2019-20 Men's Basketball Preview

SALEM, Mass. -- Four-time MASCAC head Coach of the Year, Chris Harvey is primed to start his 12th season at the helm of the Salem State's men's basketball program. The Vikings finished 18-10 overall a year ago while taking home the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) championship for the 18th time. Salem State also earned an invitation to the NCAA Division III tournament last season, losing in the first round, 72-59 to Oswergo State.  

2019-2020 OUTLOOK

With a chip on their shoulder, the Vikings will look to display a collective pride on the defensive end to win back-to-back conference championships. Picked first overall in the coaches pre-season poll, Salem State will look to head back to the NCAA Tournament this year.

KEY PLAYERS

Senior Sean Bryan (Lowell, Mass.) returns after winning the 2018-2019 MASCAC Player of the Year award averaging 25.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 2.1 steals last season.

Senior Hakeem Animashaun (Dedham, Mass.) made the All-MASCAC First-Team with an average of 21 points on 63.8% shooting, 11.3 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game.

NEWCOMERS

Freshman guard Jaden Castillo (Lawrence, Mass.) will bring a high motor from both sides of the ball. The other additions at guard are freshmen Pat Sullivan (Milton, Mass.) and Henry Doherty (Northampton, Mass.). Freshman Jimmy McEwen (Somerville, Mass.), juniors Jean Saint-Vil (Everett, Mass.) and Mass Joof (Revere, Mass.) will be filling in the spots at forward.

COACH'S TAKE

"Each year the goal is to come together as one. We've got a strong core returning from last year's NCAA Tournament team including MASCAC Player of the Year Sean Bryan and 1st Team All-Conference forward Hakeem Animashaun. We realize last year is just that and even though we were picked pre-season favorites, no one wins a title with projections. Respect given is nice respect earned is far greater."