The past is the past: Stony Brook men's hoops looking to write own chapter after run to CAA title game

Buzzwords.

Corporate speech.

Banalities.

Cliches.

All are mere platitudes meant to convey levels of organizational environments that may or may not exist. But when those words are supported by an ethos that sustains itself, the foundation for a winning, successful culture has been laid.

Need proof? Allow us to offer into evidence Exhibit A, the 2023-24 Stony Brook men’s basketball team.

“If I have to police the locker room and I have to set the standard and effort of accountability, the team probably is going to struggle, and we had such great leadership,” coach Geno Ford said at the Coastal Athletic Association media day in response to a question about what still resonates about the Seawolves’ run to the conference championship game last spring.

“It was never about individuals last year for our team, and as a coach, that’s what you always hope for and that’s what you talk about to the team, but ultimately the guys go home [or are] by themselves and they have a decision to make about what’s most important. And so, it was so gratifying, because as a coach, you just don’t get those special runs all the time and it was a group that deserved it.”

The seventh-seeded Seawolves beat 10th-seeded Northeastern, 75-65, in the second round, upset No. 2 Drexel, 91-88, in double overtime in the quarterfinals and toppled third-seeded Hofstra, 63-59, in the semifinals before falling to No. 1 Charleston, 82-79, in overtime in the championship game.

And while the memories and tales about Stony Brook’s four-day jaunt through Washington will grow grander and larger as the years and decades go by, Ford and the Seawolves are not living in the very recent past.

The 2024-25 Seawolves are quite different from what they were seven months ago. Stony Brook has eight new players, including five transfers.

“We’re a much different team. Last year, we were one of the biggest teams and we did play multiple big guys,” Ford said. “We weren’t just tall. We were strong.

“This year’s team is built a little [differently]. We have more shooting than we’ve had in the past. We’re a better passing team than we’ve had in the past. But we don’t have the 7-foot size.”

Ford is hopeful that Stony Brook’s shot-making can neutralize opponents because his three tallest players are forwards Ben Wight (6-9, 220), Jeremiah Nyarko (6-9, 200) and returnee Leon Nahar (6-10, 218).

“We’re really happy with the guys we added,” Ford said. “CJ Luster is a high-level shooter. Shot 48% from three in junior college, attempted over 200. He can get you off the dribble a little bit but is an elite shooter and can cut and shoot. He doesn’t have to just be spotted up.

“Nick Woodard, we’re really excited about. He’s a big-body guy at 6-7 and [215 pounds] that can get in the lane and he can shoot threes.

“And then Jeremiah Nyarko . . . has a chance as he figures out our system and those [kinds] of things to really be impactful for us.

“I really feel those three new guys can give us some firepower.”

If Ford’s theory is correct, the possibility exists that another exciting season at Island Federal Credit Union Arena is in the offing.

“Last year, all the games were pretty much packed,” senior guard/forward Andre Snoddy said. “On campus, a lot of people take pride in coming to [games], football games, basketball games, whatever it is, and just showing their support.”