On the cusp of March Madness in recent years, the UMass Lowell men’s basketball team is looking to soar to even greater heights in 2024-25. The River Hawks will open the new campaign against Rivier University at Costello Athletic Center on Monday, Nov. 4 at 6 p.m.

Last season, the River Hawks compiled a 22-10 overall record to surpass the 20-win milestone for the second consecutive season. The team stayed consistent in conference play, as well, matching the program record with 11 America East victories and a second-place finish. The 2023-24 season culminated with the squad’s third appearance in the America East Playoffs championship game in the last four years. Backed by their résumé of success, Head Coach Pat Duquette and the River Hawks have been tabbed second once again in the America East Preseason Coaches’ Poll.

“We’ve got another good team coming back and this is the third year in a row that we legitimately have a title-contending team." explained Duquette. "It’s a great spot to be in, the program is really in a good place right now when you can say legitimately three years in a row that you are right there at the top fighting for an NCAA Tournament berth.”

Duquette and the River Hawks have their sights set on getting over that final hump and winning an America East Championship after knocking on the door the last two years. However, the veteran coach heading into his 12th season knows that the team needs to tap into its added depth in order to attain its ultimate goal. 

“We have more depth this year and that's a good thing, but we have to find a way to make that a strength and utilize it," commented Duquette. "Guys have to buy into that where they may play a few less minutes, but understand that the strength of the team is in the numbers. If we can tap into that depth and blend it all together, I think we have a chance to be a better team than we were a year ago.” 

The 2024-25 roster features eight returners, including three starters from last year in fifth years Max Brooks (Waldorf, Md.) and Yuri Covington (Wilkes-Barre, Pa.), and senior Cam Morris III (Alexander City, Ala.), as well as the 2023-24 America East Sixth Man of the Year, fifth-year Quinton Mincey (Upper Marlboro, Md.).

Brooks, a Preseason All-Conference honoree, is coming off of a career year, pacing the squad with 7.3 rebounds per game and ranking third with 12.6 points per game in 2023-24. He also boasted a personal-best 70 blocks. The big man shot 63% from the field, good for 11th nationally, in addition to totaling 25 steals, 50 assists and six double-doubles. Following the 2023-24 regular season, Brooks became the third River Hawk ever named to the America East All-Conference First Team and earned his third consecutive nod for the league's All-Defensive Team. 

The River Hawks are slated for 31 games this season. The team’s non-conference road schedule is highlighted by visits to Gonzaga and Washington, which will give the River Hawks a real test against top-tier competition.

“We’ve got some big games that will provide our team with unbelievable tests, national exposure and all those good things," said Duquette." Then we’ve got a bunch of regional rivalries that we play every year that are going to get us ready and battle tested for league play."

After winning 27 of 28 games at Costello Athletic Center during the last two years, the team will play a Division I program record 18 regular-season games there this year. However, Duquette feels the difference maker could be how well the group performs on the road.

“I think winning on the road is what can separate you from other teams. We love Costello. We’ve won all but one game here in the last two years. We were a better road team last year than the year before. I think we have to be even better on the road. Let’s face it, you have to be near perfect if you're going to finish above everybody else in our league, especially Vermont.”