Men’s Basketball Picked to End Second in the CACC South Division

11/1/2023 12:00:00 AM

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Goldey-Beacom once again sees high expectations from the outside with the squad picked to close second in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference South Division based on a vote of the league's coaches.

This season marks the return of senior guard Nazim Derry (Atlantic City, NJ), one of the most explosive and dynamic players in program history. A prolific scorer and one who will change the flow of the offense, Derry in 2022 was tabbed first team All-CACC and the City of Basketball Love Division II Men's Player of the Year.

That season, he averaged 20.1 points per game that included seven contests in which he scored at least 30 points. He canned at least five 3-pointers eight times, including nine December 1, 2021 against Georgian Court.

Derry enters the campaign 15th in school history with 878 career points, sixth with 136 three-pointers and ninth with 114 steals.

As if that was not enough offense, sophomore forward Zayon Marsh (Maplewood, NJ) is there to provide more. Another gifted athlete, Marsh recorded 14 double-doubles a season and always was there to give the Lightning a momentum boost.

Marsh ended last season ninth in the country with 10.1 rebounds per game, ninth in double-doubles, 52nd with 18.7 points per game and 79th with 524 points.

Senior guard Ayshion Centeno (Pleasantville, NJ) returns as another key offensive component after closing 20th in the CACC with a .476 field goal percentage, 21st with 12.8 points per contest, 22nd with 60 free throws and 43rd with .305 three-point percentage.

Senior guard Damani Thomas (Kingston, NY) looks to have another outstanding campaign after ending last season fourth in the CACC with .452 three point percentage, fifth with 66 three-pointers, 25th with 12.2 points per game and 31st with .448 field goal percentage.

Goldey-Beacom next Wednesday plays an exhibition contest against Division I Delaware, beginning at 7:00 pm in Newark. The season opens for real on Friday against Roberts Wesleyan in a neutral-site contest in Amherst, NY.

CACC 2023-24 Men's Basketball Preseason Poll

South Division
1. Jefferson                 65 pts. (10 first-place votes)
2. Goldey-Beacom    53 pts. (2)
3. Wilmington (DE) 44 pts.
4. Georgian Court       33 pts.
5. Holy Family 31 pts.
6. Chestnut Hill           20 pts.

North Division
1. Caldwell                  64 pts. (9)
2. Dominican (NY) 50 pts. (1)
3. Felician                   49 pts. (2)
4. Post                        38 pts.
5. Bloomfield 27 pts.
6. Bridgeport               18 pts.

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