The St. Bonaventure Bonnies have kicked off the 2024-2025 college basketball season with a blazing 13-1 start, establishing themselves as a team to watch in the March Madness conversation. Head Coach Mark Schmidt has masterfully steered the Bonnies through tough competition, blending veteran leadership with emerging young talent to create a well-rounded and formidable squad.

The Bonnies closed out the 2024 calendar year in thrilling fashion, with Melvin Council Jr. sinking a game-winning shot in the final seconds to secure a dramatic 77-75 victory over VCU. The win not only extended their impressive run but also showcased the team’s poise under pressure, solidifying their position as a force in college basketball.

Key Contributors Powering the Bonnies

The Bonnies’ success this season can largely be attributed to their balanced offensive and defensive contributions from key players:

•Chance Moore (G, Senior, 6’6”, 210 lbs): A Missouri State transfer who began his career at Arkansas, Moore is averaging a team-high 15.2 points per game along with 7.6 rebounds and 0.9 assists. His ability to score efficiently and dominate the boards has been a cornerstone of the Bonnies’ offense.

•Melvin Council Jr. (G, Senior, 6’4”, 180 lbs): A Wagner transfer, Council Jr. was an NJCAA Division I First Team All-American at Monroe College, where he averaged 18.7 points, 4.1 assists, and 2.4 steals in 2022-23. This season, he is contributing 13.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and a team-best 3.6 assists per game, proving to be a key playmaker. His clutch performance against VCU, including the game-winner, underscores his importance to the team.

•Noel Brown (C, Senior, 6’11”, 255 lbs): A returning player who has elevated his game as a full-time starter, Brown started his career at George Washington. This season, he anchors the paint with 12.8 points and 4.7 rebounds per game, providing reliable interior scoring and toughness.

•Dasonte Bowen (G, Junior, 6’2”, 175 lbs): An Iowa transfer, Bowen has stepped up as a vital contributor, adding 11.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. His hustle and ability to make plays on both ends of the court have been a spark for this squad.

•Lajae Jones (G, Junior, 6’7”, 220 lbs): A Barton Community College transfer, Jones served as the top scorer for his team, helping them to an NJCAA Division I national championship while posting 15.4 points and 9.2 rebounds. This season, he’s averaging 9.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game, providing versatility and energy to the lineup.

Mark Schmidt’s Leadership Shines

Coach Mark Schmidt has long been respected for his ability to develop talent and adapt his game plan to maximize his roster’s strengths. This season, Schmidt’s leadership has been particularly evident in the Bonnies’ defensive intensity and offensive efficiency. Under his guidance, St. Bonaventure has become a cohesive unit, capable of competing with any team in the nation. Schmidt’s ability to empower his players while maintaining a high standard of accountability has been instrumental in their impressive start.

A New Era with Adrian Wojnarowski

Another exciting development for the Bonnies is the addition of NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski as the team’s General Manager. While Wojnarowski’s role focuses on enhancing the program’s long-term strategy and branding, his presence brings a unique perspective and added credibility to the program. His insights and network are expected to bolster the team’s recruiting efforts and overall profile in the basketball world for years to come.

Eyes Set on March Madness

With their impressive start and a roster loaded with talent, the Bonnies are well-positioned to make noise in the postseason. Their depth, versatility, and experience give them a competitive edge, and Coach Schmidt’s track record of success only strengthens their case. As the season progresses, expect St. Bonaventure to continue building momentum, with a clear goal of making a deep run in March Madness.

The Bonnies are no longer flying under the radar—they are a team to be reckoned with, and the rest of the college basketball world is taking notice.

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