RIVERDALE, N.Y. – After a successful off-season signing three recruits, Manhattan first year men’s basketball coach Steve Masiello designated the Jaspers’ leader for the 2011-2012 campaign by naming senior Kidani Brutus (Bronx, N.Y./Wings Academy/Carl Albert State) team captain. Brutus is the program’s first team captain since 2006-2007 when former Jasper Guy Ngarndi ’07 proudly served the role. Brutus becomes the 122nd Manhattan men’s basketball team captain in the program’s rich 105-year history.
“Kidani has represented what we want from all our guys,” said Masiello. “He is always positive; he takes on every challenge; he is always upbeat; and he doesn’t shy away from hard work. We want his attitude to be contagious.”
Brutus has been one of the Jaspers hardest workers in the off season, which has impressed Masiello. Only 71 days since Masiello came on the job, Brutus has trimmed off 25 pounds and now weighs in at 199-pounds.
The 6’1” guard from the Bronx was one of the top long range shooters in the MAAC in 2010-2011, after transferring to Manhattan from Carl Albert State in Poteau, Okla. Brutus led the Jaspers shooting 40% from beyond the arc and hitting 63 three-point field goals.
He averaged 9.5 points, shot 75% from the free-throw line and played 31.5 minutes per game last season. Brutus recorded 13 double-digit scoring efforts, including a career-high 25 points which led Manhattan to a 64-63 overtime victory at Stony Brook on Feb. 19. He buried a career-high seven three-pointers in the thrilling triumph over the Seawolves, knocking down two clutch treys in overtime. Brutus gained the reputation of being a big shot maker for the Jaspers after his Riverdale debut on Nov. 17 against Penn. Before his hometown crowd he posted a double-double (14 points, 10 rebounds) and buried the game-clinching three-pointer with 29 seconds remaining to secure a 59-54 triumph over the Quakers.
“It is exciting and a real honor to have this opportunity,” explained Brutus. “As team captain, you must have the attitude and set the standard. Coach (Masiello) wants me to push the other guys, like one of the coaches, just on the court. We are really excited about the upcoming season. We are going to play a fast paced style and be one of the most (conditioned) teams in the country.”
Brutus is one of seven upperclassmen who return to the Manhattan roster next season. The Jaspers also welcome four newcomers in Decarlos Anderson (6’2” guard, IC Norcom High School – Suffolk, Va.), Emmanuel Andujar (6’5” guard/forward, Rice High School – New York, N.Y.), Donovan Kates (6’5” guard/forward, Christian County High School – Hopkinsville, Ky.) and Ryan McCoy (6’6” forward, Montgomery High School – Skillman, N.J.).
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