Since our last edition of The Hoot, the men’s basketball team concluded their 2024-25 season with a game against the New York University (NYU) Violets at home at Red Auerbach Arena.
Similar to the women’s game, the men’s game began with a celebration of their seniors and all that they accomplished while playing for the Brandeis Judges. These seniors were Ethan Edwards ’25, Griffin Walbridge ’25, Gil Otoo ’25 and Toby Harris ’25. The Brandeis Athletics department has been represented well under the performances of these four men. Every game they went out on the court and gave it their all. They certainly have careers that are worth being proud of. Though this may not be the end of their basketball stories, we are grateful to have been a part of their journey as an athlete. Sports bond people uniquely, the love of the game forms unbreakable bonds that will last a lifetime.
The men’s basketball team concluded their season tied for fifth in the University Athletic Association (UAA) Conference. Their conference record was 5-9 while their overall season record was 14-11. This is the same exact record as the 2023-24 season, but significantly better than their 2022-23 season. Consistency is everything in the sport of basketball, so this is a record that the Judges should be proud of. The UAA Conference is one of the most competitive DIII leagues, so their ability to come away with five conference wins this season is remarkable.
In terms of the Judges’ game against the Violets, the Judges were within striking distance in either half, but were out-scored 94-76 by the #2-ranked men’s basketball team in Division III. Despite the loss, the Judges did have a strong comeback in the final few minutes of the game that was a nice way to end the season on a high note.
In his final game for the Judges, Harris ’25 led the Judges with scoring 18 points and earning five rebounds. He ended his career as a Judge with 1,153 points which is the 22nd-highest career points that a Judge has ever scored.
In terms of additional end-of-season accolades, Harris ’25 and Elias Rodl ’26 were both named on the All-UAA for this season. Harris was named first-team for the second time in his career while his partner in high scoring, Rodl, earned second-team honors. Harris is now the first Judge since 2009 to be a two-time first-team All-UAA player. These honors are chosen among the conference coaches, a highly sought after award that should be something these men should be very proud of.
Harris ended his season leading the Judges in average points scored per game with 18.8. This was good for the fourth spot in point-scorers among the entire UAA conference. He went on to score in the double digits in all games but two this season. His 65 three-pointers this season were good for the second most in the league and 75th-best in all of Division III men’s basketball. Harris concludes his time as a Judge with several remarkable accomplishments despite being injured for the majority of last season. We wish Harris all the best in his future endeavors beyond Brandeis.
Rodl came in as a transfer from St. Anselm College and did not disappoint. He was the second-leading scorer for the Judges this season with an average of 16.7 points per game. This was good for sixth average points scored per game among all UAA men’s basketball players. With only being a junior, the future is bright for Rodl with all eyes on his potential for the 2025-26 season.
After a great season, the Brandeis Athletics fanbase thanks the men’s basketball team for an entertaining season and for representing the blue and white well. We wish our Judges the best in their off-seasons and look forward to what is in store for next season!
