====== 2025-26 Season ====== The 2025-26 UMass Minutemen men's basketball team represents the University of Massachusetts, the flagship campus in Amherst. The Head Coach is [[Frank Martin]]. The season represents the 117th season of basketball in the school's history. This is UM's first season as a member of the [[MAC]], after having been a charter member of the [[atlantic_10|Atlantic 10 Conference]]. * **Final Overall Record:** 17-16 * **Final Conference Record:** 7-11 (tied for 7th, 8th after tiebreakers) ^Record^Overall^MAC^ |All games|17-16|7-11| |Home|11-5|5-4| |Away|2-8|2-7| |Neutral|4-3|0-0| |Overtime|0-4|0-3| ^ Previous Season ^ Next Season ^ | [[season_2024-25|2024-25]] | [[season_2026-27|2026-27]] | ===== Scoreboard ===== ^ Game ^^^^^ Record ^^ Notes ^ ^ Date ^ Opponent ^ Game Results ^ UM High Scorer ^ UM High Rebounder ^ Overall ^ MAC ^ ::: ^ | 10/19 | at [[opponent_brown|Brown]] | @#ddffdd:[[game20251019_brown|W 92-74]] | [[marcus_banks|Banks]] (24) | [[luka_damjanac|Damjanac]] (5) | -- | -- |Exhibition. UM scores 59 points in the second half, shoots .529 from the field, .519 from three. All players except Engel get time. [[daniel_hankins-sanford|DHS]] 12. Ten pts each from [[leonardo_bettiol|Bettiol]], [[kjei_parker|Parker]], [[danny_carbuccia|Carbuccia]].| | 10/25 | [[opponent_rhode_island_college|Rhode Island College]] | @#ddffdd:[[game20251025_rhode_island_college|W 109-78]] | [[leonardo_bettiol|Bettiol]] and [[daniel_hankins-sanford|Hankins-Sanford]] (22 each) | [[daniel_hankins-sanford|Hankins-Sanford]] (13) | -- | -- |Exhibition. UM shoots 54% from the floor, gets to the line 42 times. [[dimitri_clerc|Clerc]] 14 pts, [[dwayne_wimbley|Wimbley]] 11-5-5-3. Tyriek Weeks (son of [[weeks_tyrone|Tyrone]], brother of [[weeks_tj|TJ]]) 14 & 5 for RIC.| | 11/3 | [[opponent_marshall|Marshall]] | @#ffdddd:[[game20251103_marshall|L 78-72]] | [[marcus_banks|Banks]] (18) | [[leonardo_bettiol|Bettiol]] and [[daniel_hankins-sanford|Hankins-Sanford]] (5 each) | 0-1 | -- |MAC - [[wp>Sun Belt Conference|Sun Belt]] Challenge. More of the same from [[season_2024-25|'24-25]] with rough shooting (28% 3FG, 58% FT). UM -12 on the glass, turns it over 20 times, and doesn't take enough advantage of 26 Marshall turnovers. DHS ineffective with 6 points in 19 minutes. Bettiol 15 pts, [[kjei_parker|Parker]] 13-1-6.| | 11/8 | [[opponent_albany|Albany]] | @#ddffdd:[[game20251108_albany|W 83-62]] | [[leonardo_bettiol|Bettiol]] (23) | [[daniel_hankins-sanford|Hankins-Sanford]] (10) | 1-1 | -- |UM rights the ship, improving the rebounding (+12), FT shooting (70%), turnovers (7 fewer than game one). Double-double from DHS with 14 & 10, [[kjei_parker|Parker]] 12 points. [[donovan_brown|Brown]] and [[charles_outlaw|Outlaw]] see their first UM action.| | 11/13 | [[opponent_le_moyne|Le Moyne]] | @#ddffdd:[[game20251113_le_moyne|W 94-80]] | [[marcus_banks|Banks]] (26) | [[leonardo_bettiol|Bettiol]] (14) | 2-1 | -- |UM builds a 24-point lead in the second, lets the Dolphins creep back in a bit, but still prevails. [[kjei_parker|Parker]] 19 points, new D-I career high. Bettiol double-double with 17 & 14. Banks shoots 9-17 from the field. All starters register a positive +/-, but all M'men subs in the negative, room to get better.| | 11/16 | [[opponent_central_connecticut|Central CT]] | @#ddffdd:[[game20251116_central_connecticut|W 84-77]] | [[kjei_parker|Parker]] (22) | Bettiol (15) | 3-1 | -- |UM builds a 51-28 lead at the half, but gets thoroughly outplayed in H2, CCSU cut it to 5 but ran out of time. Parker a new D-I career high. Offense ran thru Bettiol in H2 as [[marcus_banks|Banks]] (3-11) and [[daniel_hankins-sanford|DHS]] (2-8) struggle.| | 11/21 | vs [[opponent_college_of_charleston|Charleston]] | @#ffdddd:[[game20251121_charleston|L 69-65]] | [[marcus_banks|Banks]] (18) | [[jayden_ndjigue|Ndjigue]] (8) | 3-2 | -- |Paradise Jam, First Round. Charleston's aggression gets them 29 trips to the line and they capitalize with 24 FTs (83%), versus 6-13 (46%) for UM. [[leonardo_bettiol|Bettiol]] 14 pts.| | 11/22 | vs [[opponent_wisconsin_green_bay|Green Bay]] | @#ffdddd:[[game20251122_wisconsin_green_bay|L 79-75]] | [[leonardo_bettiol|Bettiol]] (21) | Bettiol (8) | 3-3 | -- |Paradise Jam, Second Round. UM gives up 38 points in the paint and sends GB to the line 35 times. [[marcus_banks|Banks]] 19 pts, [[danny_carbuccia|Carbuccia]] 16. [[daniel_hankins-sanford|DHS]] ineffective with 7 & 3 in 14 foul-plagued minutes.