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Another NYC team will participate in March Madness alongside St. John’s.

November 3, 2025

Predictions for New York Area College Basketball Teams This Season

This season, let’s take a look at four forecasts for local college basketball teams in the New York area.

Light Dance Card

St. John’s and LIU stand out as the only local teams making it to the NCAA Tournament. St. John’s is expected to secure the 3rd seed and make it all the way to the Elite 8. Meanwhile, LIU, with their top scorer and preseason All-NEC First Team selection, Malachi Davis, managed to snag an automatic bid as the No. 16 seed in the NEC Tournament. They clinched the conference title, and NEC coaches have praised their backcourt, citing the duo of Davis and senior Jamal Fuller as the best in the league.

South Orange Progress

Seton Hall’s coach, Shaheen Holloway, has been touting a significantly improved squad this offseason after a rough 7-win season last year. While they might not land in the upper half of the NCAA bracket or the Big East standings, I think they’ll do better than most anticipate, perhaps finishing 8th in the league despite being picked last. The Merrimack transfer, Adam “Bud” Clark, will likely have a great time directing the team, along with the promising young forward duo of sophomore Godswill Elheline and freshman Najai Hines.

Hovde Impresses in Colombia

Iona, Fordham, and Columbia all welcome new head coaches. Kevin Hovde, who was an assistant at last year’s national champions, Florida, could lead his team well this season. He has the advantage of a solid returning core, including No. 2 scorer Kenny Noland, plus starters Avery Brown, Zain-Edin Bedri, and Blair Thompson. This offers a good starting point for a successful season.

Riverdale’s Strong Season

Manhattan had its most victories (19) since the 2014-15 season when they last hit the NCAA Tournament. They finished second in the MAAC, just behind Quinnipiac, and made it to the MAAC Championship Game, although they didn’t clinch the title. Sophomore Will Sydner has recently made a name for himself, being regarded as one of the top midfield wings in the country.

Hagerty Award (Regional Player of the Year)

Senior F Dillon Mitchell from St. John’s has my full support in his role as a point forward. He’s been dubbed the X-Factor by teammate Zuby Ejiofor, but I think he brings even more to the table. The style that Rick Pitino employs fits Mitchell—who stands at 6-foot-8—like a glove. This makes him a versatile asset for the Red Storm.