MAAC's Most Valuable Walk-Ons

By Joe Budzelek

- @stf_ncaa

Throughout the college basketball landscape, walk-ons are typically practice darlings, who, at the end-of-the-bench, are cajoled into the game once the home team is up by enough to warrant a minute or two of game-time, with the crowd erupting if or when the player scores or makes a big defensive play.

However, a handful of MAAC teams have relied on walk-ons to provide valuable depth minutes, or even in some cases, regular starting roles. We’ll celebrate the MAAC’s Most Valuable Walk-Ons today:

Jaden Winston - Manhattan - freshman point guard 

Starting every game for the Jaspers in his freshman year, Jaden Winston has immediately asserted himself as a core building block in head coach John Gallagher’s rebuilding of the program in his first season at the helm.

“[Jaden will] be the starting point guard here for years to come,” shared Gallagher, “He’s really grown every game.” Case in point, since the start of December, Winston has made strides in his steal rate (2.8 steals-per-game) and three-point shot (35 3P%), which has broadened his growth as a long-term two-way threat for the Jaspers.

“Of all the freshman point guards I’ve [coached], he has the ability to lead us earlier than all of them,” added Gallagher, “He understands who has the hot hand, and for a freshman, he does not shy away from the big spot.”

With senior scorer Briggs McClain needing time to get healthy at the beginning of the season, redshirt sophomore Brett Rumpel out for the year (knee) and grad transfer guard DaJuan Clayton still ineligible to play, Winston’s immediate impact has been even more valuable as Manhattan’s backcourt depth has been tested throughout the season. 

Killian Gribben - Siena - sophomore forward

Few teams have as little frontcourt depth as Siena, so despite the Saints’ struggles, sophomore Killian Gribben has clearly shown why he is a long-term building block for the program.

At 6’10 215, Gribben’s physical package and versatility has earned him playing time in place of and alongside starting center Giovanni Emejuru. A fear-inducing rim protector, Gribben currently possesses the fifth-highest block rate in the conference while also bringing an efficient offensive game thanks to his ability to score from all three levels. 

Only a sophomore, Gribben’s game, particularly under the boards, will continue to grow as he builds strength, but it is not just circumstance that has earned Gribben his starting role, he’s one of the more talented forwards in the conference. 

Jack Brown - Fairfield - senior forward

Fairfield has surprised many by asserting themselves as a current MAAC favorite and players like Jack Brown exemplify the selfless and gritty mentality that all championship teams need. 

Playing “typical walk-on minutes” throughout his first three seasons at Fairfield, Brown has been an essential depth forward as Alexis Yetna, Birima Seck, Louis Bleechmore and Michael Rogan have all missed time this season. 

The 6’6 200 Brown plays bigger than his listed measureables and has even spent time as new head coach Chris Casey’s small-ball five. A gritty defender and strong defensive rebounder, Brown’s playing time will fade once Alexis Yetna makes his much anticipated return, but Brown is a trusted veteran who has helped the Stags in so many ways. 

Anthony McCall - Rider - sophomore guard

Speaking of players who play bigger than their listed measurements, Rider’s 6’4 191 sophomore Anthony McCall certainly fits that bill. 

Predominantly playing the 4-guard spot either spelling Rider star Mervin James or alongside James in a small-ball lineup, McCall is one of Rider’s bright spots on defense on a program that has struggled with defensive consistency this year. 

Pound-for-pound McCall is also one of, if not, the best rebounders in the MAAC, averaging ten rebounds per 40 minutes played and also swipes 2.4 steals in that same clip. A versatile glue guy, McCall is efficient at scoring inside the arc, shooting a team-high 53.0 2P%.

Mason Courtney - Siena - sophomore combo guard

Michael Eley. Sean Durugordon. Zek Tekin. 

Few teams in the MAAC have taken hit after hit with injury issues in the backcourt and sophomore Mason Courtney has stepped up and filled in whenever needed. 

Playing an unselfish game, Courtney is a capable rebounder on the defensive end and plays with a team-first approach when paired in the backcourt whenever Siena’s more capable guards have been healthy. 

Growing up just a stone’s throw from Albany, expect Courtney to remain a valuable guard piece throughout his time at Siena.