CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - Lesley University men's basketball season kicks off this week when the squad hosts Gordon College on Friday, November 8 at 7:30 p.m. This year, head coach Devon Mayo and the Lynx to continue to build from last year and make an impact in the 2024-25 season.
With a healthy mix of returners and new incoming student-athletes, whether via the transfer route or incoming freshman, Coach Mayo is looking forward to what's to come from this year's squad. "I am looking forward to having an experienced team this season," said Mayo. "We have some key returners who I think will have a huge impact on the success to the season. Seniors Malachi Howard and Christian Castro will be leading the program as our captains, and they've both been here since their freshman year. I'm excited for the impactful transfers and freshmen who are a part of the program, but most of all, I'm excited to continue building a relationship with everyone who's bought into building a winning culture."
WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO
- The Lynx roster features eight returners from last year's squad, including their top two scorers, Malachi Howard (Winter Haven, Fla.) and Tarell Joseph (Hempstead, N.Y.). Howard posted career-highs in points per game (17.6) and field goal percentage (67.7 percent). Last season, Howard had 12 contests with 20+ points, highlighted by a career-high 30-point outing vs. SUNY Cobleskill (Jan. 12, 2024), which also included a season-high five assist effort. Joseph also had a career year for the Lynx last season, setting new bests in points per game (10.7), assists per game (2.5), and rebounds per game (3.5). Joseph Posted 10 games in double-figures, including a career-high 24-point showing vs. Regis (Nov. 28, 2023).
- Christian Castro (Chesapeake, Va.) is also one of the year's eight returners. Last season, Castro led the squad in three-point shooting at 40.8 percent. He shot over 50 percent from three in seven games, including a 5-6 outing vs. VTSU-Lyndon (Feb.2).
- Along with the eight returners, Coach Mayo will also mix in three transfers, including Tyrese Baffour (Auburn, Mass.), Jaxon Miles (Arlington, Texas), and CJ Leonard (Raynham, Mass.). Baffour joins the squad from both Triton College and Quinsigamond Community College, and Miles comes all the way from the University of Dallas. Finally, Leonard joins Lesley after playing at Massasoit Community College.
- Lesley will also feature three freshmen looking to make their collegiate debuts this year. The newcomers include Robert Fuccillo (Everett, Mass.), Angelo Blas (North Port, Fla.), and Tavon Rhodes (Dorchester, Mass.).
- The senior group of Castro, Howard, and Kai Burridge (New York, N.Y.) will be looked upon to help guide the Lynx this season.
GAMES TO WATCH
- Lesley's first road game comes against Curry College on Tuesday, November 12, starting at 6 p.m.
- The Lynx will participate in UMass Boston's Black Collegiate Coaches Classic on Friday, November 15, at 5 p.m., taking on Brandeis University.
- For the month of December, the Lynx will remain on the road with four contests, including a matchup with Division I Stonehill College on Wednesday, December 11, at 7 p.m.
- Later in early January, Lesley will feature one of its two three-game homestands. The Lynx homestand will feature three North Atlantic Conference (NAC) matchups against Maine Maritime Academy on Friday, January 10 at 7:30 p.m., Husson University on Sunday, January 12 at 3 p.m., and finally, VTSU-Johson on Wednesday, January 15 at 7:30 p.m.
- The Lynx cap off the 2024-25 regular season with their other three-game homestand, which includes matchups against SUNY Delhi on Friday, February 7, at 7:30 p.m., SUNY Cobleskill on Sunday, February 9, at 4:30 p.m., and VTSU-Lyndon on Tuesday, February 11, at 7:30 p.m.