Unveiling the First-Ever D2EastHoops Regional All-Decade Team 2000-09
By Chris Granozio
Welcome to another D2 East Region All-Decade Team. Much like the last such column Steve Zerdelian and I created a few years ago to honor the best men’s and women’s players we had seen between 2009-10 and 2018-19, the scope of this elite list focuses on players who suited up between the 1999-2000 and 2008-09 seasons.
But as is the case with any time frame, there are some inherent challenges. How does one evaluate players whose careers partially took place outside our limited window? For that reason, I have added a special category for this men’s survey, specifically for such players. For the entire project, I had to create a set of criteria for evaluating talent. The players I have singled out must have displayed uncommon excellence individually, and were equally instrumental to their teams’ success, whether on the offensive or defensive end. Or both. That means the selections will skew more toward the more successful programs, unless a player was too talented to overlook. In addition, some of the choices may reflect the players’ performances when I witnessed them live, and likely will not go “by the numbers.” As one may expect, due to the sheer enormity of the field, the cut-off point was extremely difficult, but I had to define a hard boundary or this column would approach miniseries length. Please know that I am fully aware there were more than a handful of names that could have made this column, and their exclusion does not diminish their accomplishments and contributions. Certain transfers, late bloomers or players who were limited to one exceptional talent tended to reach the cutting-room floor, strictly for the sake of brevity.
In just a moment, I will unveil my Player of the Decade, followed by 10 First-Team selections, 10 Second-Team choices, 70 Honorable Mentions, a Team of the Decade and Coach of the Decade. But first… here is a bonus list of outstanding players who, through no fault of their own, saw their careers overlap two decades. Not knowing how to appropriately or fairly compare their partial careers to players with complete resumes, I have decided to lump them into “a league of their own.” Nomads, so to speak, who don’t fully belong to one specific decade. In each of our categories, the players are listed in alphabetical order.
Thomas Baudinet (St. Anselm) – Savvy and deadly from anywhere on the floor, the Hawks’ fourth all-time leading scorer produced 1,957 points, including 274 triples, earning NE10 Player of the Year in 2011. During my research for this column, one opposing coach told me he “had nightmares preparing against (Baudinet),” because he was equally effective beyond the arc and off the dribble.
Richard Byrd (Adelphi 2007-11) – The first Panther to score over 2,000 points, this lean, super-athletic Central Islip, NY native was the marquee player as Adelphi transitioned from the ECC to the NE10 and was a relentless scorer from anywhere on the floor. A 6-3 wing, Byrd was all-conference in two leagues without changing teams. He was a strong rebounder (675 career boards) and finished with exactly the same number of steals as assists (194), proving he was far from a one-dimensional talent. Byrd was the program's all-time leading scorer until Ronnie Silva passed him last year.
Darren Duncan (Merrimack, 2006-10) – Leading the NE10 in assists is a highly impressive achievement, but this 6-0 Brooklyn native and two-time All-American turned the trick in each of his four seasons in North Andover, accumulating 825 dishes (#2 in school and conference history) and compiling a 7.05 career average, good for #9 all-time in Division 2. Yet, as unselfish as he was, Duncan still managed to tally 2,049 points of his own (#4 at MC), including a school-record and conference-best 715 at the foul line. The prototypical scoring point guard, Duncan was the undisputed face of a robust Warriors offense, and was the epitome of consistency, starting all 117 games he ever suited up for while carrying the Warriors to three NCAA Tournaments, practically on his back.
Laurence Ekperigin (Le Moyne, 2006-10) – The most talented athlete the Dolphins ever produced, this 6-7 warrior from Cortlandt Manor, NY somehow managed to average a double-double despite being the most double- and triple-teamed player I’ve ever seen. Exceptionally proficient in the low post, the 2009 NE10 Player of the Year displayed textbook footwork and could contort his body in traffic like no one else, bulldozing his way to the basket while establishing the NE10 standard for career field-goal percentage at .638. Ekperigin – who made it to the Denver Nuggets summer league and is in his 14th consecutive season playing professionally overseas – dominates the Le Moyne record book as its #1 scorer (1,966), rebounder (1,171, fourth-best in NE10 annals) and foul shooter (442 makes) while ranking third with 218 blocked shots. Even better, he is the only player ever to lead the NE10 in scoring, rebounding and blocked shots in the same year. Ekperigin authored a brilliant, 20-point, 11-rebound, 4-block, 3-steal effort in a massive 2009 upset at Syracuse – the last undefeated team in D1 that year as the Orange climbed to #1 two months after that shocking exhibition defeat at the hands of their D2 neighbors.
Al Elliott (Pace, 1998-2002) – The best player the Setters showcased since joining the region in 1997 was this quick and explosive, 6-2 shooting guard from Washington, DC who was adept at knifing through defenders in the lane or blowing by them in the open floor. One of the very last recruits in the Darrell Halloran era, Elliott was also a tremendous defender, and the primary force behind his program’s last NCAA Tournament win in 2002, when he dropped 25 points, including the clinching free throws vs. Queens. Despite an ACL injury that cut short his freshman year, the ultimate Pace-maker still assembled a wonderful all-around resume, highlighted by 1,775 points (#5 in school history), 633 rebounds (#14), 336 assists (#11), 166 steals (#9) and 163 triples (#10).
