College Basketball

“2025-26 Stony Brook Basketball Preview: New-Look Seawolves Ready to Make Noise in the CAA”

Posted by Kim Muhammad on

Entering his seventh season at the helm, Geno Ford has firmly established himself as the architect of Stony Brook’s competitive resurgence. Coming off a contract extension through 2025–26, Ford brings a winning pedigree—back‑to‑back MAC regular-season titles at Kent State, CAA upset runs, and a reputation for developing sharpshooters and gritty guards. 

Rob Brown III

His core philosophy—“get better throughout the season and play our best basketball in March”—resonates with high‑performers, making him a perfect anchor for a Seawolves roster primed for growth.

🔍 2025–26 Stony Brook Seawolves Scouting Report

All player info verified from the official roster South Shore Press+5Stony Brook University Athletics+5Stony Brook University Athletics+5

🧠 Player-by-Player Breakdown

🔴 Erik Pratt • Gr. • G • 6’5″ (Milwaukee grad transfer)

Erik Pratt

🔴 Rob Brown III • Gr. • G • 6’4″ (Nicholls State transfer)

🔴 Toby Onyekonwu • Sr. • G • 6’2″ (Stony Brook)

  • ✅ Strengths: System-savvy passer, unselfish
  • ⚠️ Challenges: Defensive effort and consistency
  • 🎯 Role: Veteran backup to steady the second unit

🔴 Jonah Butler • Fr. • G • 6’6″ (Calloway County HS)

  • ✅ Strengths: Athletic downhill guard, upside on offense
  • ⚠️ Challenges: Decision making and pace adjustment
  • 🎯 Role: Energy reserve, long-term guard option

🔴 Ethan Simmon • Sr. • G • 6’5″ (New Haven transfer)

🔴 Andrew Okafor • Fr. • F • 6’8″ (Archbishop McCarthy)

🔴 Jake Harbatkin • Fr. • G • 6’3″ (Olympic Heights HS)

  • ✅ Strengths: High-IQ shooter with 19.9 PPG in high school Stony Brook University Athletics
  • ⚠️ Challenges: Adjusting to NCAA pace
  • 🎯 Role: Spot-up shooter off bench

🔴 Richard Goods • So. • F • 6’9″ (Grimsley HS)

  • ✅ Strengths: Physical presence, rebounding edge
  • ⚠️ Challenges: Still raw in post moves
  • 🎯 Role: Frontcourt depth, energy minutes

🔴 Collin O’Connor • So. • G • 6’3″ (Western Reserve Academy)

🔴 Quin Gorman • So. • F • 6’8″ (Flint Hill)

Quin Gorman
  • ✅ Strengths: Long athlete, hustle rebounder
  • ⚠️ Challenges: Needs strength and assertiveness
  • 🎯 Role: Small-ball forward, energizer

🔴 Oleg Kojenets • Gr. • F • 7’0″ (Nebraska & Wyoming transfer)

🔴 Tomas Valentiny • Fr. • F • 6’6″ (Czech pro)

  • ✅ Strengths: Experience overseas, smooth 3-point shooter (12 PPG, 6.4 RPG) Stony Brook University Athletics
  • ⚠️ Challenges: Transitioning to college style
  • 🎯 Role: Floor-spacing forward off the bench

🔴 Andrej Shoshkikj • Fr. • G • 6’2″ (North Macedonia pro)

🔴 Leon Nahar • Jr. • F • 6’10″ (Asheville School)

🎙️ Inside Head Coach Geno Ford on This Year’s Core

“We need all of those new guys… Somebody has to put the ball in the basket, get a rebound in traffic… I feel those new guys can give us firepower.” Mid-Major Madness

Ford’s calm yet demanding leadership, backed by a contract extension through 2025–26, sets a tone of continuity and energy for the rebuild Instagram.

📌 Team Strengths & Challenges at a Glance

Strengths:

  • 🎯 Deep shooting (Pratt, Nahar, Valentiny)
  • 🛡️ Defensive versatility across guards and wings
  • 🌍 Diverse blend of veteran and international talent

Challenges:

  • 🏋️‍♂️ Physical adjustment for newcomers and freshmen
  • 💡 Cohesion required among 10 newcomers
  • 🧱 Interior depth is shallow without consistent Kojenets or Okafor minutes

🧾 Final Outlook & 2025–26 Prediction

Under Coach Ford’s seasoned guidance, the Seawolves assemble a dynamic mix—veteran scorers, high-upside freshmen, and savvy international players. The keys to success:

  1. Immediate impact from Pratt and Shoshkikj
  2. Breakout breakout roles for O’Connor and Nahar
  3. Physical development and cohesion in the first half

Prediction:
Mid-tier CAA finish (7th–9th), with a strong case for an early-round tournament upset—if the newcomers acclimate quickly and the defense holds. A 20-win milestone is within reach.

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