced approach, one in which all three backcourt additions will help bolster.