| | 11/24 | vs [[opponent_oregon_state|Oregon State]] | @#ddffdd:[[game20251124_oregon_state|W 73-65]] | [[daniel_hankins-sanford|Hankins-Sanford]] (24) | Hankins-Sanford (11) | 4-3 | -- |Paradise Jam, 7th Place Game. DHS comes alive with a new career-high in points. [[danny_carbuccia|Carbuccia]] gets his first start and produces a team-best +23 and tallies 8-1-5-4. [[marcus_banks|Banks]] 14 pts. [[rollie_castineyra|Rollie]] sees meaningful minutes as [[frank_martin|Frank]] shakes up the guard rotation.| | 12/3 | [[opponent_harvard|Harvard]] | @#ddffdd:[[game20251203_harvard|W 78-71]] | [[marcus_banks|Banks]] (29) | [[jayden_ndjigue|Ndjigue]] (6) | 5-3 | -- |Harvard's off night from deep (0 for first 13) puts them in a 23-point hole, but they fight back to make it a 3-point game in the final minute. UM hits their final FTs to seal it. Banks new UM high. [[danny_carbuccia|Carbuccia]] 13 assists.| | 12/6 | [[opponent_lowell|UMass Lowell]] | @#ddffdd:[[game20251206_lowell|W 80-60]] | [[marcus_banks|Banks]] (17) | [[daniel_hankins-sanford|Hankins-Sanford]] (9) | 6-3 | -- |Tied at 26 but UM breaks away, with five M'men in double figures ([[jayden_ndjigue|Ndjigue]] 15, [[leonardo_bettiol|Bettiol]] 13, DHS and [[kjei_parker|Parker]] 12 each).| | 12/10 | vs [[opponent_boston_college|Boston College]] | @#ddffdd:[[game20251210_boston_college|W 76-74]] | [[marcus_banks|Banks]] (29) | [[jayden_ndjigue|Ndjigue]] (11) | 7-3 | -- |At the [[springfield_civic_center|MassMutual Center]], Springfield MA. UM builds a 14-pt lead in the second half, stalls and BC goes on a 25-5 run to take the lead. UM responds and closes out their 4th straight win over BC. Banks leads all scorers, matches his UM high, and pulls in 7 boards. [[daniel_hankins-sanford|DHS]] 17-2-3, [[leonardo_bettiol|Bettiol]] 12-8-3.| | 12/13 | vs [[opponent_florida_state|Florida State]] | @#ddffdd:[[game20251213_florida_state|W 103-95]] | [[daniel_hankins-sanford|Hankins-Sanford]] and [[kjei_parker|Parker]] (24 each) | [[daniel_hankins-sanford|Hankins-Sanford]] (10) | 8-3 | -- |UM shoots 54% for the game and scores 60 in the second half to get another win over the ACC. DHS shoots 10-16, matches his career high in scoring, and notches third double-double on the season. Parker sets a new D-I career high. [[leonardo_bettiol|Bettiol]] 20 & 8, [[marcus_banks|Banks]] 18. Former M'man [[Shahid Muhammad]] 4 & 3 for 'Noles.| | 12/20 | [[opponent_kent_state|Kent State]] | @#ffdddd:[[game20251220_kent_state|L 69-59]] | [[leonardo_bettiol|Bettiol]] (14) | [[daniel_hankins-sanford|Hankins-Sanford]] (12) | 8-4 | 0-1 |Kent's aggressive D frustrates UM into 33% shooting. Kent's [[https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/delrecco-gillespie-1.html|Gillespie]], already leading D-I in RPG, goes off for 18 points and 20 rebounds. Double-double for DHS with 11 & 12. [[marcus_banks|Banks]] struggles with 1-10 FG, his lowest FG% in 2+ years.| | 12/22 | [[opponent_umass_boston|UMass Boston]] | @#ddffdd:[[game20251222_umass_boston|W 91-40]] | [[leonardo_bettiol|Bettiol]] (20) | [[luka_damjanac|Damjanac]] (12) | 9-4 | |Flagship destroys D-III Beacons with a +45 rebounding edge, including 24-2 on the offensive glass. Leo shoots 9-10 from the floor. Luka pulls in his 12 boards in 18 minutes of work. [[daniel_hankins-sanford|DHS]] and [[danny_carbuccia|Carbuccia]] 11 pts each. [[marcus_banks|Banks]] still out of sorts with 1-5 shooting and 2 points.| | 12/30 | at [[opponent_eastern_michigan|Eastern Michigan]] | @#ffdddd:[[game20251230_eastern_michigan|L 80-74]] | [[daniel_hankins-sanford|Hankins-Sanford]] (18) | [[daniel_hankins-sanford|Hankins-Sanford]] (11) | 9-5 | 0-2 |UM a step slow after the Christmas break, racking up 27 fouls and sending EMU to the line 39 times (opp. season high). UM also dishes a season-low 10 assists. [[marcus_banks|Banks]] & [[kjei_parker|Parker]] 14 each, [[dimitri_clerc|Clerc]] 13 & 6. [[leonardo_bettiol|Bettiol]] a non-factor with just 2 & 1.| | 1/3 | [[opponent_bowling_green|Bowling Green]] | @#ffdddd:[[game20260103_bowling_green|L 101-100 (OT)]] | [[leonardo_bettiol|Bettiol]] (32) | [[leonardo_bettiol|Bettiol]] (14) | 9-6 | 0-3 |UM had a 7-point lead with under a minute to play in regulation, missed a free throw, and fouled on a 3 on BG's last chance. BG's Campbell torches UM for a career-high 47 on 45 minutes of work. Bettiol's career-high (32) wasted.| | 1/6 | at [[opponent_ohio|Ohio]] | @#ffdddd:[[game20260106_ohio|L 86-83]] | [[daniel_hankins-sanford|Hankins-Sanford]] (16) | [[dimitri_clerc|Clerc]] and [[daniel_hankins-sanford|Hankins-Sanford]] (9 each) | 9-7 | 0-4 |UM plays olé defense in H1, allowing 68% shooting to Ohio, tightens it up and takes a brief lead in H2, but can't make the critical plays. [[marcus_banks|Banks]] 14 on 6-16 FG, [[danny_carbuccia|Carbuccia]] 13 pts & 8 assists. [[leonardo_bettiol|Leo]] limited to 19 min with some ankle trouble.