Gage Daye (Bloomfield, 2007-11) – A sensational scorer who could take over games like few others, this 6-2 Newark, NJ native torched the nets for a program-record 2,518 points, but also proved his versatility in other ways. The two-time CACC MVP and East Region Player of the Year also finished among Bloomfield’s best with 615 rebounds, 465 assists and 243 steals, accentuating a skill set that few could match. As a junior, the ever-confident Daye was second in the nation in scoring (26.0 ppg) and third in steals (2.7 spg) while also ranking among the elite his senior campaign in scoring (24.1 ppg - #4) and assists (5.4 apg - #24). This first-team All-American was tremendous with the rock, whether he was swishing jumpers, bulldozing his way through defenses or anticipating opponents’ passes and picking them off, Daye boasted a pro game and was a gleaming ray of sunshine in the East.
Joe Ingegneri (St. Anselm, 1997-2000) – In a perfect case of a Division I recruit finding his sweet spot at the D2 level, this 6-2 wing from Dover, MA scored just seven points his freshman campaign at Iona before transferring to St. A’s and wreaking havoc in the Northeast-10, seizing his opportunity when fellow sophomore and reigning NE10 Freshman of the Year Kris Tardio was sidelined by injury. Ingegneri never relinquished his grip on the starting lineup, being named the conference’s Player of the Year in both his junior and senior seasons and becoming one of the key forces behind two NCAA teams, his career culminating in the Hawks’ first Elite-8 appearance. The tenacious All-American was an elite scorer, racking up 1,645 points over his three years on the Hilltop, including an 18.6 scoring average (third-best in program history). His calling card was his radar accuracy from beyond the arc, as his .434 percentage ranks second in school history. And his .834 free-throw percentage is second.
Ryan McCormack (Adelphi, 1997-2001) – Anyone who ever saw this quintessential quarterback play will never forget his unmistakable brilliance on the floor. The 5-10 point guard from Breezy Point, NY embodied the confidence and swagger of John Elway and was as clutch and composed as Michael Jordan, especially in the biggest moments. An All-American and two-time NYCAC Player of the Year, McCormack guided an undefeated and top-ranked Adelphi team to the Elite-8 as a senior, cementing his legacy as the most impactful Panther of all-time. No one played more games at Adelphi than his 125, and he still ranks among the very best in assists (#2 at 719 – an ECC/NYCAC record), steals (#3 with 204) and scoring (#7 with 1,553).
Darin Mency (Merrimack, 2007-11) – This 6-2 stud from Hagerstown, MD had an unorthodox, hitch-release shot, but it was among the deadliest in the East. Mency – who was a star from the very start and who scored his 1,000th point in just his sophomore year – didn’t exactly fit the mold of the prototypical NE10 wing player, He was built like a fullback but was surprisingly agile on the hardwood, with a sneakily crafty dribble while his muscular frame capacitated his glass-cleaning ability. Both his scoring (2,039 points) and rebounding (735) rank fifth all-time for Merrimack, but the snapshots that remain in my memory bank are of him raining threes and creating space while converting his running bankers, often at very difficult angles. A durable, determined and memorable talent.
Bryan Moore (Assumption, 1997-00) – A vigorous, 6-5 All-American, he came to Assumption after a year at nearby Massasoit Community College. And all he did in his three years of D2 play was accumulate 1,766 points (#7 at AU), 570 free throw makes (#2), 116 triples, 857 rebounds and 120 rejections. The two-time NE10 Tournament MVP averaged 23.9 points and 9.7 rebounds with the Greyhounds, hitting for 30 points on no fewer than 15 occasions. Moore – who was dubbed the preseason National Player of the Year as a senior – was deceptively quick and proficient, able to use his body in such a way that he could create his own shot from just about anywhere. A matchup nightmare, he was adept at drawing contact and feasting at the foul line. Moore was a major weapon in his team’s return to the NCAA Tournament his sophomore year, and his NE10 Tourney average of 27.8 points over seven games (34.7 as a sophomore) is one of the highest ever, proving he was made for the grand stage.
Damon Reed (Saint Rose, 1996-2000) – Imagine being a 6-10 freshman starter, and you’re not even close to being the tallest player on your team. That was the reality this athletic, tower of power faced when he partnered up with 7-2 Garth Joseph to form the biggest, baddest front line this region has produced during my time covering it. Reed, out of Trumansburg, NY, was an assertive, unforgiving post-up specialist who was an expert at drawing contact down low. Reed produced 1,874 points (#2 in program history), league-record 1,280 rebounds (#1), 359 offensive boards (#1), 236 blocked shots (#2 behind Garth), league-best 605 free throw makes (#1) and .566 shooting percentage (#6), all while making a Golden Knights-record 122 starts in 128 career games (#2). But with all those majestic stats, perhaps the most stunning feat was his NCAA postseason-record 11-steal performance while in deep foul trouble during an overtime win vs. Stonehill for the 1998 Regional Championship. That was the first of back-to-back Final Four appearances for Saint Rose, with Reed being the main attraction up front… a menacing presence who had a nose for the ball and whose quiet demeanor off the court offered a stark contrast to his persona between the lines.
Todd Roberts (St. Michael’s, 1997-2001) – With the Purple Knights poised t return to the NCAA Tournament next month, it’s a great time to remember the best player on the program’s last March Madness entrant. This Vermont native guided St. Mike’s to the Sweet 16 his senior year, when he also earned the NE10 Player of the Year trophy. At 6-8, Roberts was the prototype of a stretch four, almost unguardable as he shot the long ball as effectively as the typical NE10 guard, especially from the top of the key as the trailer. He was no slouch down low, either, with fabulous footwork, powerful drop-step moves and the ability to wriggle out of a double-team. Even though he graduated 23 years ago, Roberts remains in the Top 10 across all the key categories for the P-Knights, including #3 in scoring (1,816), #2 in 3-pointers (301), #8 in 3-point accuracy (.402), #10 in rebounding (815), #8 in blocks (85) and #9 in steals (158).
