Anthony Borgonzi – Sports Writer
As Merrimack College makes its anticipated debut in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference this season, the men’s basketball team is looking to make some noise as the new kids on the block. Over the past few seasons, Joe Gallo has led the Warriors to consistent success, reaching the conference championship in three of five seasons since transitioning to division one.
This season comes with new challenges, as the team needs to fill the void left by the departure of the two starting wings, the NEC conference Player of the Year, Jordan Derkack and Samba Diallo. Jordan McKoy and Jacob O’Connell, two graduate student sharpshooters, departed from the bench.
Returning Starters
The Warriors are returning three starters from last season:
#0 – G – Adam “Budd” Clark – Clark, the NEC rookie of the year last season, returns as the starting point guard for his sophomore season. The 5’10 guard is known for his mid-range game and his shifty ability to create space to get shots off the dribble. Budd started every game as a freshman last season, averaging 13.5 points, 3.9 assists, and 2.5 steals per game. As an undersized defender, Clark ranked eighth in steals per game at the Division One level, surprising opponents who would try to exploit his height disadvantage. Voted to the preseason All-MAAC first team, Clark is expected to be the leader on the offensive and defensive ends of the floor as the Warriors transition to a new conference.
#5 – G – Devon Savage – Last season, Devon Savage established himself as Merrimack’s most reliable three-point shooter. He averaged 10.2 points and 3.6 rebounds per game as a junior starter. Savage was able to shoot an impressive 34.4% from three-point range on a high volume of 7.8 attempts per game. Savage keeps defenses honest from the outside, as 80% of his shots come from behind the arc, and his ability to catch fire was on full display when he hit six three-pointers in a single game last season. On defense, Savage disrupts passing lanes using his long wingspan, averaging just over one steal per game as a big guard standing 6 ‘4,190 pounds. Going into his senior season, Devon Savage is expected to take on an even more significant role on both ends of the floor.
#11 – F – Bryan Etumnu – Entering his junior season, Bryan Etumnu returns as the NEC’s Most Improved Player of the Year and a key starter from last year’s Merrimack team. Etumnu averaged 7.3 points per game on an efficient 55% shooting from the field while showing off his ability to stretch the floor with 30% shooting from three-point territory. He also gathered just under four rebounds per night, often guarding larger centers under the basket. However, Etumnu’s most significant impact is felt on the defensive end, where his seven-foot-one wingspan makes him a cornerstone in Merrimack’s “make chaos” defense. He averaged 1.9 blocks per game, ranking second in the NEC and 37th nationally in Division One last season. Beyond the box score, Etumnu’s defensive awareness allows him to disrupt passing lanes and alter shots. Etumnu is expected to build on his productive sophomore season and be the defensive anchor for the Warriors this season.
Returning Role Player:
#1 – G – Jaylen Stinson
Going into his third season at Merrimack, the senior guard brings size and toughness to the defensive end for the Warriors backcourt. Stinson has a physical presence on the court, where his impact is felt beyond the stat sheet. Last season, Stinson was the Warrior’s sixth man, where his rebounding and defense contributed nightly.
Transfer Students
This season, the Warriors bring in four key transfers ready to make an immediate impact. Head Coach Joe Gallo has embraced the transfer portal, seeing it as a way to quickly improve his team. Coach Gallo said, “I love this day in age right now. I feel like a GM like I can literally piece a team together…A lot of people are complaining about what’s going on, but I like to embrace it. (Rising Coaches Podcast)”. The new transfer players bring skill and maturity, adding to the depth needed to compete in the MAAC and non-conference schedule.
Let’s meet the new additions:
#3 – G – Matt Becht – Becht was one of the best players in division two college basketball last season at SNHU and joins the Warriors as a graduate student this season. Joe Gallo was able to recruit Becht to come to North Andover despite being desired by other Division One schools. At SNHU, he averaged 16 points per game over three seasons and shot 45% from three in the last two, with many attempts. Known for his shooting ability, Becht can drain shots from well behind the arc, even NBA range. His ability to hit difficult, contested shots makes him a dynamic scoring option. Becht can hit moving shots coming off screens and catch fire at any time, as he has drained a career-high eight three-pointers in a single game. Becht made the second-most three-pointers in college basketball last season; the only player who made more was the legendary Jack Gohlke of Oakland University (MAAC Preview).