| | 1/10 | [[opponent_ball_state|Ball State]] | @#ddffdd:[[game20260110_ball_state|W 79-71]] | [[leonardo_bettiol|Bettiol]] (20) | [[daniel_hankins-sanford|Hankins-Sanford]] (10) | 10-7 | 1-4 |UM registers their first MAC win. UM let Ball hang around (Ball had a lead with 13:39 remaining), but UM did enough for the W. [[marcus_banks|Banks]] 17, [[kjei_parker|Parker]] 14, DHS another double-double with 10 & 10.| | 1/13 | at [[opponent_western_michigan|Western Michigan]] | @#ddffdd:[[game20260113_western_michigan|W 85-82]] | [[marcus_banks|Banks]] (22) | [[leonardo_bettiol|Bettiol]] (8) | 11-7 | 2-4 |Each team goes on runs in H2, but UM prevails down the stretch with much-needed foul shots (16-19, plus one intentional miss to ice it.) Bettiol adds 21 points, [[kjei_parker|Parker]] 20. [[daniel_hankins-sanford|DHS]] has an off night, 1-7 from the field.| | 1/17 | at [[opponent_northern_illinois|Northern Illinois]] | @#ffdddd:[[game20260117_northern_illinois|L 70-68]] | [[leonardo_bettiol|Bettiol]] (25) | [[leonardo_bettiol|Bettiol]] (7) | 11-8 | 2-5 |Bad loss to the NET 324 Huskies, after being favored by 8. UM goes without a field goal for the final 3+ minutes, [[daniel_hankins-sanford|DHS]] fouls out after just 16 minutes with 2 points. [[marcus_banks|Banks]] 16 points, [[kjei_parker|Parker]] 15.| | 1/20 | [[opponent_toledo|Toledo]] | @#ddffdd:[[game20260120_toledo|W 84-82]] | [[leonardo_bettiol|Bettiol]] (20) | [[daniel_hankins-sanford|Hankins-Sanford]] (11) | 12-8 | 3-5 |UM survives 55% FG and 80% FT from the Rockets, but hits 9 threes and goes +8 on the glass. Double-doubles from DHS (12 & 11) and [[jayden_ndjigue|Ndjigue]] (12 & 10, and the first of his career). [[marcus_banks|Banks]] 15 pts, [[kjei_parker|Parker]] 13.| | 1/23 | at [[opponent_buffalo|Buffalo]] | @#ddffdd:[[game20260123_buffalo|W 68-67]] | [[marcus_banks|Banks]] (19) | [[daniel_hankins-sanford|Hankins-Sanford]] (11) | 13-8 | 4-5 |UM perseveres on the road. UM had a 20-point lead in H1, Buffalo built their own 7-point lead in H2, but UM got it back and UB missed the game-winner at the buzzer. DHS (15 & 10) notches another double-double (7th on season and 2nd straight). [[leonardo_bettiol|Bettiol]] 16 & 7.| | 1/27 | at [[opponent_miami_oh|Miami]] | @#ffdddd:[[game20260127_miami_oh|L 86-84]] | [[leonardo_bettiol|Bettiol]] (22) | [[leonardo_bettiol|Bettiol]] (16) | 13-9 | 4-6 |Miami #24. UM puts up a fight with the undefeated RedHawks, and has a chance to win on the final shot, but hurts their own cause by sending them to the stripe 38 times (and only getting 17 of their own trips.) [[marcus_banks|Banks]] 18 pts, [[daniel_hankins-sanford|DHS]] 16 & 6.| | 1/31 | [[opponent_eastern_michigan|Eastern Michigan]] | @#ddffdd:[[game20260131_eastern_michigan|W 70-67]] | [[leonardo_bettiol|Bettiol]] (20) | [[leonardo_bettiol|Bettiol]] (10) | 14-9 | 5-6 |UM gets the benefit of foul imbalance (35 FTAs to 18 for EMU), survives a night when they go 1-13 (.077) from deep. Bettiol notches double-double #5 with UM. [[jayden_ndjigue|Ndjigue]] sets a new career high with 19.| | 2/3 | [[opponent_central_michigan|Central Michigan]] | @#ddffdd:[[game20260203_central_michigan|W 95-89]] | [[marcus_banks|Banks]] (37) | [[daniel_hankins-sanford|Hankins-Sanford]] (9) | 15-9 | 6-6 |UMass prevails in the gunslingers' battle. Banks 37 pts, 10-15 from 3. CMU's Logan McIntire 40 pts, 12-16 from 3. Both set new career highs and respective program records for 3s in a game. [[danny_carbuccia|Carbuccia]] also sets a new UM program record with 17 assists.| | 2/7 | at [[opponent_usc_coastal_carolina|Coastal Carolina]] | @#ffdddd:[[game20260207_coastal_carolina|L 94-91 (3OT)]] | [[kjei_parker|Parker]] (31) | [[daniel_hankins-sanford|Hankins-Sanford]] (20) | 15-10 | -- |UM surrenders a 14-point second-half lead, and hurts themselves with 48% FT shooting, spoiling career efforts from Parker and DHS. [[marcus_banks|Banks]] 21, [[leonardo_bettiol|Bettiol]] 17 & 10, DHS 10 pts.| | 2/13 | at [[opponent_akron|Akron]] | @#ffdddd:[[game20260213_akron|L 99-92]] | [[kjei_parker|Parker]] (20) | [[luka_damjanac|Damjanac]] / [[jayden_ndjigue|Ndjigue]] / Parker (4 each) | 15-11 | 6-7 |UM scraps but fouls their way to a loss. UM sends the Zips to the line 43 times, their worst in a 40-minute game this season. Akron makes us pay with .884 FT shooting. [[leonardo_bettiol|Bettiol]] and [[daniel_hankins-sanford|DHS]] combine for just 4 rebounds.