The Oberlin College men’s basketball team closed the 2024–25 season with a hard-fought 13–13 record, including a 5–11 mark in North Coast Athletic Conference play. While their journey ended in the first round of the NCAC Tournament against The College of Wooster, the Yeomen were competitive throughout the season. A 7–5 record at home highlighted their ability to defend their court, and their three-game winning streak late in the season showcased their potential. Despite the tough conclusion, the future remains bright for Oberlin basketball, as the program continues to build on its successes.
This 2024–25 team was driven by fourth-years, as all four of them on the team played significant roles, with each of them averaging no less than 16 minutes a game. Yuuki Okubo, who was named to the 2023 All-NCAC third team, remained true to form as a dynamic facilitator, averaging six assists a game. Will Bousquette III was a reliable rebounder and scorer. His efforts on both ends of the floor — especially in games like Oberlin’s win over Kenyon College, where he contributed key points and rebounds — helped set the tone for the Yeomen. Asaan Snipes-Rea made his presence felt in multiple ways, from clutch three-point shooting to securing key rebounds, such as his game-winning board against Kenyon. Andrew Gannon was a consistent force defensively and on the boards. His contributions on Senior Day and in the Wooster game reflected his importance to the team’s success.
In their final game of the season, Oberlin faced the No. 3-seed Wooster in the NCAC Tournament. Though the Fighting Scots came out strong, taking an early lead, the Yeomen fought back with a second-half surge, led by Okubo, who dropped 17 points, six assists, and two rebounds in his final collegiate game. Gannon also contributed 11 points and six rebounds. Though Oberlin ultimately fell 97–80, their ability to push back and compete until the final buzzer was emblematic of their play throughout the season, which featured several standout moments. Oberlin defeated Wittenberg University for just the ninth time in program history on Senior Day, sending the fourth-years off with a memorable victory. Okubo led the team with 17 points, while Gannon and Bousquette controlled the boards, showcasing their ability to step up in big moments. One of the most thrilling games of the season saw Oberlin edge conference rival Kenyon 68–67 in a nail-biting finish. Third-year Milun Micanovic’s dominant 28-point performance, along with key contributions from Bousquette, Okubo, and Gannon, demonstrated the team’s ability to perform under pressure. Despite falling 71–60 to Wabash College, the Yeomen proved they could hang with one of the conference’s top teams. A second-half push, including key baskets from Gannon and Okubo, kept the game within reach until the final moments. The Yeomen entered the NCAC Tournament with momentum, securing three consecutive wins, including the victories over Kenyon and Wittenberg.
While the departure of key seniors marks the end of an era, Oberlin’s future remains promising. Third-year players like Micanovic, Jackson Reynolds, and Zach Smith have already stepped into significant roles, and their future leadership will be crucial. The lessons they and other young players learned from this season could prove to be invaluable.
“This season showed us a new pressure we had to play through,” Smith said. “There was a lot of adversity but still managing to finish .500 was important.’
As the Yeomen regroup and prepare for the 2025–26 season, they will look to build upon their late-season momentum and climb the NCAC standings.
