Skip To Main Content
Skip To Main Content

NYU Athletics

Graphic announcing 2022-23 men's basketball newcomers with an image of a team huddle

Men's Basketball

Pair of Division I Transfers Highlight 2022-23 Men's Basketball Newcomers

Five freshmen and two transfers join the Violets this year

As he prepares for his first season at the helm of New York University's men's basketball program, head coach Dave Klatsky has announced seven incoming recruits and transfers for the 2022-23 campaign.

Most notably, Michael Savarino, grandson of storied Duke University head coach Mike Krzyzewski, transferred from the Blue Devils to NYU. Former Harvard point guard Spencer Freedman joins Savarino as the Violets' other Division I graduate transfer in what's primed to be a deep NYU backcourt.

Five freshmen are also set to join the squad, which graduated five student-athletes in May including 2021-22 All-American Bobby Hawkinson. The Violets finished 14-11 last year for their first winning season since 2015-16 as Klatsky looks to hit the ground running in just a few months.


 

Michael Savarino

Durham, NC | Durham Academy (HS) | Duke University (undergrad) | CEBA (club) | 6'0" Combo Guard

Michael Savarino
Michael is a strong and heady combo guard that shoots it from anywhere in the gym. His undergraduate experience playing at Duke will prepare him to help lead this team both on and off the court. Michael's understanding of what it takes to compete at the pinnacle of college basketball will be a valuable addition.
Coach Klatsky

Spencer Freedman

Pacific Palisades, CA | Mater Dei (HS) | Harvard University (undergrad) | Cal Supreme (club) | 6'0" Point Guard

Spencer Freedman
Spencer is a point guard in the truest sense. He has great vision and makes those around him better. Spencer's pedigree is as impressive as it gets. He spent his HS days playing for national powerhouse Mater Dei (CA) and his college days at Harvard playing for one of the most prestigious universities in the world. Those experiences should help him hit the ground running at NYU.
Coach Klatsky

Quinn Clark

Springfield, VA | Gonzaga College HS | District Basketball Club | 6'6" Forward

Quinn Clark
Quinn is a do it all type guy. He has the ability to play inside or out and has shown himself to be a terrific rebounder. In addition to his length and athleticism, he'll be able to guard multiple positions on defense. His high school team regularly competes against the best in the country and that will have him well prepared to make the jump from high school to college.
Coach Klatsky

Aidan Clarke

Medfield, MA | Lexington Christian Academy | Team Sims (club) | 6'9" Forward

Aidan Clarke
Aidan provides a necessary interior presence. He's an active forward who finishes well around the rim but can also step out and knock down the three. He comes to us having played in the NEPSAC which is generally considered one of the best prep leagues in the country.
Coach Klatsky

Matt Volkening

Marengo, IL | Marengo Community HS | Illinois Wolves/Kessel Heat (clubs) | 6'5" Shooting Guard

Matt Volkening
Matt can flat out score the ball but he's also a very good all around player. He has the ability to have the ball in his hands or be off the ball and demand a lot of attention due to how well he shoots. Hailing from the small town of Marengo, IL, he was on pace to score over 2,000 points in high school before Covid derailed that. Matt will be an offensive threat from the moment he steps on the court.
Coach Klatsky

Riyaan Jiwani

Buena Park, CA | Pacifica Christian OC | Los Angeles Elite (club) | 6'3" Combo Guard

Riyaan Jiwani
Riyaan is a SHOOTER. He has tremendous range and can get his shot off very quickly. He broke the all time three-pointers record at Pacifica Christian which has seen many college players pass through. He'll join us from California where he got a chance to play against high caliber competition both during his high school season at Pacifica Christian and playing for the Los Angeles Elite on the club circuit.
Coach Klatsky

Nosa Okunbo

United Kingdom | Hotchkiss School (CT) | 6'8" Forward

Nosa Okunbo
Nosa is an exciting player with tremendous upside. His athleticism and length will cause problems for opponents immediately. Playing in the NEPSAC, which is generally considered the most competitive prep school conference in the country, he exhibited the ability to be a top notch forward helping Hotchkiss capture the coveted Class A championship.
Coach Klatsky