Justin Swidowski (Holy Family, 2008-10) – A more athletic version of Todd Roberts, this 6-9 All-American from Cinnaminson, NJ only graced our region as a freshman and sophomore before transferring up to D1 Sacred Heart. But boy, what a two-year run he gave us as he averaged 20 points, 8.9 rebounds and 2.5 blocked shots, totaling 1,101 points, 480 rebounds, 138 assists and 62 swats. Swidowski was a man amongst boys when he landed in Northeast Philly, lanky but highly skilled, with the ability to put the ball on the floor like a point guard, plus post up, bang threes and rock the rim with thunderous dunks. Had he stayed at D2, the big man would have been a regional legend, but his overall numbers in just two seasons are impressive enough to be the envy of many four-year players who put together solid overall careers. Though he was just a blip on our radar, Swidowski’s brilliance lit up the landscape like a meteor.
T.J. Trimboli (Southern Connecticut, 1996-2000) – This 5-10 gym rat from Norwalk, CT was part of an accomplished hoops family (mom and dad played at Sacred Heart, brother Mike scored 2,008 points at Vermont and brother Bobby joined Southern three years later, pushing T.J. to off-guard). Like his father Tony, who scored a whopping 2,234 points just up the road in Fairfield, “Tony Junior” tallied 1,805 (#6 in SCSU history), along with 410 assists (#2), 221 threes (#3) and 127 steals (#11), making him one of the most accomplished players in the state. Trimboli was a “gamer,” distinguished by an exceptional shooting touch and ability to get to the line practically at will. The smart, versatile All-American led the Owls to a #4 ranking his senior season, scoring 25.3 points a game while earning NECC Co-Player of the Year honors.
Jason Westrol (Bentley, 2006-10) – Following on the heels of efficient, excellent point guards Tim Forbes and Yusuf Abdul-Ali, this powerful, intelligent, 6-3 combo guard from Brielle, NJ shifted to the 1 as a junior and excelled running the Falcons, whether it was driving, posting, passing or defending, all of which he excelled at. A tough, relentless competitor who thrived when the game was on the line, Westrol started his last 130 games, during which his team posted a supernatural 118-16 mark, reached the Sweet 16 every year, the Elite-8 three times and Final Four twice. In Bentley annals, he ranks second in scoring (2,068) and steals (250) while topping the list in field goals (780) and games played (134). The All-American was feted with NE10 MVP and National Player of the Year honors as a senior, and his stellar resume is arguably the best of such an exclusive club.
Eddie Williams (Adelphi, 1998-2002) –For the casual observer, it would have been relatively easy to overlook the Brooklyn-born All-American’s brilliance because Adelphi’s most dominant run was driven by the aforementioned magnetic point guard Ryan McCormack and the teams’ true MVP: namely, a suffocating defense. That’s where Williams excelled, neutralizing the opposing team’s most dangerous frontcourt weapon. Strong as a bull and possessing tremendous upper-body strength, Williams was an exceptional student and vocal leader who stepped up his game when the stakes were highest, contributing 17 points and nine rebounds in the 2002 Regional Championship vs. Assumption, helping him reach the 1,000-point plateau (1,052). Williams – whose younger brother Zach was a 1,000-point scorer at Ohio State and Wright State – converted 57% of his shot attempts (#6 in AU history) and was a two-time All-Region selection under current UMBC Head Coach Jim Ferry.
Devon Young (Felician, 2007-11) – The largest second-half deficit I’ve ever seen erased came in the region’s most unlikely comeback story. In the 2010 CACC semifinals, Felician found itself down 23 points to heavily favored powerhouse Philadelphia before closing the game on a miraculous 28-5 run over the final 9:57, eventually punching its first NCAA ticket after taking the championship the following day. At the heart of the more expansive 64-28 power surge was a tying triple at the regulation buzzer by Devon Young, a 6-3 swiss army knife from Monmouth Junction, NJ who enjoyed the game of his life that afternoon with a program-record 39-point performance. The super-versatile All-American – who was tabbed tourney MVP – started all 114 games he played with the Golden Falcons, including their lone NCAA Tournament affair at Stonehill. His fingerprints are all over the program record book, ranking in the Top 5 with 1,958 points (#1), 630 rebounds (#5), 294 assists (#5) and 131 steals (#2). As great a student as he was a baller, Young was a physical specimen with off-the-charts leadership skills and a top-flight resume.
And there’s another category of player – those individuals who played just one or two years in the region but made major impacts. Here are the Top 5:
Ramel Allen (Bridgeport, 2004-05) – What that 6-11, Bronx-born human windmill was able to accomplish in just one season for the Purple Knights was the stuff of legends. Specifically, he snatched a NYCAC (now ECC)-record 423 rebounds (14.1 pg) and recorded 146 blocked shots (4.9), the averages of which led all of Division 2, and the latter of the two representing the seventh-highest in history. An All-American who played 14 games for Jeff Ruland at D1 Iona, along with stints at two JUCOs, Allen – who helped UB go 21-9 his one season there – was the last player in our region to record two triple-doubles in one season with points, rebounds and blocks. In addition, he pulled down 22 and 20 boards, respectively, in single games, accentuating his dominance. And he wasn’t without offensive knack, either, averaging nearly 14 points a night that winter. Sure he collected his share of slams, but I also recall an agile body and an ability to deliver in a variety of ways in the paint.
