“2025-26 Stony Brook Basketball Preview: New-Look Seawolves Ready to Make Noise in the CAA”
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.
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)
- ✅ Strengths: Proven 11.7 PPG scorer, efficient shooter (41.6 FG, 35 3PT) St. John’s University Athletics+4Stony Brook University Athletics+4South Shore Press+4
- ⚠️ Challenges: Adjusting to CAA’s physical guard play
- 🎯 Role: Instant off-the-bench scoring boost
🔴 Rob Brown III • Gr. • G • 6’4″ (Nicholls State transfer)
- ✅ Strengths: Leadership, physical defense, steady decision-making Mid-Major Madness+1Stony Brook University Athletics+1Stony Brook University Athletics
- ⚠️ Challenges: Needs to improve shot creation
- 🎯 Role: Defensive anchor in backcourt, 8–10 MPG
🔴 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)
- ✅ Strengths: Defensive length and athleticism Stony Brook University Athletics+12Wikipedia+12The Statesman+12Wikipedia+5Stony Brook University Athletics+5Stony Brook University Athletics+5
- ⚠️ Challenges: Needs consistent shooting to stay on floor
- 🎯 Role: 3‑D wing, depth and energy
🔴 Andrew Okafor • Fr. • F • 6’8″ (Archbishop McCarthy)
- ✅ Strengths: Long, versatile defender, freshman upside Stony Brook University AthleticsStony Brook University Athletics
- ⚠️ Challenges: Needs to add strength and polish offensively
- 🎯 Role: Developmental big with future rotation potential
🔴 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)
- ✅ Strengths: Energetic spark plug, CAA All-Rookie, 4× Rookie of the Week Stony Brook University AthleticsWikipedia+12Stony Brook University Athletics+12Stony Brook University Athletics+12
- ⚠️ Challenges: Needs strength and defensive polish
- 🎯 Role: Breakout combo guard, key rotation
🔴 Quin Gorman • So. • F • 6’8″ (Flint Hill)
- ✅ Strengths: Long athlete, hustle rebounder
- ⚠️ Challenges: Needs strength and assertiveness
- 🎯 Role: Small-ball forward, energizer
🔴 Oleg Kojenets • Gr. • F • 7’0″ (Nebraska & Wyoming transfer)
- ✅ Strengths: Rare size, shot deterrence
- ⚠️ Challenges: Mobility and stamina
- 🎯 Role: Rim protector, reserve big (12–15 MPG) Stony Brook University AthleticsStony Brook University Athletics
🔴 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)
- ✅ Strengths: Fundamental pro skills, efficient shooter (48.5 FG%) Stony Brook University AthleticsStony Brook University Athletics
- ⚠️ Challenges: Raw in NCAA scheme
- 🎯 Role: Project guard, backup ball-handling
🔴 Leon Nahar • Jr. • F • 6’10″ (Asheville School)
- ✅ Strengths: Elite stretch big (44.7% 3PT), shot maker Stony Brook University AthleticsStony Brook University Athletics
- ⚠️ Challenges: Needs consistency and more minutes
- 🎯 Role: Bench stretch big, spacing specialist
🎙️ 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:
- Immediate impact from Pratt and Shoshkikj
- Breakout breakout roles for O’Connor and Nahar
- 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.
