The Tufts men’s basketball team has entered the 2024–25 season with one goal: to go further. Last year’s Sweet 16 finish was a significant achievement, but the team hopes it was only the beginning. With three starters returning and a roster bursting with young talent, the Jumbos are poised to make an even bigger statement this season.
At the heart of it all is junior forward Scott Gyimesi. The DIII preseason All-American team member anchors the squad after averaging a double-double last year. Center Joshua Bernstein and guard James Morakis, two more juniors with significant starting experience, round out a core that has been through the battles of high-pressure postseason play. Alongside them, sophomore guards Jon Medly and Dylan Reilly are stepping into starting roles, adding depth and versatility to an already top-notch roster.
Tufts’ roster construction reflects a clear philosophy: blend experienced leadership with youthful talent. Head Coach Brandon Linton has also integrated four first-years into the fold, creating a more flexible team.
Game One: Making a Statement at Bridgewater State
During their first game of the season on Nov. 15, Tufts wasted zero time showing off their firepower. They cruised to a 94–72 win at Bridgewater State. The headline? Balance. Four Jumbos dropped double figures.
Reilly was on fire, leading the charge with 17 points, drilling five three-pointers to break open the game. Gyimesi put on an all-around clinic, coming within one assist and rebound shy of a triple-double, finishing with 13 points, nine rebounds and nine assists. Medley added a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Bernstein and Morakis combined for 24 points.
Defensively, Tufts was relentless. They forced 18 turnovers, converting them into 25 points. The Jumbos dominated the offensive glass too, scoring 18 second-chance points to the Bears’ two. In an email to the Daily, Gyimesi described the team’s command of the boards as a “constant based on how hard we play and the depth that we have at each position.” With nine players logging at least ten minutes, their pressure and pace overwhelmed Bridgewater State and set the tone for their style going forward.
Game Two: Flipping the Script at Emerson
During the second game, Tufts hit a speed bump. Trailing by two points at halftime against Emerson College, things looked dicey. But the Jumbos exploded in the second half, outscoring the Lions by 23 points to secure an 80–57 victory.
Gyimesi took over the game, scoring 23 points on an incredible 11-of-14 shooting while grabbing 11 rebounds for his first double-double of the season. Bernstein added 15 points and seven rebounds, missing just one shot in the contest. The team shot 62.5% in the second half, owning the paint with 40 points inside.
Tufts held Emerson to just 21 second-half points, flipping a close game into a blowout. The win was a testament to the Jumbos’ ability to make adjustments and impose their will on both ends of the floor.
Game Three: Finishing Strong at Suffolk
Tufts capped off its three-game road trip with a 76–57 win over Suffolk University. It was tight at halftime — the Jumbos held just a three-point lead — but the Jumbos closed by scoring 39 points and holding Suffolk scoreless for nearly seven minutes in the second half.
Morakis led the way with a team-high 18 points, 14 coming after the break. Gyimesi continued his efficient play with 15 points on 6-of-7 shooting and six rebounds. Bernstein added nine points and two blocks, while Medley chipped in 10 points.
Tufts shot 62.5% from the field, including a scorching 58.3% from the three. Over three games, their 52.8% field goal percentage ranks number one in NESCAC. For the third straight game, Tufts dominated the second half, outscoring Suffolk by 16. Halftime adjustments are clearly a crucial factor in the Jumbos’ success early on. Overall, they have a 133–79 point differential over their opponents in the second half.
Through three games, Gyimesi has proven to be the linchpin of this Tufts team. The forward’s consistency, averaging 17 points and 8.7 rebounds, along with his contributions in each phase of the game makes the Jumbos a hard team to contain. His 51 total points and 26 rebounds rank him seventh and third in the NESCAC, respectively. Gyimesi’s early-season performances earned him NESCAC Player of the Week honors, the second of his collegiate career.
Gyimesi contributed his success to the team.
“The team as a whole has done a great job of sharing the ball and getting everyone involved on the court,” Gyimesi said. “Personally, I’m just playing the role that the team needs right now, and I’m happy that it’s leading to wins.”
Given his history with injuries, Gyimesi said this season has given him “a good reason to not take the present for granted and to attack each play like it’s my last.”
With a perfect 3–0 record and the top margin of victory in NESCAC, Tufts is headed into their home opener this weekend against Endicott College (2–1). With a perfect start to the season, they have shown that they have unfinished business. The Jumbos are rolling, and they’re just getting started.