Christian Burns (Philadelphia, 2005-07) – This 6-9 All-American transfer from Quinnipiac wisely left Hamden (where he tallied only 168 points his first two seasons) and spent the balance of his career with Philadelphia University, putting a bow on his senior year as not only the CACC Player of the Year but also the D2 National Player of the Year. Burns was an agile, consistently excellent big who could shoot, rebound and defend at the highest collegiate level, starting all 57 of his games with the Rams and reaching double-figure scoring in 53 of them while shooting 56% from the floor. The product of Hamilton, NJ made the game look ridiculously easy. He was powerful in the post and could drain the mid-range jay, routinely eschewing lower-percentage shots (only 10 of his 580 attempts were from beyond the arc) as he racked up 1,097 points and 122 blocks in just two seasons, the latter number good enough to place him in the program’s Top 10 to this day. After the graduation of the great Tayron Thomas, Burns stepped up his game even more, taking the baton as leader, guiding Philly U. to another 20-win season and back to the NCAA Tournament. A beautiful basketball player to watch.
Kyle Caiola (UMass-Lowell, 2008-10) – No doubt many of you never saw this kid play, or totally forgot his short-lived brilliance. The list of regional players who scored their 1,000th career point during their sophomore season is a short one. When this confident, flashy newcomer blasted onto the scene, he instantly distinguished himself as a high-level marksman (47% FG, 40% 3FG, 90% FT over his two seasons) while more than ably commandeering a potent River Hawks offense. The 5-10 native of Parma, Ohio started 91 of 92 games at the point over his first two years while averaging an eye-popping 20.2 points, 3.8 assists and 1.8 steals per game. Caiola, who transferred closer to home (Findlay) his junior season, was dubbed NE10 Freshman of the Year, then NE10 Tournament MVP the following year, guiding Lowell to the NCAAs and garnering NABC First-Team All-East accolades.
Angel Figueroa (Dowling, 2001-03) – When I first saw this husky, 6-5 natural shooter, it happened to be his first two collegiate games at a tournament when he was playing for Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras. All the San Juan star did those two days was explode for 57 points against Bryant and Le Moyne. Figuring I’d never see him again, you could imagine my amazement when he resurfaced in the region at Dowling two years later. And his brilliance had hardly waned as the All-American swingman averaged 27.8 points a game in a Golden Lions uniform, capturing the national scoring title as a junior, then enjoyed his greatest game as a senior, erupting for a career-high 48-points vs. Concordia. Figueroa’s overall numbers are still a mystery due to the sketchy stats from the teams in his commonwealth, but the talent was unmistakable, as evidenced by his now playing an 21st straight professional season. A onetime member of the Puerto Rican National Team, Figueroa was one of the most prolific scorers ever to grace the region.
Michael Sturns (Holy Family, 2007-08) – This 6-5 athlete from Fort Worth, Texas was a one-year transfer with D1 experience who dominated the landscape and finished his season as the nation’s top scorer (26.6 ppg in this case). The Sun Belt’s Sixth man of the Year winner the previous year while playing for North Texas, Sturns compiled numbers in one North Philly winter that would translate to a respectable career for any other player: 864 points (of 1,538 total), 207 rebounds, 94 assists and 70 steals. A big, super-skilled guard with an unrelenting motor, the All-American who played for the Spurs’ D-League outfit was all about business both inside and outside the lines, and his leadership helped the Tigers to a 21-10 record and their first NCAA Tournament appearance. His regional brilliance was short-lived but highly impactful and unforgettable, highlighted by a 51-point explosion at NYIT.
Now, let’s unveil the Player of the Decade…
He is: Elad Inbar (UMass-Lowell, 2000-04) – Dynamic and built for the big moment, this 6-7 product of Kiryat-Haim, Israel was a winner in every sense of the word, his career culminating with the D2 Player of the Year Award his senior season. The crown jewel from Gary Manchel’s Israeli pipeline, Inbar spearheaded the River Hawks to a 100-27 record and four 20+-win seasons, each of which resulted in an NCAA appearance and the last two culminating in Elite-8 trips. In his last regional game, Inbar single-handedly defeated Bryant with a difficult baseline fadeaway at the four-second mark, capping a 22-10 game-ending run that turned an 11-point deficit into a gritty, 63-62 victory. And even though his team was bounced in the national quarterfinals both years, it was not because of the seasoned veteran (he was nearly 26 years old when he graduated), who scored 27 and 29, respectively in those losses. No one played more games in school history (he and compatriot Uri Grunwald – a brilliant defensive guard – share the record with 127) and no one scored more points (2,099). Inbar – who also snagged 854 rebounds and shot a terrific .854 from the line – was the consummate team player with a basketball IQ that may have been the best I’ve ever witnessed, dissecting the action much like Nikola Jokic does: multiple steps ahead of anyone else on the floor.
