BUFFALO, N.Y. – Following a competitive 2024–25 campaign that saw the program match its highest win total since 2018–19, second-year head coach Mike Berkun and the Buffalo State men's basketball team look to carry that momentum forward. The Bengals battled to the finish last season, keeping their SUNYAC playoff hopes alive with six conference wins before ultimately falling just short.

"That's the goal. I think we've got to get off to a little bit of a better start, even in the non-league stuff, because you learn how to win and win close games. That's really what it always comes down to, especially in the SUNYAC," Berkun said. With a retooled roster and returning experience, the Bengals are aiming for their first SUNYAC Tournament berth since 2017.

Returning nearly the entire starting lineup from last year, Buffalo State will lean heavily on junior guard Bryce Williams (Jamaica, NY/Campus Magnet), who averaged 11.4 points, 2.7 assists, and 2.4 rebounds per game (10.3 PPG in SUNYAC play). Alongside him is sophomore forward Zee Johnson (Rochester, NY/Greece-Athena), who impressed as a freshman with 9.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game—including 11.1 PPG in SUNYAC contests.

Anchoring the paint is senior forward Chisom Ani (Elmont, NY/John Browne), who averaged 5.4 points and led the Bengals with 5.9 rebounds per game last season. Berkun praised the group's progression: "We're trying to win every game and have a chance in every game—taking good shots, taking care of the basketball, relying on guarding and rebounding, doing the simple stuff every night. Everyone is continuing to grow in their decision-making to make sure we're getting a great shot every time down the floor. We want everyone to get a little better, improve their efficiency, and find easier baskets… I think we're going in a good direction."

Additional returners expected to play key roles include Oryan DeJesus (Schenectady, NY/Mekeel Christian Academy), Wilmer Beard (New York, NY/Urban Assembly for Media Studies), and Ephraim Strong (Niagara Falls, NY/Niagara Falls).

The Bengals also bolstered their roster with four freshmen, each competing to carve out a role in the rotation. "They've been really good," Berkun noted. "It helps that we have 13 guys back this year. Last year everything felt new, but now only four guys are learning it for the first time. They can watch veterans do it right, and it's easier for them to catch up. They're going to be helpful this year, we're going to need them, just like we need everybody every season."

Two newcomers to keep an eye on are freshman guard Hali Shabazz (Buffalo, NY/St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute) and freshman guard Daquan Williams (Syracuse, NY/Nottingham), both bringing size, athleticism, and ball-handling ability as they adjust to the college game.

Buffalo State opens its 2025 season this Saturday with a road matchup at Keuka College at 1:00 p.m. The Bengals then head to the University of Rochester Tournament, facing the Yellowjackets on November 14th at 6:00 p.m. The home opener is set for November 18th, when Buffalo State hosts Alfred State College at 7:00 p.m. at the Sports Arena.

SUNYAC play begins December 5th on the road at SUNY Potsdam. The SUNYAC Tournament runs February 24–28, as the Bengals push toward their first postseason appearance since 2017.