Like every other conference in the nation, the MAAC has experienced more widespread roster overhaul than ever before. Noting this, most teams are set up for several players to step up, breakout and make an impact. Here’s a breakout pick for each team in the MAAC:
Canisius / Cam Paleese / 6’5 / 195 Sophomore
New Canisius head coach Jim Christian previously coached at Boston College, Ohio, TCU and Kent State. While he was unable to sustain success at the high-major level, Christian’s teams at Ohio and Kent State were strong interior scoring teams that were aggressive on defense and on the boards.
Cam Paleese, one of the two returning Golden Griffins from last year, brings enough versatility in the backcourt to develop into Canisius’ most important player this season. Over the final sixteen games of the season, Paleese reached double-digits in scoring seven times and rebounding twice, starting fourteen games in that span. Under Reggie Witherspoon, Canisius’ defense was a weak point, so expect Paleese to grow as a defender under the new coaching staff. Paleese and LIU transfer Tana Kopa make up one of the MAAC’s most potent wing duos.
Fairfield / Matt Curtis / 6’4 / 200 / Sophomore
Between Caleb Fields’ graduation and the transferring of Jasper Floyd (North Texas), Jalen Leach (Northwestern) and Brycen Goodine (Oklahoma), Fairfield will roll out a new-look backcourt that will be headlined by Loyola (MD) transfer Deon Perry, but the remaining roles are up for grabs.
Playing sparingly throughout the first four months of his freshman season, injuries to Goodine and Leach forced incoming sophomore Matt Curtis into a starting role in the College Basketball Invitational. Scoring just a total of fifteen points entering the tournament, Curtis finished the CBI averaging 12 points and 2.3 three-pointers per game, signaling the scoring and spacing potential he showcased at Northwest Catholic High School (CT) as the program’s all-time leading scorer.
Offered by Rutgers, UMass and others out of high school, the 6’4 190 Curtis caught the attention of scouts due to his ability to make tough shots from all over the court, especially thanks to his quick release from the perimeter. Fairfield’s recruiting class includes five incoming backcourt transfers, but Curtis’ shooting makes him an excellent replacement for departed sharpshooter Brycen Goodine.
Iona / James Patterson / 6’7 / 200 / Junior transfer from St. Thomas Aquinas (D2)
After a disappointing first season leading Iona, Tobin Anderson and his staff enter next season with an entirely new roster that better fits the identity of Anderson-led teams: competitive, high basketball IQ and selflessness.
Originally recruited by Anderson when he was the head coach at St. Thomas Aquinas, James “Biggie” Patterson now becomes the fourth STAC transfer to suit up for Tobin Anderson at the D1 level and the first to play at Iona.
“He’s a guy that fans are going to come out and watch for how exciting he is,” says STAC head coach Matthew Capell, “For us, [Patterson] guarded all five positions. He handles and shoots it like a guard, so it makes him a really versatile player. He plays with energy and passion.”
Last season, Patterson stuffed the stat sheet, averaging 24 points, eight rebounds and nearly two steals per-game while shooting 36% from three and 76% from the charity stripe. His ability to break down the defender and create his own offense is evident in his eye-popping average of 8.3 free throw attempts-per-game, which would have ranked seventh in Division 1 and just a few tenths off from Illinois star combo forward Terrence Shannon Jr.
“If he has the same jump from sophomore to junior year that he had from freshman to sophomore year, then the sky’s the limit for him, “says Capell, “He treats the game like a professional and wants to go pro, so it’s fun to coach guys [like him]. They come in, they’re at the gym and put in work all the time.”
At 6’7 200, there is no one on Iona’s roster that matches the versatility at his size, so Patterson is a very strong bet to start next season for the Gaels, either at the 3 or the 4.
Manhattan / Jaden Winston / 6’0 160 / Sophomore
Typically, a player who previously averaged nearly 35 minutes-per-game would never be nominated as a “breakout” pick for the upcoming season, but the development of Jaden Winston between his freshman and sophomore years could be seismic. “At the end of the day, he is as good as any point guard I’ve coached,” says Manhattan head coach John Gallagher, “The ball’s going to be in his hands and he knows the offense. I coached him extremely hard last year and he didn’t blink. He’s from DeMatha, so he knows how to win.”
