Cobleskill, NY – The SUNY Cobleskill men's basketball team is gearing up for the 2025-26 season with renewed focus and energy as they look to build off last year's campaign. The Fighting Tigers were picked 10th in the North Atlantic Conference (NAC) Preseason Poll after finishing 5-18 overall and 2-11 in league play during the 2024-25 season.

Guided by fifth-year head coach Justin Maxwell, Cobleskill enters the new season with a blend of returning experience and fresh faces eager to make an impact. Maxwell said he's been impressed with how the group has approached the preseason and is confident the team's new mix will raise the level of competition on both ends of the floor. "This season, we have something to prove," Maxwell said. "Our returners are determined to show their growth from last year, and our newcomers have brought great energy and competitiveness. We've emphasized playing with consistency, especially on the offensive end, and finishing games the right way. The goal is to take that next step and be more efficient down the stretch."

The Fighting Tigers return seven players from last year's roster, including senior leaders Quanire Greene (Albany, NY/), Chrischen Chung (Poughkeepsie, NY), and Marquay Tanksley (Cohoes, NY). Tanksley returns as the team's top scorer after averaging 11.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game while shooting 40 percent from the field in 22 contests. Greene adds experience and versatility after averaging 10.8 points per game, while Chung remains a key perimeter threat, knocking down a team-high 35 three-pointers at a 36.1 percent clip last season.

Maxwell said several returners have elevated their games during the offseason and are poised to play bigger roles this year. "We've seen a lot of growth from guys like Marquay, Chrischen, Rowan Morel, and AJ Wright," said Maxwell. "They've put in the work and earned the opportunity to take on more responsibility this season."

Cobleskill also welcomes a strong transfer class expected to make an immediate impact. Junior guards Bruce Wilder Jr. (Finger Lakes CC) and Spencer Daby (Clinton CC) bring scoring ability and playmaking to the backcourt, while junior forward Cameron Rhode (Corning CC) adds athleticism and depth in the paint. "Our newcomers have fit in well and bring a lot of skill and toughness to the lineup," Maxwell said. "Bruce and Spencer, in particular, will give us a boost offensively and help set the tone with their effort and energy."

The Fighting Tigers open their 2025-26 season on Saturday, November 8, with a 5 p.m. home matchup against Hartwick College inside Iorio Gymnasium. Other notable contests include matchups against Russell Sage on November 15, a road test at RPI on November 25, and a pair of conference clashes with SUNY Delhi on December 12 and January 24.

 
Men's Basketball Preseason Poll Results – Points (First-Place Votes)
 

1.	Husson University – 98 (9)
2.	UMaine-Presque Isle – 86 (2)
3.	UMaine-Farmington – 71
4.	Maine Maritime Academy – 65
5.	Vermont State University Johnson – 58
6.	SUNY Delhi 49
7.	Thomas College – 36
8.	Vermont State University Lyndon – 34
9	Lesley University – 31
10	SUNY Cobleskill – 22