RIVERDALE, N.Y. – Head coach John Gallagher and the Manhattan men's basketball program have announced additions to the 2023-24 roster for the Jaspers.
The newcomers include
Shaquil Bender,
Perry Cowan Jr.,
Briggs McClain,
Wesley Robinson,
Daniel Rouzan,
Brett Rumpel,
Bryce Stokes, Seydou (say-dew) Traore, and
Jaden Winston.
"We are very fortunate & excited to welcome these nine young men into our program," Gallagher said. "These student-athletes will represent Manhattan College in a first-class manner both on and off the court. The character and talent of this class will be a great introduction to the standard of Manhattan basketball and the beginning of a new era for all Manhattan fans to be excited about. Our student-athletes and staff will work tirelessly to continue and build upon the great tradition of Jasper basketball that has been set by those who came before us. Go Jaspers! "
Bender arrives in Riverdale after spending last season at Fullerton College in California. Bender helped the Hornets to a 32-1 record last season. The 6-2 guard was voted the MVP of the State Tournament after leading the Hornets to the CCCAA State Title. Last season in 32 games, Bender averaged 13.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists. In high school, Bender scored over 1,000 points, was named Second Team All-Public League and Second-Team All-State, while at Abraham Lincoln High School in Philadelphia.
Cowan arrives in Riverdale after spending four seasons at Brown. Last year, Cowan was a team captain for the Bears and played in all 27 games. The Chicago native scored a season-high nine points twice—against Central Connecticut and Penn. In high school at DePaul College Prep, Cowan was a four-time all-conference performer, a two-time all-league selection, and graduated as the school's all-time leading scorer.
McClain spent three seasons at Hartford, with two of those seasons being played for Gallagher. As a freshman at Hartford, the 6-foot-4 guard was a member of the America East Champions and went to the NCAA Tournament. Last season in 25 games at Hartford, McClain averaged 14.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. During his high school career, McClain was the Washington County Player of the Year at St. Maria Goretti Catholic. He was also named MAIT Most Outstanding Player and led St. Maria Goretti to the MAIT Title.
Robinson, a native of Burlington, NJ, arrives in Riverdale after spending the past two seasons at Bloomfield College. The 6-foot-7 guard/forward averaged 9.8 points with 14 double digit scoring games and a high of 32 points scored.
Last season, Rouzan spent it at Weber State (Utah) and appeared in 29 games for the Wildcats. The 6-foot-9 forward had a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds against Abilene Christian. Rouzan was also a McDonald's All-American nominee while in high school.
Rumpel, a 6-foot-4 guard joins Manhattan after a year at St. Bonaventure. He appeared in 24 games last season, scoring in 13 different outings. He played high school basketball at Seton Catholic Central averaging 35 points and nearly 10 rebounds over 22 games during his junior season. He averaged 46 points per game his senior season, graduating as the all-time leading scorer.
Stokes is a 6-foot-3 guard joining Manhattan after a four-year high school career at Paterson Eastside. The guard played travel ball with NJ Legacy and PPA Elite.
Traore stays in New York to play his college ball after playing three years at Our Savior of Lutheran. The 6-foot-7 forward played on the travel circuit with the NY Dragons and NY Lightning.
Winston just wrapped up his high school career at DeMatha Catholic in Hyattsville, Md. The 6-foot guard earned First Team WCAC and Fourth Team All-MET honors. He played AAU with Team Takeover.
For the latest on the Manhattan College men's basketball program, follow the Jaspers on Twitter @JaspersMBB and Instagram @Jaspers.MBB.