First Team:
Ron Christy (Teikyo-Post, 2001-04) – One of the most prolific scorers in our region’s history (#3 all-time), this uber-talented 5-10 volume shooter from Stratford, CT led the Eagles in scoring each of his three years in Waterbury, topping the nation as a sophomore (27.2 ppg) and nearly equaling the feat the following year (26.7 ppg), earning All-America honors both seasons. Christy had mad hops, and his rim-rocking dunks helped earn him a roster spot on the Harlem Globetrotters “post”-Post. But there was much more to Christy’s game than filling it up as he excelled in every facet. Without even suiting up for his senior season, he amassed an astounding 2,516 points (#1), 560 rebounds (#6), 330 assists (#3), 197 steals (#2), 212 threes (#2), 446 free throw makes (#1) and – yes – 71 blocked shots (#10), belying his relatively short stature. The Connecticut legend made his biggest statement in his biggest game, dropping 50 on Nyack in the 2003 CACC Tournament Championship Game, and anyone who ever saw him knew he or she was watching a very special talent.
Andre Dabney (Bloomfield, 2004-08) – I can count one hand the number of players I would have paid to see, and – full disclosure – I went out of my way several nights to watch this speedy, 5-9 sparkplug from Plainfield, NJ do his thing. Few if any played the game at his tempo, as the demon Deacon served as a mesmerizing catalyst for the program’s first two NCAA Tourney appearances. The numbers alone are off the charts: 2,350 points (#2 in BC history), 294 steals (#1) and 570 assists (#1). The hardware was unparalleled (FOUR first-team All-Conference honors, 2005 CACC Player of the Year, three CACC Tournament titles, two-time league Tourney MVP, All-America Honorable Mention) and his seven Dean’s List appearances in eight semesters proved his commitment to excellence was hardly limited to the hardwood. But it was Dabney’s unrelenting competitive fire, boundless creativity and peerless cartoonish feats that put him in a class by himself. He also authored the most dominating individual performance I’ve ever witnessed in this region, torching Felician in the 2005 CACC Semifinals for 46 points on near-perfect shooting (15-16 FG, 10-11 3FG, 7-7 FT). My hands-down favorite player ever to watch live!
Steve Dagostino (Saint Rose, 2004-08) – While Dabney was wowing ‘em in the CACC, Dagostino was running roughshod over the NE10, albeit with a completely contrasting style. The 5-10 native of Schenectady, NY was a silent assassin on the floor all four years, picking apart defenses and setting up his teammates with exquisite precision. The two-time All-American and two-time conference MVP guided the Golden Knights to three NCAA Tournaments and splashed his name all over the program’s record books with 1,637 points (#6), 559 assists (#1), 242 steals (#1), 430 FTM (#4), 241 triples (#4) and a .388 career 3-point percentage (#8). Head Coach Brian Beaury said: “I stopped recruiting point guards after Dags because no one else measured up.”
Todd Manuel (St. Anselm, 1999-2002) – A three-year transfer from D1 (Miami in this case), who made his way to Manchester when an injury coupled with a family illness called him back to New England. The 6-2 perimeter threat played the game with an almost military precision and focus. He earns his slot here thanks to a memorable, dominating performance in the 2000 Regional title game, when Manuel carried the team on his proverbial back, earning MVP accolades after scoring 17 of his 23 points during a second half that saw the Hawks rally from 20 down to shade Adelphi – the last time a regional team won three NCAA games in as many days. A ridiculously good foul shooter (.882, tops in school annals and #2 in NE10 lore), Manuel racked up 1,633 points in his three years on the Hilltop. His 52-point outburst vs. Bentley his senior year remains a program standard and one of the top scoring performances in regional history.
Jim Moore (Saint Anselm, 2003-06) – So you want more “Moore”? Well, here’s another St. A’s success story from the transfer channel who made his presence felt in a big way over his three years at the D2 level. The 6-5 Worcester, Mass. Native was a versatile scorer who was just as effective inside the paint as well as beyond the 3-point line, as the St. Anselm great (by way of D1 Youngstown State, where he scored 209 points as a freshman) delivered a whopping 1,704 points with the Hawks (#11), as well as 630 rebounds, 513 foul shots (#1) and .834 free throw percentage (#2). His most amazing feat was going a mind-numbing 26-for-26 at the stripe in a game vs. Saint Rose on February 18, 2006, tying a 54-year-old D2 NCAA record. He also etched his name into the NE10 history book by becoming a two-time league tournament MVP, an accomplishment shared with only three other men’s players. Like so many of the great Hawks players, Moore was muscular, tough as a bar of iron and always ready to inflict his will on the opposition.
Malik Moore (American International, 1999-2002) – This native of Philadephia also began his career at a higher level, beginning in the A-10 at Temple. But John Chaney’s loss was Art Luptowski’s gain as the All-American garnered First Team All-NE10 recognition all three years with the Yellow Jackets, spearheading the program’s first NCAA run in 16 years dating back to the Mario Elie era. Moore – whose business-like approach and NBA-level skills (he just missed the cut with the Seattle SuperSonics) lifted his teammates’ games exponentially – earned conference Player of the Year as a senior when he averaged 22.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 2.8 steals. Blessed with an electric first step, dynamic ball-handling skills, cat-like instincts on defense and ability to break down defenders and get to the hole, Moore made his mark in the AIC record book despite only playing three seasons, ranking sixth in scoring (1,583), 3-pointers (128 treys) and assists (377) while still bearing the gold standard for steals (191). A rare thoroughbred to grace the regional landscape!
