nypost
The New York City metropolitan area's college basketball scene is brimming with intrigue as the new season tips off. Long Island University, fresh off an NEC regular-season title and its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2018, appears poised for another strong campaign. Head coach Rod Strickland has bolstered his roster with three former high-major talents: guards Daquan Davis (Providence) and Vasean Allette (TCU), along with forward Jahki Howard (Utah). Additionally, the Bewley twins, Matt and Ryan, bring an intriguing dynamic. The 6-foot-9 former five-star recruits were initially deemed ineligible for receiving money from Overtime Elite in high school, but they secured a court order to gain eligibility and spent last season at Daytona State, a junior college.
At Hofstra, the Pride are out to prove that last year's conference championship was no fluke. Despite losing their top four scorers, they were picked to finish third in the CAA. The transfer portal yielded key additions, notably guards Justin Moore and Deywilk Tavarez (both from Loyola Chicago) and Tanner Thomas (Sacred Heart). Junior forward Joshua DeCady is expected to take a significant leap forward. Hofstra has posted eight winning seasons in the past nine years, a testament to coach Speedy Claxton's ability to develop new talent, and that streak should continue.
In Piscataway, Rutgers has generated preseason buzz with close losses to St. John's and Villanova. The Scarlet Knights return six of their top seven scorers, led by senior guard Tariq Francis, an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection last season. Virginia Tech transfer Christian Gurdak provides an offensive boost at center. In an era where roster continuity is often undervalued, Rutgers possesses it in abundance, and that could propel the team to a middle-of-the-pack finish in the Big Ten rather than the bottom.
Key Analysis
LIU's addition of high-major transfers and the Bewley twins could make them a mid-major force, while Hofstra's reloading strategy under Claxton has proven effective. Rutgers, with its veteran core and added firepower, might surprise many in a loaded Big Ten. The metro area's teams are poised to make noise on the national stage.
Originally reported by nypost.