FLUSHING, N.Y. (Nov. 10, 2023) - The City University of New York Athletic Conference (CUNYAC) has announced its annual preseason poll for the 2023-24 men’s basketball season. Baruch was chosen as the preseason favorite, as voted upon by the league's head coaches. Head coaches were not permitted to vote for their program.
The 2024 CUNYAC Men’s Basketball Championship is scheduled for Feb. 17-23. First Round action begins on Saturday, Feb. 17, at higher seeds, followed by the semifinal round on Wednesday, Feb. 21 at higher seeds. The tournament finale will be held on Friday, Feb. 23 at CCNY.
Baruch was awarded 49 points and seven first-place votes. The Bearcats were 22-6 overall last season with a 12-2 record against conference opponents. Baruch won the regular season title for the second time in three seasons of play and its third tournament championship in four seasons of play.
Last season’s runner-up, Lehman, was picked second with 40 points and the final first-place vote. The Lightning finished 18-9 overall with an 11-3 record against CUNYAC opposition, reaching the championship game for a second straight season.
CCNY was chosen to finish third with 37 points, followed by John Jay (31), Hunter (26), Brooklyn (20), York (14) and Medgar Evers (7).
2023-24 CUNYAC Men’s Basketball Preseason Poll
- Baruch – 49 Points (Seven First-Place Votes)
- Lehman – 40 (1)
- CCNY – 37
- John Jay - 31
- Hunter – 26
- Brooklyn – 20
- York – 14
- Medgar Evers – 7
CUNYAC Men’s Basketball Preseason Players to Watch
Devin Nicholson (Baruch) – Nicholson was Baruch’s leading scorer a season ago, averaging 13.8 points per contest. He led the conference in three-point percentage (.410) and was No. 2 in made three-point field goals (64). Most importantly, he led the Bearcats to the conference title, scoring the game-winning basketball in overtime to earn Championship Game MVP honors. He was named a First Team CUNYAC All-Star, a Second Team NABC All-District performer and a third All-Met honoree.
Malik Dale (Brooklyn) – In his first season at Brooklyn, Dale made 14 starts, averaging 8.5 points per game. He dropped 30 in a win over Old Westbury and scored 41 in a road victory at Hunter.
Yassine Sakhi (CCNY) – Sakhi ranked third in the CUNYAC in scoring last season (18.1) and led the league in made field goals (117). The guard also ranked among the top five in offensive rebounds (163) and made free throws (146). He was named a First Team CUNYAC All-Star and a Second Team All-Met performer for his efforts.
Luka Jakic (Hunter) – Jakic led the conference last season in double-doubles (14), made free throws (130) and offensive rebounds per games (4.37). He ranked No. 2 in total rebounds (290) and rebounds per game (10.7). He was a First Team All-CUNYAC performer and a Third Team All-Met honoree.
Isaac Holmes (John Jay) – Holmes was John Jay’s leading scorer a season ago, averaging 15.0 points per contest. He finished with 10 or more points in 17 games, including six outings of 20 or more. Holmes finished the season ranked No. 3 in free throw percentage (.770).
Kai Parris (Lehman) – Parris is Lehman’s top returning scorer from a season ago, averaging 8.5 points per game. He produced nine double-digit point contests.
Andre Evans Jr. (Medgar Evers) – Evans Jr. is Medgar Evers’ top returning scorer from a season ago, averaging 10.2 points per contest. He ranked No. 3 in the CUNYAC in steals (54) and steals per game (2.16).
Olawale Kila (York) – Kila averaged 12.7 points and 9.7 rebounds last season in a Cardinals uniform, ranking third in the conference in double-doubles (9). He finished No. 3 in the league in rebounds (252) and rebounds per game (9.7). He earned a spot on the CUNYAC All-Star Second Team for his performance.
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