Stacey Moragne (UMass-Lowell, 2002-06) – From the moment Ken Barer was hired as the River Hawks’ head coach, this was the high school recruit he most coveted, having tracked him for years. And the 6-4 big man from Evanston, IL more than lived up to the hype, starting out as a 4-man before shifting to the center position as an upperclassman. Moragne was an impact player right from the start, averaging 11.5 points as a rookie sixth man before joining Inbar in the frontcourt the following season. When the Israeli superstar graduated, Moragne blossomed, earning NE10 Player of the Year in consecutive seasons (sharing the award his senior campaign) en route to career totals of 2,097 points (#4 in UML history), 839 rebounds (#5), a .558 field-goal percentage (#2) and 126 games played (#3). The man Barer called an “undersized overachiever” and “the most consistent player I have ever coached” dragged defenders out beyond the arc as he shot the 3-pointer at a robust .428 clip (#4 at UML). Moragne’s teams collated a 95-31 record that was anchored by three Sweet 16 appearances and two Elite-8s.
Jonathan Schmidt (C.W. Post, 2005-09) – The catalyst for the greatest team C.W. Post/LIU Post ever produced, this four-time All-ECC luminary was a superb combo guard with a champion pedigree and attitude. Schmidt was an exceptional shooter, passer and defender who piloted a balanced, talented quartet of Pioneers teams to an 88-32 cumulative record. He started 118 of 119 career games and earned conference Player of the Year as a senior, when Tim Cluess’ troops reached the Elite-8 with a pristine 30-0 record. The 6-0 floor leader from nearby Centereach, NY produced school records of 1,980 points, 213 threes and 517 free throw makes. His 649 assists rank second, although they represent an ECC standard, and he chipped in 176 steals for good measure. One of the players who erased an 18-point, second-half comeback vs. Bentley in the 2009 regional title game, he proved to be the most vital cog for the #2-ranked Pioneers that unforgettable year. Because when the games were on the line, you were always sure of one thing: Schmidt happens!
Tayron Thomas (Philadelphia, 2002-06) – To my mind, this 6-2 guard from Bristol, PA was the greatest all-around talent in the rich history of Rams basketball, deadly from anywhere on the floor and possessing an underrated ability for adapting his myriad skills to a very structured, team game. The All-American – who earned a tryout with the 76ers – finished as the program’s all-time leading scorer with 2,414 points while adding 798 rebounds, 320 assists and 166 steals. His 29.0 points per game average as a senior is still a CACC record and topped all D2 players, earning him the league MVP trophy, as well as Basketball Times’ Co-National Player of the Year. His 53-point outing vs. Presbyterian (SC) early that season established a new conference scoring record that still stands. If you ever had the privilege of seeing this kid play, there was no doubting Thomas, as he is on the very short list of regional royalty.
John Williams (Bryant, 2002-06) – The only player on this list to take his team to the national championship game, this 6-0 product of Springfield, Mass led the Bulldogs to their only regional title as a D2 program in 2005. The reliable, sharpshooting court commander blossomed after injury robbed him the second semester of his sophomore year as Williams would end up earning NE10 Co-Player of the Year honors his senior campaign. Overall, he started 102 of 103 games and plastered his name all over the Bryant archives, including scoring (1,754 points – #5), 3-pointers (323 – #1), long-distance accuracy (.423 - #3), FT% (.846 - #3), assists (362 - #8) and steals (168 - #4). As amazing as it may sound, Williams was one of those players whose intrinsic value even superseded his brilliant stat lines.
Second Team:
Matt Cahill (St. Anselm, 2002-06) – This three-time, first-team All-NE10 stud from Bridgewater, Mass graduated as the Hawks’ #1 all-time scorer (2,081 points – now #2). The only Hawk to record his 1,000th point in his sophomore season, Cahill was as prolific a 3-point shooter as there was (his 321 triples rank #1 in school history), as he shot a strong .414% from beyond the arc over his four years. But thanks to his strong 6-3 frame, Cahill was also a threat inside the paint, making him a true inside-outside threat (his 416 free throw makes and .825 FT% both rank #6), with his 28-point performance vs. #5 Bentley in the 2005 NE10 title game, clinching the first of two straight league crowns. Oh, and his defense was also above average, as no one blocked more shots in Hawks history, earning Cahill a spot on St. A’s Mount Rushmore of hoops legends.
Demond Cowins (NJIT, 2000-04) – Before the Highlanders ventured off to Division 1 in 2005, they represented not one but two of the three D2 conferences in our region. After transitioning to the NYCAC from Division 3 in 1997, NJIT switched to the more geographically sensible CACC, and Cowins – a 6-7 beast from Newark, NJ – was a member of the first four teams of that five-year sojourn and was clearly the best talent in the program’s D2 era. To date, the two-time first-team All-CACC standout holds down #2 on the school scoring list (1,909), #4 on the rebound charts (959), #3 in blocked shots (152), #8 in steals (122) and #1 in free throw makes (478). Extremely dangerous down low (think of a D2 Buck Williams), but few who saw him likely remember that he also possessed a potent jump shot outside the paint (his 28-for-60 efficiency behind the arc as a senior was good for 47%). Even though the team wasn’t very good his senior year, Cowins sparkled like a diamond, finishing second in the CACC in scoring (21.9), first in rebounding (10.9), first in blocks (2.0) and sixth in shooting (.549).
Tim Forbes (Bentley, 2002-06) – He was once described as “the pulse of the team” and that’s an apt description of the 6-0 playmaker from Attleboro, Mass. who ranks in the Falcons’ Top 10 on both scoring (1,731 - #6) and assists (502 - #9), showing how greatly he impacted games. A tremendous open-floor player, the All-American could shoot from anywhere and was exceptionally skilled at driving in traffic and getting to the foul line, where he was a career 84% shooter. Forbes was also a heady defensive player with a ken ability to predict what the opposition planned to do. His 172 career steals – good for fifth all-time at Bentley – underscore that point. Injury curtailed his junior year as Bentley nearly rallied to win the regional with him sidelined, falling in the championship game. Forbes also must be credited with mentoring his predecessor at point guard – Yusuf Abdul-Ali – who grabbed the baton and, in subtle, workmanlike fashion, galvanized the team to a ludicrous 66-2 record over the following two seasons.