| | 2/17 | [[opponent_miami_oh|Miami]] | @#ffdddd:[[game20260217_miami_oh|L 86-77]] | [[isaiah_placide|Placide]] (19) | [[leonardo_bettiol|Bettiol]] (9) | 15-12 | 6-8 |Miami came in as D-I's last undefeated team (25-0 / 12-0), and ranked #22. UM took an extremely brief lead at 62-60, but Miami hit 7 of their last 8 FGs to close the deal. Miami played good D on our regulars, as Placide and [[danny_carbuccia|Carbuccia]] (15 pts) were our 1st and 3rd leading scorers, 16 and 9 points above their usual average, respectively.| | 2/21 | [[opponent_buffalo|Buffalo]] | @#ffdddd:[[game20260221_buffalo|L 86-82 (OT)]] | [[marcus_banks|Banks]] (24) | [[leonardo_bettiol|Bettiol]] (8) | 15-13 | 6-9 |UM shoots 52% from the floor, and wins the glass by 10, but the little things add up to a loss: multiple lane violations lead to extra UB points, 59% from the stripe leave UM points off the board. Bettiol 21 pts.| | 2/24 | at [[opponent_ball_state|Ball State]] | @#ffdddd:[[game20260224_ball_state|L 74-73 (OT)]] | [[isaiah_placide|Placide]] (18) | [[leonardo_bettiol|Bettiol]] (14) | 15-14 | 6-10 |Brutal loss. UM was up 53-35 with 12:12 to play, and allowed a 26-5 run to the 3-11 / NET 323 Cardinals, and only saved into OT by Placide's 3. Bettiol fouls out again, [[marcus_banks|Banks]] goes 3-18 and gets hit with a critical T, [[daniel_hankins-sanford|DHS]] "day to day" with an undisclosed injury.| | 2/28 | at [[opponent_bowling_green|Bowling Green]] | @#ffdddd:[[game20260228_bowling_green|L 81-62]] | [[leonardo_bettiol|Bettiol]] (24) | Bettiol (9) | 15-15 | 6-11 |UM had a 14-point lead in H1, 9 at the break, then allowed 53 to BG in H2. [[daniel_hankins-sanford|DHS]] out again in walking boot. [[marcus_banks|Banks]] 4-15. [[dwayne_wimbley|Wimbley]] a career high 10 in his first start.| | 3/3 | [[opponent_ohio|Ohio]] | @#ddffdd:[[game20260303_ohio|W 94-82]] | [[marcus_banks|Banks]] (31) | [[dwayne_wimbley|Wimbley]] (10) | 16-15 | **7-11** |Banks breaks thru recent slump. Wimbley steps up again, sets new career high in boards, as [[daniel_hankins-sanford|DHS]] remains out. [[leonardo_bettiol|Bettiol]] 17 pts, [[danny_carbuccia|Carbuccia]] 13, [[jayden_ndjigue|Ndjigue]] 10 & 6.| | 3/12 | vs [[opponent_miami_oh|Miami]] | @#ddffdd:[[game20260312_miami_oh|W 87-83]] | [[leonardo_bettiol|Bettiol]] (25) | Bettiol / [[daniel_hankins-sanford|Hankins-Sanford]] / [[jayden_ndjigue|Ndjigue]] (8 each) | 17-15 | -- |MAC Quarterfinal, UM #8, Miami #1. UMass fights back from an 11-point H2 deficit, pulls off the big upset over the #20 RedHawks, spoils Miami's undefeated season. Bettiol dominates, draws 10 fouls. Ndjigue puts in arguably his best career game with 16-8-4. DHS returns and starts, contributes 11 & 8. [[marcus_banks|Banks]] 18 pts.| | 3/13 | vs [[opponent_toledo|Toledo]] | @#ffdddd:[[game20260313_toledo|L 77-67]] | [[leonardo_bettiol|Bettiol]] (21) | Bettiol / [[dimitri_clerc|Clerc]] / [[jayden_ndjigue|Ndjigue]] (6 each) | **17-16** | -- |MAC Semifinal, Toledo #4. UM started out flat, fought back to take a brief lead in H1, but fell behind by 9 at the break and never got closer than 7 the rest of the way. UM cuts down the fouls but also gives up 57% FG, and 71% from 2. Bettiol scores but also goes -23 in the +/-. UM 19% from 3 and 52% from the line.| ===== Schedule ===== All times Eastern PM. Boldface opponents indicates a [[MAC]] game. ^ Date ^ Day ^ Time ^ Opponent ^ Site ^ Event ^ TV ^ Streaming Video ^ | 10/19 | Sun | 4:00 | at [[opponent_brown|Brown]] | [[wp>Pizzitola Sports Center]], Providence RI | Exhibition | none | [[https://thevarsitynetwork.com/audioapplink/source/oas-1440/content/brownuni:allaccess-Live-395|Audio only]] | | 10/25 | Sat | 1:00 | [[opponent_rhode_island_college|Rhode Island College]] | [[Mullins Center]] | Exhibition, free admission | none | none | | 11/3 | Mon | 7:00 | [[opponent_marshall|Marshall]] | [[Mullins Center]] | MAC - [[wp>Sun Belt Conference|Sun Belt]] Challenge((https://getsomemaction.com/news/2025/6/30/womens-basketball-initial-matchups-announced-for-2025-26-mac-sbc-challenge.aspx))((https://getsomemaction.com/news/2024/11/4/mens-basketball-mac-sbc-extend-basketball-challenge-series-through-2026-27.aspx)) | none | [[https://plus.espn.com/|ESPN+]] | | 11/8 | Sat | 6:00 | [[opponent_albany|Albany]] | [[Mullins Center]] | WBB vs Siena at 2:00((With the gap in between, assuming this will be a split-admission day)) | none | [[https://plus.espn.com/|ESPN+]] | | 11/13 | Thur | 7:00 | [[opponent_le_moyne|Le Moyne]] | [[Mullins Center]] | | none | [[https://plus.espn.com/|ESPN+]] | | 11/16 | Sun | 2:00 | [[opponent_central_connecticut|Central CT]] | [[Mullins Center]] | | none | [[https://plus.espn.com/|ESPN+]] | | 11/21 | Fri | 3:00 | vs [[opponent_college_of_charleston|Charleston]] | [[wp>Sports and Fitness Center]], Saint Thomas, USVI | [[https://www.basketballtravelers.com/mensparadisejam|Paradise Jam]] | none | [[https://plus.espn.com/|ESPN+]] | | 