You’re driving through a snow squall on Route 104, wondering if the game is even still on. That’s Oswego. It’s cold, it’s windy, and if you’re a visiting team walking into Max Ziel Gymnasium, you’re probably about to lose. Oswego State men's basketball isn't just another Division III program; it’s a machine that has redefined what consistency looks like in the SUNYAC.
Honestly, people talk about the "Big Three" in New York D3 hoops, but for the last decade, the conversation has basically started and ended with the Lakers. Under head coach Jason Leone, this team has turned into a perennial powerhouse that doesn't just win games—they dominate the region.
The Leone Era: Wins by the Dozen
When Jason Leone took over back in 2011, the program was already solid. But he took the floorboards and turned them into a fortress. Since he arrived, the Lakers have been a fixture in the NCAA Tournament. We aren't talking about one-off appearances either. We're talking Sweet 16s, Elite 8s, and a trophy case that’s getting a bit crowded.
Leone recently became the program's all-time winningest coach, and it’s easy to see why. His teams play a specific brand of "get in your face" defense. It’s exhausting to watch, let alone play against. In the 2023-24 season, they went 26-3. Think about that for a second. In a sport where a bad shooting night can end your season, they rarely had them. They even put together a 37-game regular season winning streak in conference play at one point. That’s just silly.
But 2025-26 is a different beast. The roster has some fresh faces, yet the expectations haven't budged an inch.
Breaking Down the 2025-26 Lakers Roster
This year’s squad is a blend of "been there, done that" and "who’s the new kid?" It’s working. As of mid-January 2026, the Lakers are sitting at 11-2 overall. They’ve won seven in a row. They’re currently 5-1 in the SUNYAC, neck-and-neck with Cortland for the top spot.
Deacon Judd is the name you’re going to hear most. The 6'6" sophomore from Mohawk has been a nightmare for opposing forwards. He’s averaging 19.3 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. He’s not just big; he’s efficient, shooting over 50% from the floor. He was recently named the SUNYAC Athlete of the Week for the second time this season, and frankly, he might win a few more before March.
Then you’ve got Steven Bradley. He’s the engine. A junior guard from Staten Island who’s putting up nearly 15 points a night while shooting almost 40% from three. When the shot clock is winding down and the Lakers need a bucket, the ball usually finds its way to Bradley.
The Support System
It’s not just a two-man show, though. Look at the depth:
- Jayson McGhee: Coming off the bench mostly, but he’s basically a starter. He's averaging 12.4 points and provides that veteran presence when things get chaotic.
- Gary McLane: He’s a Swiss Army knife. 8.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and he leads the team in steals with 33. He’s the guy doing the dirty work that coaches love and fans sometimes overlook.
- Arthur Foster: Another 6'5" body that makes life miserable for opponents on the glass.
They’re averaging 83.7 points per game as a team. That’s a lot of points for D3. But more importantly, they’re holding opponents to 67.8. A 15-point scoring margin is basically telling the rest of the league, "Good luck keeping up."
What Makes the SUNYAC So Tough?
You can't talk about Oswego State men's basketball without mentioning the "Pool of Death" that is the SUNYAC. Every Tuesday and Friday, you’re likely traveling two to four hours through a blizzard to play a team that treats the game like Game 7 of the NBA Finals.
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Cortland is currently the big rival to watch. They actually handed Oswego their only conference loss so far—a double-overtime thriller in December that ended 86-81. That loss probably stung, but it’s the kind of game that prepares a team for the pressure of the NCAA Tournament. The rematch on February 14th is going to be absolute cinema. If you're in Central New York, you need to be at Max Ziel for that one.
The "Ziel" Advantage
Speaking of Max Ziel Gymnasium... it’s small. It’s loud. It’s incredibly intimate. When the student section gets going, the place feels like it's vibrating. Under Leone, the Lakers have been nearly unbeatable at home. There was a stretch where they went 11-0 in conference tournament games played on that floor.
Visiting teams often talk about the "Oswego Travel Leg." You spend three hours on a bus, step out into -10 degree weather with lake-effect snow hitting you in the face, and then have to go try and guard a team that plays at a breakneck pace. It’s a massive psychological edge.
Can They Make Another Deep Run?
The million-dollar question: Is this an Elite 8 team?
Probably. The metrics are there. They rebound well (+6.8 margin), they take care of the ball, and they have a superstar in Deacon Judd who can take over games. The concern, if there is one, is the youth. With several freshmen like Freddy Fowler and Nick Estell getting meaningful minutes, the learning curve in the postseason is steep. One bad half in the NCAA tournament and you're heading home.
But Leone has been here before. He’s taken teams to the Sweet 16 in 2016, 2019, and 2022. He took them to the Elite 8 in 2023. He knows how to manage the legs of his players through a grueling February schedule.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Recruits
If you're following the Lakers or looking to play for a program like this, here's the reality:
- Defense is the Entry Fee: If you don't guard, you don't play for Leone. The Lakers’ success is built on a 9.8 steals-per-game average. They turn defense into offense faster than almost anyone in the region.
- Watch the February 14th Game: The Cortland vs. Oswego game will likely decide who hosts the SUNYAC tournament. Hosting is everything in this league.
- Efficiency Wins: Notice the shooting percentages. The Lakers aren't just chucking shots; they're shooting 46% as a team. For a guard-heavy rotation, that's elite.
- Embrace the Weather: If you're a recruit, you have to love the grind. Oswego isn't for everyone, but if you want to win championships in a hockey-town atmosphere, there isn't a better spot.
The Lakers aren't going anywhere. Whether it’s the 20-win seasons or the constant national rankings, Oswego State has cemented itself as the gold standard for public university hoops in the Northeast.
Keep an eye on the standings over the next three weeks. With the way Judd and Bradley are playing, another banner in the rafters of Max Ziel isn't just a possibility—it's the expectation.
Next Steps to Follow the Lakers:
Check the official Oswego Lakers Athletics site for the live stream link before the next home game, or head to Max Ziel Gymnasium in person to catch the February 14th showdown against Cortland.