Nate Fritsch (Bentley, 2003-08) – Here’s a perfect example of the numbers not coming close to reflecting the brilliance of the individual talent. This 6-6 long, lean, super-skilled athlete from Durham, NC ranks 19th on the Falcons’ all-time scoring list (1,442 points) and 14th in rebounding (734), but very few altered the outcome of games quite like Fritsch, one of the most well-rounded D2 basketball players I’ve ever seen (and my personal favorite of all the greats that program has produced). Sure, he was part of a championship caliber group that won two regionals and posted an absurd 117-17 record over his four full seasons (he played just two games his freshman year), but one could argue that he was the difference-maker for a team that went an unprecedented 63-0 in region as an upperclassman. Fritsch was the toughest match-up for any opponent because of his dual abilities to put it on the floor with the best of them, as well as a sensational touch from the outside (his .442 shooting percentage from long range is third-best in Falcons history). Fritsch’s long arms bolstered his exceptional defense as he routinely deflected balls, rejected 132 shots (tied for 5th most at BU) and truly made all his teammates better, as his 222 assists will attest. In short, he had no weakness.
Sotirios Karapostolou (Southern New Hampshire, 1999-2003) – One of a long string of game-changing point guards in Penmen history, this native of Greece did his coach and compatriot Stan Spirou proud as he ran the show like a pro (he later played for pay in Germany and in his native land), and was on board as then-New Hampshire College transitioned from the defunct NECC to the NE10. At 6-5, his ball-handling skills and ability to dominate a game stood out as anomalies at this level for his position. A four-year starter and NE10 Player of the Year as a senior, “Soto” became the program’s premier First-Team All-American and finished his standout career with 1,609 points (#13 at SNHU), 590 assists (7th) and 241 steals (4th), while also ranking among the best in 3-point proclivity (240, good for #6).
Omari Knox (Bloomfield, 2006-09) – One of the greatest success stories, this 6-2 Brooklyn native was actually playing intramurals at St. Peter’s College when a women’s assistant basketball coach called Gerald Holmes and alerted him that there was “a kid here who should be playing somewhere.” That somewhere wound up being Bloomfield, where Knox exploded for 1,534 points in three years, doing much of his damage from the 3-point line, where he banged 204 triples. Knox was also a fierce rebounder, pulling down 587, as he finished among the CACC Top 10 in scoring, rebounding and 3-point makes as both a junior and senior, earning All-Conference honors. And that one-time intramural gym rat has made quite a career out of his passion as he is in his 15th year playing professionally in Germany. What a story!
Bryant Lassiter (New York Tech, 2005-09) – New York Tech’s last great player was a spirited scoring point guard whose mix of speed and power stood out. The man affectionately known as “Mookie” was outstanding going downhill but could also make 3s and clutch free throws, leading head coach Sal Lagano to compare him to Yankees Hall of Fame closer Mariano Rivera. “If we had a two or three-point lead late, it was 'Enter Sandman' – it was over. He was as good a competitor as I had over the years and I thought he was a D1 player as a junior.” Lagano’s team had bottomed out by the end of the 2005-06 season at 5-22, but Lassiter, then a freshman, stayed with the ship (fancy THAT!) and the next year spearheaded one of the greatest turnarounds in regional history as the Bears jumped from last to first at 20-9 in Lassiter’s sophomore campaign. By the time his career had ended, Lassiter finished #1 on the school’s scoring list (1,913), second in steals (216) and fifth in assists (380) while shooting a program-record .810 at the stripe.
Sulaiman Muhammad (Caldwell, 1999-2003) – When I first saw the Cougars play as they transitioned with the rest of the CACC from NAIA to NCAA classification, this towering, physically imposing rim protector from Elizabeth, NJ was the first program player who imprinted on my brain. And that’s not just because he sported the most impressive afro I’d seen on a hardwood floor since Doctor J. The NAIA All-American and three-time All-CACC stud just qualifies for this list because his senior season coincided with Caldwell’s first year as a full-fledged member of the region. Primarily a post player on offense (he never attempted a 3-pointer), Muhammad’s 1,147 career points rank 14th in program history, his .584 field-goal percentage is second and his 191 blocked shots are second to none. His rebound total of 774 may not seem like a lofty number for a 6-9 mammoth, but Muhammad was truly a four in Mark Corino’s system, which featured nine (count ‘em!) consecutive seasons of Tonkovic brothers at the center position, two of whom he played alongside, and all three of whom scored more points, making Muhammad’s output all the more impressive.
Daniel Terrell (Bloomfield, 2002-06) – Gerald Holmes called him “my hardest worker… always in the gym.” And all that hard work certainly paid dividends for the 6-2 sharpshooter from Somerdale, NJ who teamed with Andre Dabney to form one of the most prolific scoring backcourts in this region’s history. Terrell – who was a member of the Deacons when they transitioned from NAIA to NCAA – was a dangerous long-distance shooter who scored more points from beyond the arc (960) than inside of it (334 + 217 free throws). Yet scoring was just one of the two-time All-CACC stud’s talents as he dished out 364 assists and pulled down 409 rebounds, helping lead Bloomfield to a three-peat as CACC Tourney Champs and the program’s first two NCAA Tournament bids.
