A 3-1 theatrical tip-off to the 2024 season for UMass Boston’s men’s basketball team — their best start since 2021. The Beacons are coming off a blowout of the 1-5 Curry College Colonels, 101-72, but have a point differential of just 10 points in their three combined other games; a 65-61 loss against Salve Regina, an 87-82 overtime win over Colby-Sawyer, and a one point 59-58 victory verses Fitchburg State.
Starring in the dramatic start to UMass Boston’s season has been freshman forward Cameron Perkins. He’s averaging 24.3 points per game along with just over 7 boards while shooting at a 50% clip from three at 14 shots from beyond the arc in his three games played. Perkins’ all around scoring game has translated to the college court well as he starts his tenure as a Beacon.
Still steering the ship is senior Emanuel Zayas, who continues to control the clutch time. Zayas hit the eventual game-winning jumper with less than a minute to go in Fitchburg. While dishing what would be a career high four assists per game, his scoring average is down from 18 to 15.5 points a game this season, which can be chalked up to emerging talent that’s surrounded him.
To complement Perkins and Zayas, the Beacons got Xavier McKenzie back after missing all of his sophomore season. McKenzie had a phenomenal rookie season in 2022, averaging just under 15 a game, with an explosive first step and strong drives to the hole. He’s now averaging above 15 so far this season, showing an improved shot. McKenzie is a great athlete that displays stretches of first-option talent.
On the roster, but yet to play, is Connor Walden, a now-junior forward who broke out a year ago. The do-it-all stretch four is another offensive weapon that, at the moment, remains stashed for the Beacons. Walden also adds another layer defensively — he’s long, athletic, and stands at a towering 6’7.
Another Beacon with impressive play has been Mark Barrett. He leads the team in rebounds, and isn’t necessarily an on-ball creator, but you can run your offense through him. Barrett hands out just under three assists per game, which is second only to Zayas for UMass Boston. He reads the court well, and can make some passes to difficult spots. He’s impactful defensively, and for additional flare, he can shoot the three ball, too. The graduate student has seemingly carved out a role on this team.
There’s plenty to like about this team right now. They’re full of intriguing options on offense, and have done their share on the defensive end. Eyes are on Perkins to see how the freshman progresses as the season moves on, but he’s certainly looked like a stud so far.
UMass Boston is in good shape, and will be hoping to ride their wiry wave through three straight LEC games against Western Connecticut, Rhode Island College, and Eastern Connecticut. In-conference play is when the real season sets in.