11/22 | Sat | 3:00 | vs [[opponent_wisconsin_green_bay|Green Bay]] | [[wp>Sports and Fitness Center]], Saint Thomas, USVI | [[https://www.basketballtravelers.com/mensparadisejam|Paradise Jam]] | none | [[https://plus.espn.com/|ESPN+]] | | 11/24 | Mon | 12:30 | vs [[opponent_oregon_state|Oregon State]] | [[wp>Sports and Fitness Center]], Saint Thomas, USVI | [[https://www.basketballtravelers.com/mensparadisejam|Paradise Jam]] | none | [[https://plus.espn.com/|ESPN+]] | | 12/3 | Wed | 7:00 | [[opponent_harvard|Harvard]] | [[Mullins Center]] | | none | [[https://plus.espn.com/|ESPN+]] | | 12/6 | Sat | 4:00 | [[opponent_lowell|UMass Lowell]] | [[Mullins Center]] | | none | [[https://plus.espn.com/|ESPN+]] | | 12/10 | Wed | 7:00((Double-header with Yale vs Albany, which starts at 4:30)) | vs [[opponent_boston_college|Boston College]] | [[springfield_civic_center|MassMutual Center]], Springfield MA | [[https://www.hoophall.com/events/basketball-hall-of-fame-classic/|Hoop Hall Classic]] | [[https://www.espn.com/college-sports/|ESPNU]] | [[https://plus.espn.com/|ESPN+]] | | 12/13 | Sat | Noon | vs [[opponent_florida_state|Florida State]] | [[wp>Amerant Bank Arena]], Sunrise FL | Orange Bowl Classic((Double-header with Florida vs George Washington, at 2:30)) | [[wp>ACC Network]] | [[https://plus.espn.com/|ESPN+]]((If your TV package contains ACC Network)) | | 12/20 | Sat | 2:00 | **[[opponent_kent_state|Kent State]]** | [[Mullins Center]] | UM's first MAC game. | none | [[https://plus.espn.com/|ESPN+]] | | 12/22 | Mon | Noon | [[opponent_umass_boston|UMass Boston]] | [[Mullins Center]] | | none | [[https://plus.espn.com/|ESPN+]] | | 12/30 | Tue | 7:30 | at **[[opponent_eastern_michigan|Eastern Michigan]]** | [[wp>George Gervin GameAbove Center]], Ypsilanti MI | UM's first MAC road trip. | none | [[https://plus.espn.com/|ESPN+]] | | 1/3 | Sat | 2:00 | **[[opponent_bowling_green|Bowling Green]]** | [[Mullins Center]] | | none | [[https://plus.espn.com/|ESPN+]] | | 1/6 | Tue | 6:00 | at **[[opponent_ohio|Ohio]]** | [[wp>Convocation Center (Ohio University)|Convocation Center]], Athens OH | | [[https://www.cbssportsnetwork.com/|CBS Sports Network]] | [[https://www.cbssports.com/watch/cbs-sports-network|CBS Sports Network]] | | 1/10 | Sat | 3:30 | **[[opponent_ball_state|Ball State]]** | [[Mullins Center]] | WBB vs CMU at 1:00((Presumed this will be a single admission double-header)) | none | [[https://plus.espn.com/|ESPN+]] | | 1/13 | Tue | 7:00 | at **[[opponent_western_michigan|Western Michigan]]** | [[wp>University Arena (Western Michigan University)|University Arena]], Kalamazoo MI | | none | [[https://plus.espn.com/|ESPN+]] | | 1/17 | Sat | 3:00 | at **[[opponent_northern_illinois|Northern Illinois]]** | [[wp>Convocation Center (Northern Illinois University)|Convocation Center]], DeKalb IL | | none | [[https://plus.espn.com/|ESPN+]] | | 1/20 | Tue | 6:00 | **[[opponent_toledo|Toledo]]** | [[Mullins Center]] | | none | [[https://plus.espn.com/|ESPN+]] | | 1/23((Date change from 1/24, as CBSSN picked up the broadcast https://umassathletics.com/news/2025/10/23/mens-basketball-mac-announces-2025-26-mens-basketball-national-tv-schedule)) | Fri | 7:00 | at **[[opponent_buffalo|Buffalo]]** | [[wp>Alumni Arena (University at Buffalo)|Alumni Arena]], Amherst NY | | [[https://www.cbssportsnetwork.com/|CBS Sports Network]] | [[https://www.cbssports.com/watch/cbs-sports-network|CBS Sports Network]] | | 1/27 | Tue | 9:00((Moved from 7 to 9 PM https://x.com/UMassMBB/status/2011106465893720446)) | at **[[opponent_miami_oh|Miami]]** | [[wp>Millett Hall]], Miami OH | | [[https://www.espn.com/college-sports/|ESPNU]] | [[https://plus.espn.com/|ESPN+]]((If your TV package contains ESPNU)) | | 1/31 | Sat | 6:00 | **[[opponent_eastern_michigan|Eastern Michigan]]** | [[Mullins Center]] | | none | [[https://plus.espn.com/|ESPN+]] | | 2/3 | Tue | 7:00 | **[[opponent_central_michigan|Central Michigan]]** | [[Mullins Center]] | | none | [[https://plus.espn.com/|ESPN+]] | | 2/7 | Sat | 1:00((https://goccusports.com/news/2026/1/6/mens-basketball-matchups-announced-for-mac-sbc-challenge.aspx)) | at [[opponent_usc_coastal_carolina|Coastal Carolina]] | [[wp>HTC Center]], Conway SC | MAC - [[wp>Sun Belt Conference|Sun Belt]] Challenge((https://getsomemaction.com/news/2026/1/6/february-mens-basketball-matchups-announced-for-2025-26-mac-sbc-challenge.aspx)) | none | [[https://plus.espn.com/|ESPN+]] | | 2/13((TV flexed from 2/14)) | Fri | 9:00 | at **[[opponent_akron|Akron]]** | [[wp>James A. Rhodes Arena|Rhodes Arena]], Akron OH | | [[https://www.cbssportsnetwork.com/|CBS Sports Network]] | [[https://www.cbssports.com/watch/cbs-sports-network|CBS Sports Network]] | | 2/17 | Tue | 7:00 | **[[opponent_miami_oh|Miami]]** | [[Mullins Center]] | | none | [[https://plus.espn.com/|ESPN+]] | | 2/21 | Sat | 6:00 | **[[opponent_buffalo|Buffalo]]** | [[Mullins Center]] | Senior Night, and [[season_1995-96|Final Four run]] 30th anniv.