Bradd Wierzbicki (Queens, 2003-07) – If there was ever a textbook case of looks being deceiving, it was the 6-3 local boy from Maspeth who, as a freshman, resembled a 100-pound seventh grader. But boy, could the kid play, widening my eyes the first time I saw him in action. Endowed with a killer first step, Wierzbicki was able to use his deceptive dexterity to routinely leave more athletic players in the dust. Through hard work, he improved exponentially every year, eventually blossoming into an undeniable shooting threat and culminating his dynamic tenure with two scoring titles and the ECC Player of the Year Award as a senior. The All-American finished fourth on the Knights’ scoring list (1,686 points) and parlayed that into a stellar professional career overseas. Weirzbicki was truly one of a kind, and I’m so happy I got to witness him play as often as I did.
Honorable Mention:
Yusuf Abdul-Ali (Bentley)
Adewale Adefemi (USciences)
Brandon Arnette (UMass-Lowell)
Mike Baldarelli (Assumption)
Clayton Barker (NJIT)
Michael Beaton (Mercy)
Jeff Bishop (Bentley)
Kimani Blaize (Adelphi)
Dave Boykin (Bridgeport)
Chris Burns (Bryant)
Sam Carey (Southern New Hampshire)
Nick Carter (C.W. Post)
Ismael Caro (New Haven)
Cassius Chaney (New Haven)
Akeem Comas (St. Thomas Aquinas)
Sean Cooke (Bentley)
Jesse Cort (Saint Rose)
Kendall Craig (Mercy/Adelphi)
Tai Crutchfield (Philadelphia)
Lyndon Daniel (C.W. Post)
Mike Dunn (Philadelphia)
Richie Edwards (Adelphi)
Lataiva Escho (Nyack)
Jon Ezeokoli (Bryant)
Vincent Falzone (Molloy)
Richard Fields (Concordia)
Lew Finnegan (Bentley)
Russell Frederick (Philadelphia)
Jim Gamble (Holy Family)
Jean Georges (Caldwell)
Shahar Golan (Assumption)
Miguel Gonzalez (Southern New Hampshire)
Craig Griffin (Merrimack)
Uri Grunwald (UMass-Lowell)
Jason Holmes (Le Moyne)
Malcolm Ingram (Jefferson)
Prince Jackson (Dominican)
Gordon James (Bridgeport)
Ryan Lancaster (Holy Family)
Brian Larrabee (Southern New Hampshire)
Peter Lawal (Teikyo-Post)
Justin Leith (Merrimack)
Jayson Lewis (Southampton)
Philip Lyons (Queens)
Gerry McNair (C.W. Post)
Wayne Nelson (Adelphi)
Mark Pater (St. Michael’s)
Manny Perez (Caldwell)
Miguel Pierre-Fanfan (New York Tech)
Ryan Presson (Jefferson)
Flagan Prince (Le Moyne)
A.J. Reitter (Teikyo-Post)
Brian Robinson (Assumption)
A.J. Rudowitz (Stonehill)
Javier Salson (Bloomfield)
David Seagers (Dowling)
Phil Sellers (Saint Rose)
Patrick Shea (Assumption)
John Sikiric (Queens)
Curtis Small (Southampton)
John Sullivan (New Haven)
Taurean Temple (Wilmington)
Rob Thorpe (Le Moyne)
Brian Tomko (Philadelphia)
Patrick Tunstead (New York Tech)
Isaiah Wallace (American International)
Brent Welton (Philadelphia)
James Whyte (UMass-Lowell)
Gene Wilard (USciences)
Mike Williams (Bryant)
Team of the Decade:
The 2007-08 Bentley Falcons
Just edging out the prior year’s team, as well as the following year’s C.W. Post Pioneers for this honor, the ’07-08 Falcons played a perfect regular season, won all three games in the NE10 Tournament and swept through the regional on its home floor, the Dana Center. Though it seemed an impossible task to duplicate those achievements, this team actually went deeper into the postseason, knocking off North Alabama at the Elite-8 in nearby Springfield before falling to eventual national champion Winona State (MN) in the national semifinals. Up until this season, the only team from our region ever to reach the Elite-8 with an undefeated record and #1 national ranking had been the 2000-01 Adelphi Panthers (C.W. Post would also achieve this rare distinction a year later), so repeating – especially in the rugged Northeast-10 Conference – was unfathomable. By the end of this magical season, Bentley had won an unprecedented (in our region) 54 consecutive regular-season games, six straight NE10 playoff games and six straight NCAA East Regional contests. Epic stuff!
Coach of the Decade:
Jay Lawson (Bentley) – The shepherd of that relentless, intelligent, disciplined and perfectly balanced team, Lawson and his Falcons enjoyed 10 straight winning seasons with gawdy records of 233-81 overall (.742), 165-51 in conference play (.764). 16-7 in the NE-10 Tourney (.696) and 11-6 in the NCAA Tournament (.647). The last three years of the decade were absurdly brilliant: 92-9 overall (.911), 62-4 in league play (.939), 6-1 in the conference tourney (.857) and 9-3 in the NCAAs (.750), reaching the Sweet 16 in each of those campaigns. In this age of parity and the transfer portal, these are numbers we are likely never to see again.
I hope you enjoyed reading as much as I did writing and reminiscing. I welcome your opinions and criticisms. As always, the thoughts expressed in this column are just one man’s opinion. Hope to see you Around the Rim sometime soon.