For the past four seasons, Cornell University’s men’s basketball team has maintained a reputation for fast-paced and efficient play. The team’s style has contributed to consistent results, including four consecutive Ivy League Tournament appearances and a runner-up finish last spring. During this period, Cornell also achieved its first National Invitation Tournament (NIT) appearance in school history and posted a 72-41 overall record with a 34-22 mark in Ivy League games.
Head coach Jon Jaques, now in his second season, continues to focus on speed, spacing, and teamwork as core elements of the team’s approach. “The Big Red’s up-tempo style creates open looks on one end and chaos for opponents on the other,” the program stated. Under Jaques’ leadership, last season’s squad led the nation in effective field goal percentage (.592) and two-point field goal percentage (.608), ranked second in assists per game (19.1), and was fourth in scoring at 85.1 points per game. The team also placed among the top 20 nationally for three-pointers made and attempted for the fourth straight year.
This summer, Cornell traveled to Italy for a 10-day tour where they played three games and averaged 94 points per contest. The trip provided players with opportunities to adjust to new roles ahead of the upcoming season.
The roster faces some changes due to graduation losses. Notably departing are Nazir Williams—a three-time All-Ivy League selection—and Guy Ragland Jr., who together accumulated more than 2,200 points during their careers. AK Okereke graduated early and will transfer to Vanderbilt; Chris Cain and Ryan Kiachian have also moved on from their roles.
Despite these departures, Jaques said that depth remains strong: “Luckily for Jaques and his staff, Cornell has been among the deepest teams in the country and has plenty of firepower returning.” Returning seniors Cooper Noard and Jake Fiegen are expected to anchor the backcourt after starting nearly every game last year. Co-captains Josh Baldwin and DJ Nix bring versatility—Baldwin is known for defense while Nix adds athleticism after playing 65 career games.
Other returning contributors include Adam Hinton—who improved his scoring efficiency during conference play—and junior guard Jacob Beccles, recognized as one of the fastest players in the league.
Additional players such as Corbin Zentner, Ian Imegwu, AJ LaBeau, Gio Panzini, Anthony Nimani, Mateen Rafiq (returning from injury), Ty Iwanonkiw, and AJ Rodriguez are expected to compete for expanded roles this season.
Cornell welcomes transfers Kaspar Sepp (Valparaiso) and DaMaryon Fishburn (Macomb CC). Both bring size; Sepp is noted for rebounding while Fishburn averaged solid numbers last year at Macomb CC. Four freshmen—Elijah Griffin, Ryan Burbach, Jax Abalos, Blake Lecklitner—will have opportunities to develop behind experienced teammates after showing potential during summer activities.
The upcoming schedule features matchups against several mid-major programs that received preseason recognition in polls such as CollegeInsider.com’s Mid-Major Top 25—including Illinois State (#4), Yale (#5), Towson (#16), Kent State (#23)—as well as perennial power Michigan State (#22 AP poll). Other opponents include George Mason (27 wins last season), Army West Point, Bucknell (18 wins), Colgate (Patriot League champion), Harvard, and Samford.
Looking ahead to 2025-26: Two starters return while three have departed; seven letterwinners return with five lost; roster distribution includes four freshmen through six seniors; captains are Josh Baldwin, Jake Fiegen, DJ Nix, Cooper Noard.
Last season concluded with an overall record of 18-11 (9-5 Ivy) as Cornell reached the Ivy League finals but lost to Yale by a score of 90-84.