((https://umassathletics.com/news/2026/1/21/massachusetts-athletics-to-celebrate-30-year-anniversary-of-1995-96-mens-basketball-final-four-team)) | none | [[https://plus.espn.com/|ESPN+]] | | 2/24 | Tue | 7:00 | at **[[opponent_ball_state|Ball State]]** | [[wp>Worthen Arena]], Muncie IN | | none | [[https://plus.espn.com/|ESPN+]] | | 2/28 | Sat | 2:00 | at **[[opponent_bowling_green|Bowling Green]]** | [[wp>Stroh Center]], Bowling Green OH | | none | [[https://plus.espn.com/|ESPN+]] | | 3/3 | Tue | 7:00 | **[[opponent_ohio|Ohio]]** | [[Mullins Center]] | | none | [[https://plus.espn.com/|ESPN+]] | | 3/12 | Thur | 11:00 AM | [[opponent_miami_oh|Miami]] | [[wp>Rocket Arena]], Cleveland OH | [[https://getsomemaction.com/feature/MBB-2026?path=mbball|MAC Tournament]], Quarterfinal | none | [[https://plus.espn.com/|ESPN+]] | | 3/13 | Fri | 5:00 | [[opponent_toledo|Toledo]] | [[wp>Rocket Arena]], Cleveland OH | [[https://getsomemaction.com/feature/MBB-2026?path=mbball|MAC Tournament]], Semifinal | [[https://www.cbssportsnetwork.com/|CBS Sports Network]] | [[https://www.cbssports.com/watch/cbs-sports-network|CBS Sports Network]] | **Notes** * The MAC Tournament will be held from March 12-14, in Cleveland. Only the top 8 teams in the standings qualify. * Some MAC game dates and times were subject to change, if games were picked up to be televised on the ESPN family of networks, or CBS Sports Network. A three-week notice was to be announced in those cases.((https://umassathletics.com/news/2025/10/23/mens-basketball-mac-announces-2025-26-mens-basketball-national-tv-schedule)) * The opponent for the February 7 game was determined in January, based on NET ratings, geography, and frequency of past contests.((https://getsomemaction.com/news/2025/6/30/womens-basketball-initial-matchups-announced-for-2025-26-mac-sbc-challenge.aspx))((https://getsomemaction.com/news/2024/11/4/mens-basketball-mac-sbc-extend-basketball-challenge-series-through-2026-27.aspx)) * NESN had been broadcasting our home games since 2019, but that arrangement seems to have ended, possibly due to contractual conflicts with MAC agreements. * A return game with [[opponent_arizona_state|Arizona State]] will reportedly be pushed into [[season_2026-27|2026-27]].((https://x.com/DeanWende1/status/1909658511048396885)) We are expected to travel to ASU, in return for [[game20241221_arizona_state|their trip to Springfield in the 2024-25 season]]. * [[opponent_providence|Providence]] - It was thought that we might play the Friars this season, as a makeup for their backing out of a planned event at Mohegan Sun in November 2024.((https://x.com/MattNorlander/status/1790904411411169288)) However, PC has released their '25-26 non-conf schedule, and we are not on it.((https://friars.com/news/2025/6/17/mens-basketball-mens-basketball-announces-non-conference-schedule)) * [[Frank Martin]] and Ryan Bamford have expressed interest in considering [[atlantic_10|A10]] opponents, particularly [[opponent_rhode_island|Rhode Island]], again in future seasons, but perhaps not in 2025-26. ===== Roster ===== [[https://umassathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/2025-26|Official roster]] ^ ^#^Name^Height^Weight^Class^Pos.^Hometown / HS / Prep / College Transfer^Status^ |{{::banks_marcus_roster_photo_2025-26_final.png?nolink&60|}}|24|[[marcus_banks|Banks, Marcus Jr.]]|6-3|200|Gr.|G|Hampton VA / Fork Union Military Academy / [[opponent_western_carolina|Western Carolina]] / Odessa College / [[opponent_umbc|UMBC]]|@#ddffdd:Active| |{{::bettiol_leonardo_roster_photo_2025-26_final.png?nolink&60|}}|3|[[leonardo_bettiol|Bettiol, Leonardo]]|6-9|238|Gr.|F|Roncade, Italy / Liceo Duca Degli Abruzzi / [[wp>Abilene Christian Wildcats men's basketball|Abilene Christian]]|@#ddffdd:Active| |{{::brown_donovan_roster_photo_2025-26_final.png?nolink&60|}}|10|[[donovan_brown|Brown, Donovan]]|6-2|185|Sr.|G|Bolingbrook IL / Plainfield Central / Prairie State CC / Waubonsee CC / [[opponent_florida_tech|Florida Tech]]|@#ddffdd:Active| |{{::carbuccia_danny_roster_photo_2025-26_final.png?nolink&60|}}|0|[[danny_carbuccia|Carbuccia, Danny]]|5-11|177|Fr.|G|White Plains NY / Archbishop Stepinac|@#ddffdd:Active| |{{::castineyra_rollie_roster_photo_2025-26_final.png?nolink&60|}}|44|[[rollie_castineyra|Castineyra, Rollie]]|6-2|187|R-So.|G|Marblehead MA / Phillips Exeter Academy (NH)|@#ddffdd:Active| |{{::clerc_dimitri_roster_photo_2025-26_final.png?nolink&60|}}|25|[[dimitri_clerc|Clerc, Dimitri]]|6-10|270|Jr.