2018-19 Men's Basketball Season Preview

The third-year of the "BK Era" at NJIT could very well be described as an episode of the Young and the Restless.

Head Coach Brian Kennedy possesses a roster composed of seven (50 percent) underclassmen, yet features five seniors (36 percent) who are looking to guide the Highlanders to their first all-time ASUN Tournament victory – as well as a loftier goal of earning a conference championship and a trip to the NCAA Tournament in their last hurrah.

The overwhelmingly good news for last season's fourth-place finisher is that NJIT returns 10 players – including four starters -- while bringing in three talented freshmen. The only bad news is that the one starter lost was Anthony Tarke, an ASUN First-Team All-Conference selection.

The result is perhaps the deepest team the Highlanders have ever assembled in program history.

"I'm presented with a very good challenge this year," said the third-year head coach when asked about his rotation with all the talent up and down the roster. Yet, he leaves no doubt who will lead the way.

"We have a big senior class this year. We have five seniors and they've all brought great attributes to the program," Kennedy said. "I expect big things from this senior class."

Senior forward Abdul Lewis is expected to serve as the team's Guiding Light. NJIT's lone representative on the ASUN Preseason All-Conference Team was arguably the league's best big man last season. The Newark native stamped his 2018 Second-Team selection by leading the ASUN in rebounding (8.8 rpg) and offensive rebounding (3.2 o-rpg). He averaged 12.1 points per game and a more impressive 15.1 ppg in league play.

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