By Joe Budzelek
As Dan Geriot’s first regular season with Iona University comes to a close, there have been clear glimpses of what the program aims to become. The team is hoping to undergo its first large-scale retention effort since 40% of the team’s minutes returned prior to Rick Pitino’s final season at the helm. In the three seasons since then, just two scholarship players — Osborn Shema in Tobin Anderson’s first year and Luke Jungers this year — have played consecutive seasons with the program.
The Gaels’ current 8–10 MAAC record may underwhelm a portion of the fanbase, but lofty expectations of any kind remain unrealistic given that neither coach in the post-Pitino era had the opportunity to fully develop inherited talent.
“On offense, we like to group our guys as handlers, spacers, and screeners,” Geriot said. “With our roster build and projected retention, we are continually pursuing bigger positional size and players who can pass and dribble.”
Last week, Gael Nation received exciting news when Greek import Panagiotis Lefas became the third commitment in Iona’s 2026 recruiting class — the program’s first full cycle with a complete year of scouting and recruiting under Geriot and his staff.
The 6-foot-5 Lefas, along with similarly sized classmates Oliver Sassella, a Swiss import, and Max Moshinski, who is finishing his senior season at Father Judge High School in Philadelphia, are all strong examples of the positional size and versatility Geriot covets.
Versatility has defined much of this year’s Iona roster. Outside of point guard CJ Anthony and freshman center Alliou Fall, every other rotation player can plug in at at least two positions — a hallmark Geriot hopes to sustain moving forward.
Among the players with remaining eligibility, Kosy Akametu has arguably been the team’s most valuable. The 6-foot-5, 215-pound redshirt junior has elevated his play since Keshawn Williams went down with a knee injury in January. Over the last eight games, Akametu has combined production and volume, averaging 14.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.1 free-throw attempts per game, while providing physical, versatile defense. It is reasonable to presume that retaining Akametu will require a significant portion of the team’s NIL budget this offseason.
Although his play has cooled recently, the return of Denver Anglin for his final year of eligibility would also be key, as he has scored in double figures 14 times this season. If Akametu returns, his physical and versatile style would blend seamlessly with Iona’s incoming freshman class.
Lefas’ play in the U18 FIBA A Division last summer caught the attention of assistant coach Patrick Wallace, who played a key role in identifying both international prospects and communicating the program’s developmental vision. In seven games at the tournament, Lefas averaged 19.1 points, 2.4 three-pointers made, 6.9 free-throw attempts, 1.6 assists, and just 1.9 turnovers in 26.4 minutes per game.
Iona is particularly excited about Lefas’ ability to score at all three levels, reminiscent of what Keshawn Williams provided prior to his injury. With NCAA-ready size and strength, Lefas has the potential to make an immediate impact as a scorer.
Oliver Sassella, who committed in December, has been on the program’s radar since last spring, when he finished his first professional season with the Lugano Tigers of the Swiss Basketball League. As a rookie, he shot an efficient 42.1% from three and 75% from the free-throw line.
Now turning 20 in May and starting for a second straight season with Lugano, Sassella is averaging 15.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game, though his shooting efficiency has dipped to 30.4% from three and 40% from the field in 31.2 minutes per contest.
A 6-foot-5 playmaker, Sassella projects as a big combo guard. His situational awareness, basketball IQ, shot-making, and ability to see over defenses provide a unique element that this year’s roster lacks. With CJ Anthony graduating and Denver Anglin’s status pending, Sassella could earn immediate minutes in a de facto point guard role next season.
While the international duo brings offensive firepower, Philly wing Max Moshinski offers intriguing upside. What should most excite Gael Nation, however, is his versatile two-way ability, which combines size, grit, motor, and a winning pedigree.
A captain at Father Judge High School — which recently captured its second straight Philadelphia Catholic League championship — Moshinski played every minute of the title game, recording a double-double along with three assists, two steals, and three blocks. Here's an excellent recap of the title game by Andrew Robinson.
Long term, Moshinski projects as a versatile two-way wing capable of becoming a multi-year starter at the Division I level once he adds foundational strength, which should enhance both his shot-making and overall two-way impact.
With Akametu and Anglin potentially anchoring the backcourt, next year’s freshman class brings legitimate excitement and upside.
Luke Jungers will graduate in May, as will savvy portal additions Lamin Sabally and Toby Harris, leaving the frontcourt foundation to freshman Alliou Fall. Owning the second-best block rate in the MAAC, Fall has been a defensive anchor for the Gaels. While he continues to refine his footwork and limit turnovers around the basket, he has also been a force on the offensive glass. His return next season would be a significant boost.
It would be remiss not to mention Fall’s fellow freshman forwards, Ore Odutayo and Deondrea Lindsey, as key pieces in Iona’s next wave of talent. Both redshirted this season after being highly recruited and are expected to make immediate impacts next year.
Lindsey emerged as a consensus top-150 prospect during his final two seasons at Oak Hill Academy, showcasing elite size, athleticism, and versatility. Defensively, he can guard multiple positions, disrupt pick-and-roll actions, protect the rim, and rebound at a high level. Offensively, he is developing as a lob threat, rim runner, and screener with emerging perimeter potential. He held high-major offers from Tennessee, Georgetown, SMU, Georgia Tech, and Ole Miss before committing to Iona.
Viewed more as a long-term project, Odutayo starred at Williston Northampton in the NEPSAC, leading the team to a dominant 25–1 record, an undefeated 18–0 league mark, and a championship capped by a win over Phillips Exeter. The 6-foot-8 forward stands out for his athleticism, high motor, and defensive versatility, impacting games with rim protection and perimeter defense. Offensively, he is developing as both a strong interior presence and an emerging perimeter threat. Odutayo received mid-major offers from Albany, Bryant, Hampton, Holy Cross, and Howard before arriving in New Rochelle.
Among the trio, Fall provides the most size and length, while Lindsey and Odutayo offer positional flexibility.
While it would be unrealistic to expect every eligible player to return — the modern college basketball landscape makes retention unpredictable — Iona’s growing 2026 recruiting class, combined with a concerted effort to retain its top talent, gives fans reason for optimism as the season concludes and the offseason begins.
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