|F/C|Geneva, Switzerland / Bella Vista Prep / Pensacola State|@#ddffdd:Active| |{{::damjanac_luka_roster_photo_2025-26_final.png?nolink&60|}}|13|[[luka_damjanac|Damjanac, Luka]]|6-10|260|So.|F|Bosnia & Herzegovina / Wilbraham & Monson|@#ddffdd:Active| |{{::engel_josh_roster_photo_2025-26_final.png?nolink&60|}}|9|[[josh_engel|Engel, Josh]]|6-0|169|R-Fr.|G|Manalapan NJ / Ranney School|@#ddffdd:Active| |{{::hankins-sanford_daniel_roster_photo_2025-26_final.png?nolink&60|}}|1|[[daniel_hankins-sanford|Hankins-Sanford, Daniel]]|6-8|236|Sr.|F|Charlotte NC / Julius L. Chambers / [[opponent_south_carolina|South Carolina]]|@#ddffdd:Active| |{{::ndjigue_jayden_roster_photo_2025-26_final.png?nolink&60|}}|11|[[jayden_ndjigue|Ndjigue, Jayden]]|6-4|206|Jr.|G/F|Ayer MA / The Rivers School|@#ddffdd:Active| |{{::osman_bilal_roster_photo_2025-26_final.png?nolink&60|}}|7|[[bilal_osman|Osman, Bilal]]|6-7|190|Fr.|F|Stockholm, Sweden / Elite Sports Academy|@#ddffdd:Active| |{{::outlaw_charles_roster_photo_2025-26_final.png?nolink&60|}}|22|[[charles_outlaw|Outlaw, Charles]]|6-9|217|Jr.|F/C|Orlando FL / Mineral Area JC / Trinity Valley CC|@#ddffdd:Active| |{{::parker_kjei_roster_photo_2025-26_final.png?nolink&60|}}|5|[[kjei_parker|Parker, K'Jei]]|6-2|190|Jr.|G|Lakeland FL / [[wp>Florida A&M Rattlers men's basketball|Florida A&M]] / Florida Southwestern|@#ddffdd:Active| |{{::placide_isaiah_roster_photo_2025-26_final.png?nolink&60|}}|4|[[isaiah_placide|Placide, Isaiah]]|6-4|202|Gr.|G|Hampton GA / Dutchtown / Kankakee JC / Eckerd College|@#ddffdd:Active| |{{::wimbley_dwayne_roster_photo_2025-26_final.png?nolink&60|}}|2|[[dwayne_wimbley|Wimbley, Dwayne Jr.]]|6-6|205|Fr.|F|Fort Lauderdale FL / St. Thomas Aquinas|@#ddffdd:Active| **Team photo**\\ {{::team_photo_2025-26.jpg?direct&600|UMass Minutemen team photo 2025-26}}\\ Back row (L to R): Jayden Ndjigue (11), Dwayne Wimbley Jr. (2), Dimitri Clerc (25), Charles Outlaw (22), Leonardo Bettiol (3), Daniel Hankins-Sanford (1), Luka Damjanac (13), Bilal Osman (7)\\ Front row (L to R): Isiah Placide (4), Danny Carbuccia (0), Donovan Brown (10), Marcus Banks Jr. (24), Rollie Castineyra (44), K'Jei Parker (5), Josh Engel (9) ==== 2024-25 Departing players ==== ^Name^Height^Weight^Exp.^Pos.^Status / Notes^ |[[malek_abdelgowad|Abdelgowad, Malek]]|6-10|220|Sr.|F/C|Entered transfer portal, reportedly as a grad transfer.((https://x.com/VerbalCommits/status/1907816079495193008)) Inconsistent as our first option at the center spot. Averaged 13.8 mpg, 4.6 pts, 5.0 rebs, .460 from the field, just 7 total blocks. Has since committed to [[wp>Southern Jaguars basketball|Southern]] in the SWAC.((https://x.com/WEAVE/status/1922007557633097888))| |[[john_brigham|Brigham, John]]|6-9|213|Fr.|F|Entered transfer portal.((https://x.com/VerbalCommits/status/1909718075487682630)) Walk-on took a redshirt in '24-25. Has since committed to [[wp>Southwestern Illinois College|Southwestern Illinois (Community) College]].((https://x.com/thebabc/status/1932601298161201515))| |[[jaylen_curry|Curry, Jaylen]]|6-0|168|So.|G|Entered transfer portal.((https://x.com/247HSHoops/status/1904942931984707688)) Our primary point guard averaged 13.3 ppg (2nd most) and a 2.67 A:TO ratio. Has since committed to [[opponent_oklahoma_state|Oklahoma State]].((https://www.verbalcommits.com/players/jaylen-curry))| |[[rahsool_diggins|Diggins, Rahsool]]|6-2|190|4 yrs|G|Graduated but also entered transfer portal.((https://x.com/TravisBranham_/status/1912945848885100952)) Was presumed to be seeking a waiver to play a fifth season as a grad transfer, but that plan seems to have shifted towards professional opportunities.((https://www.cityofbasketballlove.com/news_article/show/1344023))| |[[amadou_doumbia|Doumbia, Amadou]]|6-11|215|Fr.|F|Entered transfer portal.((https://x.com/VerbalCommits/status/1904949555063386175)) Struggled to break through as a true freshman. Logged 64 total minutes across 15 games, scored 24 pts and pulled in 22 rebounds. Has since committed to [[opponent_north_carolina_at|North Carolina A&T]].((https://www.instagram.com/p/DI92Z_OOBmz/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link))| |[[tarique_foster|Foster, Tarique]]|6-8|185|So.|F|Entered transfer portal.((https://x.com/VerbalCommits/status/1909258913041575946)) Saw action in 18 games, averaging 9.3 minutes, 2.6 points, 1.1 rebound. Most of his action in '24-25 was in a 3-game stint in late February, with limited impact before and after. Has since committed to [[opponent_albany|Albany]].((https://x.com/Adam_Shinder/status/1914445715473936645))| |[[nate_guerengomba|Guerengomba, Nate]]|6-4|216|Fr.