Becht is expected to play a crucial role in the Warriors’ offense this season. Becht will be an excellent option for point guard Budd Clark to kick out to on drives, while Savage and Becht will punish defenses that dare to sag off the three-point line. Given his resume, it is likely Becht will start and play a significant role while being one of the most exciting new players to watch this upcoming season.
#40 – F – Sean Trumper –
After playing four seasons at Franklin Pierce University, the 6’7″ forward from the United Kingdom transfers to Merrimack for his graduate student season. Trumper improved every season at FPU and looks to make an immediate impact for the Warriors this upcoming season. Last season, Trumper averaged 18.8 points and 8 rebounds per game, proving himself as a dependable scoring and rebounding threat. With 35% shooting from beyond the arc, Trumper has the ability to stretch opposing defenses and space the floor. On the defensive end, Trumper averaged 1 steal per game and .8 blocks per game. Trumpers size, scoring ability, rebounding, and defensive presence make him a strong frontcourt addition to pair alongside Bryan Etumnu.
#15 – F – David Murray
David Murray brings strength and skill to Merrimack’s frontcourt as a Division Three all-American graduate transfer from Central Connecticut College. Standing at 6’7″ and 245 pounds, Murray averaged 17.7 points per game on an impressive 58% shooting and 9 rebounds per game. His scoring efficiency in the paint has earned high praise from Coach Gallo, who says every shot Murray takes around the rim seems to go in. On the defensive end, Murray was a force as he averaged over 2 blocks per game as he thrived in a system similar to Merrimack’s “make chaos” defense. This familiarity should help him smoothly transition into the Warriors system and be ready to make an immediate impact.
#9 – G – Malik Edmead
Malik Edmead returns to Merrimack as a redshirt junior after a stint at the University of Albany, bringing familiarity with Coach Gallo’s system. Edmead stands at 5’11” and is a familiar face for Warriors fans, you might remember him from his highlight reel dunk that landed him on the Sportscenter top 10 a few seasons ago. Edmeads’ last season at Merrimack was 2021-2022, when he started 12 games, averaging an efficient 9 points per game. Edmead finished second on the team in assists in his sophomore campaign and averaged 1.5 steals per game.
After limited opportunities and injuries at Albany, Edmead is ready to pick up where he left off. His familiarity with Coach Gallo and the Merrimack system makes him an ideal secondary ball-handler, as I expect him to run the point when Budd Clark is off the floor. Edmead adds depth to the guard rotation and a spark Merrimack fans can look forward to this season.
Freshman Class:
#21 – G – Brendan Johnson
The 6’4″ guard from Baltimore is one of the most exciting additions for Merrimack this season. As a senior in high school, Johnson was named the Baltimore Catholic League Player of the Year. Over Johnson’s senior season, he averaged 26 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 4 assists per game. Johnson is a well-rounded player and will likely see playing time this season after fully recovering from a minor injury sustained this summer. However, it is important to have realistic expectations about a freshman making the jump to the NCAA level, but it would not surprise me to see Johnson contribute this season.
#4 – G – Tye Dorset
The 6’3″ guard from New Jersey is another promising player Coach Gallo has recruited to North Andover. Dorset has been impressive in practice, and I would not be surprised if he sees playing time this season. Dorsets High School coach described him as the best leader he has coached in his twenty-year career, highlighting his maturity on and off the court. While it is challenging for freshmen to make an immediate impact, Dorset’s skill set and leadership make him a player to look out for as he adjusts to the collegiate level.
Season Outlook
The Warriors are entering this season with a healthy mix of returning talent, new transfers, and an exciting freshman class. Coach Gallo has built a roster that has depth and provides the flexibility to adapt to any matchup the Warriors may face. The signature “make chaos” defense will continue to be the foundation of Merrimack’s success as they enter the MAAC. The coaching staff will emphasize phrases like “nobody shoots where they catch” and “take their basketball,”ensuring the team plays with intensity on the defensive side of the ball.
The Warriors tip off this Saturday at 7 p.m. against the University of Vermont—a difficult opponent that has dominated the America East Conference for the past three seasons. Last season, the Warriors defended home court with a strong 13-2 record at Lawler Arena, and they’ll need a loud, supportive crowd to motivate them once again. Let’s pack Lawler and kick off the season with energy! Go Warriors!
