DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. (Nov. 9, 2017) – The Mercy College men's basketball team begins a new era under first-year Head Coach Michael Maczko, looking to get back to the ECC Tournament for the first time since 2015-16. The Mavericks open their 2017-18 season on Saturday, November 11th against St. Michael's College at St. Thomas Aquinas College.

2017-18 Schedule

Mercy returns six from last year's team and the Mavericks have six newcomers who look to make a difference this season. "The team has had a solid preseason. They are starting to really grasp what it takes to be a part of a successful program on a daily basis. I am excited to see us compete and play the right way every time we step out on the court," stated Maczko.

At the guard position, Maczko is looking to rely on junior college transfers Sal Barbetto and Chris Myers who transfer in from Rockland Community College and Southeastern Community College, respectively. Barbetto is one of the better shooters in the program, according to Maczko, and is a scrappy guard who Maczko looks forward to coaching. Myers is a quick and fast guard that can get to places on the court and his speed will be a valuable asset for the team says Maczko.

Also, looking to see time at the guard position is junior Daquon Ervin who joins the team from Division I UMBC. "I am excited to have Daquon with us. As a Division I transfer, he gives us a lot of high level experience and is motivated to make an impact right away," said Maczko.

Freshmen Shannon Denny, Matthew Alectus and juniors Amir Atkins and Henoc Bienne will also look to see minutes at the guard position. Denny has proven to be a great teammate and has a great attitude. He has the ability to be a great defender and leader for the team says Maczko. "Matt gives us good size at the wing. He is versatile and has the potential to be a very good player," according to Maczko. Atkins returns to the Mavericks after averaging 4.8 points per game with 21 made three pointers last season.

In the frontcourt Maczko will look to seniors Kelvin Howard and Brendon Smith to lead the way along with junior newcomer Dequawne Richards. Howard and Smith have been very consistent during the preseason and Howard is coming off a season in which he put up 6.3 points per game and 4.6 rebounds per game. Smith played in ten games last season and will see his role increase in 2017-18. Richards joins the program from Hostos Community College and Maczko says he is one of their best athletes with the ability to do a lot of things on the court.

Also, looking to see time on the floor at the forward position are redshirt freshman Bryan Griffin and senior Marko Kozul. Griffin played in five games last season and will look to compete for minutes this season. Kozul posted 8.0 points per game and 4.9 rebounds per game last season and will compete for time off the bench this season.

Mercy opens their 2017-18 season on Saturday, November 11th at 6 p.m. against Saint Michael's College at St. Thomas Aquinas College.