|G|Entered transfer portal.((https://x.com/n8tegg/status/1907512358244606190)) Appeared in 29 games, averaging 10.8 minutes, 2.6 pts and 1.2 rebs. Has since committed to [[opponent_quinnipiac|Quinnipiac]].((https://x.com/QU_MBB/status/1914681717517860893))| |[[shahid_muhammad|Muhammad, Shahid]]|6-10|205|Jr.|F/C|Entered transfer portal.((https://x.com/VerbalCommits/status/1906719264314188251)) Appeared in 31 games, started in 3, but never really clicked in UM's struggles at the 5. Averaged 12.5 minutes, 3.5 pts, 2.2 rebs, 1.5 blocks. Has since committed to [[opponent_florida_state|Florida State]].| |[[daniel_rivera|Rivera, Daniel]]|6-6|215|Sr.|F|Entered transfer portal.((https://x.com/VerbalCommits/status/1910034805372182721)) Has one year of eligibility left. Started 29 of his 29 games played, averaging 11.9 pts, 7.4 rebs, 1.4 blocks, but shot selection and percentage weren't ideal. Has since signed with [[opponent_uab|UAB]].((https://uabsports.com/news/2025/7/28/daniel-rivera-signs-with-uab-mens-basketball))| |[[lewis_walker|Walker, Lewis]]|6-6|227|Fr.|F|Entered transfer portal.((https://x.com/BigJelly__/status/1905033973274927546)) Took a redshirt this season. Has since committed to [[opponent_north_carolina_at|North Carolina A&T]].((https://x.com/BigJelly__/status/1915561789770604576))| |[[akil_watson|Watson, Akil]]|6-9|185|So.|F|Entered transfer portal.((https://www.instagram.com/p/DH6N_3rMMOB/)) Averaged 10.7 minutes, 3.6 pts, 2.0 rebs. Has since committed to [[opponent_st_peters|Saint Peter's]].((https://www.verbalcommits.com/players/akil-watson))| |[[marqui_worthy|Worthy, Marqui]]|6-3|216|So.|G|Entered transfer portal.((https://x.com/VerbalCommits/status/1907171548538007655))((https://x.com/Marqui2x/status/1907812498499105114)) Improved in his second year, with an average of 18.2 minutes, 5.8 points, 1.5 rebs, 1.9 assists, but was likely facing more time coming off the bench. Has since gone much closer to home, committing to [[wp>UC Riverside Highlanders men's basketball|UC Riverside]] (Big West).((https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ1_S5vvPUa/))| ==== Coaching Staff ==== * Head Coach: [[Frank Martin]] * Associate Head Coach: [[wp>Allen Edwards (basketball)|Allen Edwards]]((https://umassathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/allen-edwards/2454)) * Assistant Coach: [[https://umassathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/brian-steele/2453|Brian Steele]] * Assistant Coach: [[wp>Matt Figger]]((https://umassathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/matt-figger/2459)) * Director of Player Development: [[wp>Anthony Evans (basketball)|Anthony Evans]]((https://umassathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/anthony-evans/2458)) * Director of Player Personnel and Special Assistant to the Head Coach: [[wp>Doug Edwards (basketball)]]((https://umassathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/doug-edwards/2456)) * Director of Scouting & Video Operations: [[https://umassathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/jake-hayden/2457|Jake Hayden]] * Director of Operations: [[https://umassathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/toby-lane/2499|Toby Lane]] * Sports Performance Coach: [[https://umassathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/coaches/tony-regueira/2455|Tony Regueira]] ===== Other info ===== The Collegian's Dean Wendel is tracking MAC recruiting / roster / schedule updates in [[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1_KQr_u9-3pHbYajqHmII1vuwYWZJLmw2UImJrAsiIIM/edit?usp=sharing|Google Sheets]]. ===== MAC Lists & Honors ===== ==== Player of the Week ==== [[marcus_banks|Marcus Banks Jr.]] was named Player of the Week on 12/15 (after UM's wins over [[game20251210_boston_college|Boston College]] and [[game20251213_florida_state|Florida State]]((https://x.com/MACSports/status/2000627011681931684))) and 2/9 (after his record-setting performance against [[game20260203_central_michigan|Central Michigan]] and 21-point, 3OT-forcing day against [[game20260207_coastal_carolina|Coastal Carolina]]).((https://getsomemaction.com/news/2026/2/9/banks-jr-collects-mens-basketball-player-of-the-week-honors.aspx))((https://umassathletics.com/news/2026/2/9/mens-basketball-marcus-banks-jr-named-mac-player-of-the-week)) ==== Pre-Season ==== UMass was picked to finish 5th out of the 13 teams in the MAC, and received one vote to win the tournament championship. [[Daniel Hankins-Sanford]] was named to the All-Conference Second Team.((https://getsomemaction.com/news/2025/10/21/mac-announces-2025-26-mens-basketball-preseason-poll-all-mac-teams.aspx)) {{tag>"2025-26 Season"}}