As his freshman season progressed, Winston’s two-way impact grew. Over the last fourteen games of the season, Winston averaged 11.5 points, 5.6 assists and 2.4 steals per game. Armed with one of the deepest backcourts in the MAAC, Manhattan’s offense will look more like a typical Gallagher-coached team with multiple guards who can shoot, handle and dish, allowing opportunities for Winston to become an impact both on- and off-the-ball, especially when he’ll share the floor with George Mason transfer Devin Dinkins, a point-guard by trade.
More talented and tougher options on offense will help minimize Winston’s turnovers and also an improvement of his three-point shot will add yet another tool to his game. Between his two-way skills and his leadership potential, Winston can become Manhattan’s next star.
Marist / Elijah Lewis / 6’5 / 185 / Junior transfer from Adelphi (D2)
Fresh off a Northeast-10 Conference Second Team All-Conference selection, junior guard Elijah Lewis is poised to step into a starting role on Marist’s new-look backcourt. Averaging nearly seventeen points-per-game, Lewis is not just a high-volume scorer – Lewis’ shooting splits last year finished with an efficient 60 2P%, 40 3P% and 85 FT%.
At 6’5, expect Lewis to start alongside returning sophomores Jadin Collins and Josh Pascarelli.
Merrimack / Sean Trumper / 6’7 / 214 / Fifth-year transfer from Franklin Pierce (D2)
In short order, Joe Gallo has quickly built a reputation as one of the best coaches in the Northeast after the Merrimack Warriors quickly became one of the most consistent and feared programs in their debut five seasons Northeast Conference.
Entering their first season in the MAAC, the Warriors return three starters and bring in a decorated three-man transfer haul entirely from the Division 2 and Division 3 ranks. With Jordan Derkack transferred to Rutgers and Samba Diallo and Jordan McKoy graduating, Franklin Pierce transfer Sean Trumper has an excellent chance to slot into the starting 4 spot after he averaged nineteen points, eight rebounds and nearly two-and-a-half assists per-game while also shooting 36% from three. If he can quickly learn Merrimack’s defense, Trumper has the ability and versatility to become the Warriors’ most potent offensive player in the frontcourt.
Mount St. Mary's / Dola Adebayo / 6’8 / 210 / Junior
In his second year at Mount St. Mary's Dola Adebayo parlayed his athleticism, motor and stretchability into a starting role and following the graduating of George Tinsley, Adebayo is poised to be Mount St. Mary's starting power forward out of the gate.
An analytics marvel, Adebayo finished last season within the top-20 conference ranks in offensive efficiency (6th), block rate (6th), offensive rebounding rate (11th), defensive rebounding rate (15th), turnover prevention rate (17th) and 2P% (54.1%, good for 18th), according to KenPom. On EvanMiya.com, Adebayo finished with the team's best overall defensive efficiency marks, which provides the stats to backup the switchability he brings to the court every game.
Adebayo's defensive impact is clear, but with Dakota Leffew and De'Shayne Montgomery both transferring to Georgia, the Mountaineers have a major question on who will step up and help replace the offensive load after the duo averaged nearly 30 points-per-game. Adebayo's three-level scoring ability could help him become The Mount's most dangerous offensive piece in the frontcourt since Mezie Offurum.
Niagara / Olumide Adelodun / 6’6 / 215 / Senior transfer from Winona State (D2)
Across Niagara’s last two seasons, Paulus’ defense has ranked top-40 nationally in both 3PA/FGA and A/FGM ratios, which provides evidence to the team’s excellence in limiting perimeter shots and forcing the opponents into isolation on offense. However, like Iona, Niagara did not retain a single player from last year’s squad, making Winona State transfer Oluminde Adelodun an essential and versatile weapon on the defensive end.
According to The Winonan’s Pronab Kumar: “The Winona State University men’s basketball team is known for its intense defense, but one Warrior in particular, who plays as a guard, ensures that there is little opportunity for an opposing team to score if he gets a chance to attack. Olumide Adelodun is such a player who acts as a wall for his team and seizes all opportunities for attack.”
A native of Calgary, Adelodun’s only season at Winona State showcased his expanded offensive game after he averaged nearly fourteen points-per-game and shot 39% from three and 82% on free throws. With his three-and-D potential, Adelodun’s shares many similarities to last year’s spark plug Dre Bullock.
Quinnipiac / Grant Randall / 6’9 / 195 / Freshman from Putnam Science Academy (CT)
With four returning starters and six total rotation players returning – all of which are upperclassmen – Quinnipiac appears at or near the top of many preseason prognostications. Their veteran leadership justifies their short-term ceiling, but their five-man freshman class lay the foundation for the program’s long-term sustained success.
