Men's Basketball: 2019-2020 Season Preview
Story written by Lance Bisson, Head Coach - Men's Basketball; Posted by Anthony Perry, Rivier Unviersity Sports Information Director
NASHUA, N.H. - The 2019-20 version of Raiders will look to be one of the most fast-paced teams in recent history; and be one of the hardest working teams in New England. The level of intensity and the improved depth should allow them to return to past success. Expectations of returning to the GNAC post season are looming in Nashua. Along with the tough GNAC season ahead, the Raiders will be challenged by a strong non- conference schedule with the likes of the Brandies University Judges visiting the Muldoon Gymnasium this season. The season tips off Friday November 8th at 7 p.m. with a home tilt against Curry College.
Returning Players:
Senior captain Josh L'Heureux (Dracut, Mass.) will be leading in his senior campaign as the most experienced member of the team. Josh's knowledge of the teams' system and shooting ability will set the tone for the team. Senior captain Issaiah Chappell (Sunapee, N.H.) is one of the elite scorers within all of New England, last year netting an impressive 15 points per game. This year Issaiah has returned as an improved defender with the ability to have a historic senior season. Senior Josh O'Loughlin (Milford, N.H.) has been a steady force for the Raiders over the past 3 seasons. A player who has had many different roles in seasons past has always excelled in whatever has been asked of him, his consistency is a calming force throughout the program. Sunior captain Ian Wade (Windsor Locks, Conn.) is one of the greatest leaders in program history; and will be called upon to guide teammates throughout the 2019-20 season.
The Junior class is led by the versatile and talented Tyler Bradanese (Billerica, Mass.) who is primed to have a breakout season. Tyler will be called upon to anchor the Raiders defense all while impacting the offensive end with a toolbox of different skills and abilities. Junior Jack McCarthy (Rowley, Mass.) has come into the season as the most improved member of the team; having the ability to affect the teams' success in many ways. Junior Patrick Meyers (Wolfeboro Falls, N.H.) is sharp shooting guard who will be called upon to stretch the floor for this year.
The Sophomore class will be led by guard Jake Santiago (Manchester, N.H.) whose hard-nosed approach and defensive prowess will be invaluable. Jake as a sophomore will be called upon to be one the leading members of the Raiders. Sophomore Jack Walsh (Cross River, N.Y.) is another member of the sophomore class that is a hard-nosed player and who will bring toughness to the floor.
New Players:
The Rivier Raiders will be welcoming two transfers, who both fill out the sophomore class. Sophomore Pharaoh Davis (Plainville, Mass.) will be asked to lead the team from the Point Guard position this season. Pharaoh is an explosive player who has the ability to get teammates open shots all while remaining a scoring threat at any time. Sophomore Kyron Greenaway (Stamford, Conn.) comes to the Raiders as a long, athletic big man who has the ability to guard multiple positions with elite shot blocking potential.
The Raiders are excited to welcome in one of the most decorated freshman classes in over a decade. This group will be called upon as the season goes along to contribute and play significant minutes once they gain valuable experience and lessons. Freshman Nesta Roberts (Manchester, Conn.) comes as a sought after recruit from the prep ranks who will impact the paint immediately. Freshman Chance Eason-Jones (Manchester, Conn.) is a high level competitor who is as versatile as any freshman in New England. His ability on both ends of the floor with allow the teams' success to flourish at a rate well ahead of a normal freshman. Freshman, Kevin Redler (Ellington, Conn.) comes to Rivier as a polished scorer with the ability to score at all three levels. Freshman Nikolas Pignone (Stoneham, Mass.) is a decorated prep player with an elite ability to score the ball. Freshman Benjamin Lindsay (Derry, N.H.) is an explosive wing player who makes the Raiders more athletic immediately, Ben's high motor and bulldog mentality bring toughness that past Raider teams have not seen. Freshman Javier Carrasco Alvarez (Madrid, Spain) comes to Rivier from Spain, Javier is an extremely talented young player with a high level basketball IQ.