On Saturday, May 4, the New York University Men's Basketball team celebrated the 2023-24 campaign with friends and families at Amity Hall in the West Village. And, what a year it was!  Building off the momentum of a stellar '22-'23 season with a team that returned seven of its eight leading scorers, the Violets were able to reach and surpass preseason expectations. For the first time in 30 years, NYU Men's Basketball won a share of the University Athletic Association (UAA) Championship. 

Other important milestones of the year included gracing the Washington Square faithful with its first true "home court" in over seven years with the opening of the John A. Paulson Center. In addition, this season marked the first time in 13 years that the team was one of only 16 that earned hosting responsibilities for the first two rounds of the DIII NCAA Championships. The Violets had Paulson rocking in its first round win against Husson University from Maine, before falling to Tufts University in a tough second-round match-up.
  
The end-of-year banquet began with opening remarks from second-year Head coach Dave Klatsky.

"I couldn't be prouder of what this team accomplished," he said. "The UAA was extremely tough and deep, and for us to face this gauntlet and end up on top is truly remarkable."   

The staff then handed out several awards to deserving players.

Spencer Freedman was selected MVP for the '23-'24 season. He led the team in points, assists, and minutes, while registering the highest FG% among the guards. The D3hoops.com National Player of the Year and UAA Player of the Year was a constant for the Violets, creating opportunities for himself and others every game.  

"Don't take for granted the teammate you had this year, because you will never play with a teammate again like Spencer, both from a talent perspective and as selfless of a human being," remarked Assistant Coach Ethan Feldman.  

Michael Savarino was recognized as the winner of the 'Violet Award', presented to the player who "most embodies what NYU Men's Basketball is all about".  An essential piece of the group this year, Savarino was voted captain by his teammates for the second year in a row.  On the court, he led the UAA in three-point field goals made and earned the assignment of guarding the top perimeter player each game. But, he meant so much more to the program, setting the tone with his work ethic by being the first to arrive and one of the last to leave every day.  

"The beginning of our preparation every day began with the beginning of Sav's prep," revealed Assistant Coach Brandon Newsome. "You knew he was going to be consistent, and that allowed our team to rely on him for toughness and resilience throughout the year."

Lastly, Emmanuel Onuama was honored as the team's Most Improved Player for the season.  Joining NYU after completing his undergraduate years at Columbia University, Onuama was a huge addition, anchoring the defense, and giving the Violets a large rebounding presence. 

"Emmanuel's growth made it so he could not be taken off of the floor in many games late in the season," explained Assistant Coach Chris Thompson. "Opponents would turn the corner, see Emmanuel and pass the ball knowing they did not want to challenge him in the paint." 

The Violets are excited to see what Emmanuel can provide next year as he returns for his last year of eligibility.  

The banquet concluded with Chasen Hofmann (manager), Konrad Kiszka, Savarino, and Freedman giving their final thoughts and comments as they concluded their respective careers.  Some notable quotes included Savarino referring to his decision to come to NYU as "the best decision I have ever made in my life", while Freedman noted "one through 20, we are as close as any team in the country."

The next you'll hear from the NYU Men's Basketball team will be when they take the floor in Shanghai, China, this August in preparation for the '24-'25 season.