A graduate of the venerable powerhouse Putnam Science Academy, Grant Randall is one of the most touted amongst Quinnipiac’s incoming freshman class following a multitude of offers that included A-10 schools St. Bonaventure and George Mason.
Grant is a very skilled 3/4 who can really shoot the ball,” says PSA head coach Tom Espinosa. “Grant has a high IQ and loves the game. Coachable and one the best kids I've ever coached.”
Forwards Amarri Tice and Alexis Reyes are expected to return to their starting roles, but Randall’s shooting, size and versatility can earn him immediate playing time stepping into a role akin to the departed Rihards Vavers (8 ppg, 3 rpg, 18 mpg, 37 3P%), who transferred to Washington State.
Rider / Zion Cruz / 6’5 / 195 / Junior transfer from Pratt (JUCO)
With Mervin James, Allen Powell and Corey McKeithan graduating, Rider desperately needs offensive firepower as head coach Kevin Beggett enters his thirteenth year at the helm. Each member of Rider’s six-man transfer haul has JUCO experience and former four-star prospect Zion Cruz is the Broncs’ most notable addition.
Only five seasons ago, the Trenton native was a consensus top-25 prospect and was even graded as a five-star prospect according to many outlets, but as his stock dropped, Cruz ended up playing his freshman season at DePaul before transferring to Pratt Community College. In fourteen games with the Beavers, Cruz averaged nearly fifteen points-per-game and shot 56% from two and 35% from three, which was a drastic improvement over his dreadful 36 2P% and 38 3P% at DePaul.
Cruz has always possessed excellent length, great handle and incredible athleticism, but his shot, play without the ball and defense have yet to fully come into fruition. However, outside of fifth-year returnee TJ Weeks, Rider lacks proven backcourt options, so Cruz has an immediate opportunity to become Rider’s #1 option on offense.
Sacred Heart / Amiri Stewart / 6’4 / 195 / Senior transfer from Wilmington (D2)
Entering their first season in the MAAC, senior Aidan Carpenter remains as Sacred Heart’s only returning backcourt piece, setting the stage for Wilmington transfer Amiri Stewart to parlay his Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference Men’s Basketball All-Conference First Team selection into a starring role with the Pioneers.
The stat-stuffing Stewart finished last season averaging 17.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.8 steals, 0.9 blocks and nearly 6 free throw attempts per game while converting on 43% of his three-point attempts. “Amiri showed great improvement every season,” says Wilmington head coach Dan Burke. “He’s an extremely explosive and powerful above the rim athlete while also being extremely efficient in the post when guarded by smaller players. Amiri uses his feel for the game to be an effective passer and has potential to be a lockdown wing defender.”
If Stewart can secure the starting point guard role he can develop into one of the more physically dominant point guards in the conference.
Saint Peter’s / Jaheim Tanksley / 5’10 / 160 / Senior
Keydren Clark. Justin Robinson. Damian Chong Qui. The MAAC has long been a guard-driven league. Like the names mentioned beforehand, Saint Peter’s guard Jaheim Tanksley has the ability and gumptom to become the conference’s next undersized star guard.
Prior to missing all of last season with a broken fibula, Tanksley was expected to be Saint Peter’s primary offensive creator after a standout career at Moberly Area Community College. A deft slasher with nearly three-quarters of his field goal attempts from inside the arc, Tanksley is a scoring point guard that averaged nearly sixteen points and four assists per game in his last season at the JUCO level. It wouldn’t surprise if Tanksley makes an immediate impact that Ahmad Henderson II did for Niagara last season.
Siena / Major Freeman / 6’3 / 175 / Junior transfer from Spartanburg Methodist (JUCO)
According to KenPom.com, only four teams in Division 1 basketball had a less efficient offense than Siena’s, so if Major Freeman is able to replicate the offensive volume and efficiency that he experienced at Spartanburg Methodist, Freeman can become Siena’s primary offensive weapon next season.
Case in point, last year, Freeman averaged 15.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.6 three-pointers made per game while shooting 58% from two and 42% from three, shooting rates that would have topped Siena’s stats last season. Ranked as the 41st best JUCO prospect per JUCORecruiting.com of the 2024 class, Freeman should pair nicely on the backcourt with the defensively minded Marcus Jackson, a transfer from Albany.
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