This past weekend, the Oberlin men’s basketball team traveled to New York to play their fourth and fifth games of the season. On Friday, Nov. 14, the Yeomen beat Medgar Evers College, CUNY at their home court in Brooklyn. The next day, the team traveled north to play Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, where they emerged victorious. Led by College third-year and guard JJ Gray and College fourth-year and center Milun Micanovic, the Yeomen left New York with two wins and improved their record to 3–2 on the young season.
While New York City is world-famous, not everyone has had the opportunity to experience its magic. Before playing Medgar Evers, the Yeomen were able to walk around and spend some time together as a team in the city.
College first-year and guard Liam Gray was grateful to experience New York and bond with his team.
“Off the court was great; we got to spend some time in Times Square with the team,” he said. “[We] had some great deep [conversations] on the bus rides, and every restaurant in New York City was amazing.”
With Oberlin being in the Midwest, few alumni who live on the East Coast are able to attend their home games. However, this trip to New York allowed many alumni and fans to watch the Yeomen in action during both of their games.
“Our alumni and fans being in New York was also a fantastic contribution to the whole experience, making playing in an opponent’s gym feel even better,” Micanovic said. “It also gave us that little extra push we needed, especially in the second game.”
The Yeomen won game one decisively 91–72; this was the most the team has scored since they recorded 93 points against Hiram College back in 2023. Oberlin’s bench put forth a dominant offensive performance, putting up 49 points.
“Everyone on the team had a chance to play, and it was such a great feeling to see some of the younger guys make some big plays,” JJ Gray said. “The freshmen on our team work so hard and are such an important part of this team, so being able to see all their hard work be displayed was really sweet.”
College first-year guard Matthew Callahan was grateful that he was able to contribute to the team on and off the court.
“It means [a lot] to just help the team win by doing whatever it takes,” Callahan said. Sometimes it doesn’t even have to be just scoring in a game, but also working hard in practice and being a good teammate.”
Liam Gray echoed Callahan’s admission that each teammate’s contributions are impactful, whether they are on or off the court.
“It feels great knowing that I can help my team win games, whether I’m playing or not,” he said. “On the court, playing great basketball definitely helps. However, when I’m not in, providing energy on the bench or encouraging guys on the bench that just came in from the game 100 percent contributes to winning.”
The Yeomen, after an opening game during which 15 different players scored, traveled up to Bronxville and played a tight battle where their leading scorers had to step up.
“I knew it would be a game down to the wire, so having the confidence to step up in big moments was something that I’ve been working hard on all off- and pre-season,” JJ Gray said.
JJ Gray and Micanovic led the scoring column with 17 points each and helped the Yeomen to a double-digit win, 72–62.
Micanovic also went on to finish the game with 16 rebounds and notched his first double-double of the season. On top of an already dominant night, he tied his record for career-high rebounds in a single game.
“It felt great; rebounding is one of the stats that tells you how hard you are trying out there, and every time I can get a high number, I feel really proud of myself,” Micanovic said.
After leaving New York, everyone on the team was happy with how they handled the trip.
“At the end of the day, it was a business trip, and we didn’t make the trip a vacation,” JJ Gray said. “We made the trip to win games, so I’m glad we were able to handle business.”
Oberlin stayed on the road for their next matchup against PAC rival Allegheny College on Wednesday, Nov. 19. In a back-and-forth game, the Yeomen ultimately prevailed 72-60. They pulled away in the second half led by JJ’s 17 points and College fourth-year guard Zach Smith’s 14.
“The whole team takes what we do seriously, and we are here to keep each other in a good headspace, which is crucial for success,” Micanovic said. “As long as we continue to do that, while sticking to our core principles, rebounding, defending, and taking care of the ball, I’m confident our momentum will continue to grow deep into the season.”
